Lifting Turkey: Out Of The Pan

Lifting a turkey out of a roasting pan can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques and precautions, it can be done safely and efficiently. Whether you're using a traditional roasting pan or an alternative like a rimmed baking sheet, the key is to handle the hot, heavy bird with care to avoid any accidents or injuries. Some people suggest using paper towels, folded into a few layers in each hand, to grasp the turkey and lift it out of the pan without burning yourself. Others recommend using oven mitts or even doing squats to strengthen your legs and improve your ability to lift heavy objects.

Using paper towels to lift the turkey

Using Paper Towels to Lift a Turkey

Lifting a turkey out of a roasting pan can be a challenging task. The hot pan, steaming juices, delicate skin, and the weight of the bird can make it a tricky and unwieldy process. While some people use tongs, spatulas, or oven mitts, another effective way to lift a turkey is by using paper towels.

To use this method, start by grabbing a few paper towels and wadding or folding them up so that you have a few layers in each hand. This will give you a thick barrier to hold the hot turkey without burning your hands.

Next, grasp the turkey on each side, right where the legs meet the body. This will give you a secure hold on the bird. Lift the turkey up and tilt it so that the juices run out of the cavity back into the pan.

Finally, place the turkey on your cutting board or serving platter. The paper towels won't stick to the turkey, and you can simply toss them afterward. This method is simple, effective, and requires no special equipment.

Using paper towels to lift a turkey is a great way to ensure a safe and successful transfer from the roasting pan to your desired surface. It helps you avoid ripping the skin or spilling the juices, resulting in a picture-perfect bird for your feast. So, the next time you roast a turkey, consider using paper towels for a hassle-free lift.

Asking a family member to help

If you're roasting a turkey, it's always a good idea to enlist the help of a family member or friend. Not only will it make the process easier, but it's also a great opportunity to spend time with loved ones and create lasting memories. Here's how you can ask for help and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:

Choose the Right Person:

Select a family member who is physically capable of lifting a heavy turkey. Avoid asking someone who is at risk of a compression fracture or experiencing back or shoulder pain. Look for someone strong and agile, preferably with experience handling large roasts.

Communicate Your Needs:

Approach your chosen family member and clearly communicate your request for assistance. Explain that you value their help and that their contribution is important to you. You can say something like, "I'd really appreciate your help with lifting the turkey out of the roasting pan. It would make a big difference, and it would be great to have your company in the kitchen too."

Provide Clear Instructions:

Before the big day, take the time to explain the process and demonstrate the necessary safety precautions. Share any useful articles, videos, or instructions you've gathered. Show them the suggested techniques, such as using paper towels or foil lifters to handle the turkey without causing damage to its skin. Practicing good lifting techniques, such as squats, in advance is also beneficial.

Create a Pleasant Atmosphere:

Make the experience enjoyable for your helper. Play some festive music, chat, and share stories while you work together. Perhaps offer them a special apron or a fun chef's hat to wear during the task. Create an atmosphere that makes them feel valued and appreciated.

Express Gratitude:

After the task is completed, be sure to thank your family member sincerely. Let them know how much their help meant to you and that you couldn't have done it without them. You can even offer them a special treat, like a slice of the delicious turkey or a small gift as a token of your appreciation.

Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength and creates an opportunity for connection. By involving a family member, you're not only ensuring the safe handling of the turkey but also fostering a sense of collaboration and warmth during the holiday season.

Using foil lifters

If you're roasting your turkey in a foil pan, it's important to place it on a sturdy base like a sheet pan or a metal cookie/baking tray to prevent the foil from buckling under the weight of the turkey. This also makes it easier to pull out the tray, baste the turkey, and take temperature readings.

To use foil as a lifting mechanism, you can try the following method:

• Take two 4-foot-long pieces of foil and fold them lengthwise into 1-inch-wide strips.
• Lay the strips across a roasting rack in the pan.
• Place the turkey on top, ensuring that the foil strips rest on the sides of the roasting pan.
• When the turkey is roasted, use the foil strips to lift it out of the pan.

Alternatively, you can try a method suggested by a reader of The Washington Post:

• Cut a piece of fabric that is about 45 inches long and 4 inches wide. The fabric should be sturdy, such as cotton or canvas.
• Tie the ends of the fabric together.
• Drape the fabric in an oval or cradle shape across the sides of the roasting pan, with the knot in the middle of one side.
• Place the turkey in the pan, ensuring that the fabric is spread out underneath.
• Gather the fabric on each side and tighten a square of aluminum foil over each end.
• When the turkey is cooked, remove the foil coverings and lift the turkey away to the cutting board or platter. Cut away and pull out the fabric.

Using a baking sheet instead of a roasting pan

If you don't have a roasting pan, you can use a baking sheet to cook your turkey. A standard 18x13-inch half-sheet pan (rimmed baking sheet) is ideal for ensuring even browning and cooking.

To start, select a sturdy baking sheet made of aluminum or steel with a thickness of 18 gauge for the best durability. Place a rectangular cooling rack or the V-shaped rack that comes with your roasting pan inside the sheet pan. This will lift the bird and ensure even heat distribution, resulting in more even browning and cooking.

When using a baking sheet, you'll need to use smaller vegetables and less liquid. Cut up aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery into smaller pieces so they can fit under and around the flat rack. Since the sides of the pan are lower, the vegetables won't be completely submerged in liquid, so toss them with a few tablespoons of oil before adding them to the pan to keep them moist. Add about 2 cups of liquid initially to cover the vegetables halfway. Due to the shallow depth, you'll need to replace the water occasionally as the bird cooks to prevent scorching.

Keep in mind that with greater heat circulation, the turkey will cook slightly faster, so check the temperature regularly. When the turkey is done, be cautious when handling the pan. Slowly pull out the oven rack so that you can reach the turkey while keeping the pan level. Set another rimmed baking sheet on the open oven door and use two clean oven mitts to transfer the turkey, along with the rack if possible, to the second baking sheet.

By using a baking sheet instead of a roasting pan, you can achieve a uniformly golden-brown, crisp-skinned turkey with fully cooked dark meat and juicy breast meat.

Using oven mitts to protect your hands

Oven mitts are a great way to protect your hands when lifting a turkey out of a roasting pan. Here are some tips on how to use oven mitts effectively for this task:

First, make sure you are using long oven mitts that cover not only your hands but also your wrists and a part of your forearms. This will ensure that your skin is protected from the heat of the roasting pan. It is also a good idea to wear a protective chef's apron to shield your body from the hot pan.

When putting on the oven mitts, ensure that they fit snugly and securely. You don't want them to be too loose, as they might slip off when lifting the turkey. At the same time, they shouldn't be too tight, restricting your hand movement. Choose oven mitts made of breathable and heat-resistant material to keep your hands comfortable and safe.

Once you have the oven mitts on, you can proceed to lift the turkey. Use a wide squat to get closer to the roasting pan, and always keep the pan close to your body. Position your elbows by your sides, and use the oven mitts to get a firm grip on the turkey. Lift the turkey from both sides, right where the legs meet the body. This will give you a better grip and control over the bird.

With the oven mitts, you can securely hold the turkey and transfer it to a cutting board or serving platter. Remember to tilt the turkey so that the juices run back into the pan before placing it on the platter. The oven mitts will protect your hands from the hot juices, so take caution not to spill them on yourself or the surrounding surfaces.

By following these steps and using oven mitts correctly, you can effectively protect your hands when lifting a turkey out of a roasting pan.

Frequently asked questions