5 Ingredients or Fewer
Russ Parsons' Dry-Brined Turkey (aka The Judy Bird)
Popular on Food52
838 Reviews
Muirmcgrath
January 10, 2021
Great to try a new method to cook the turkey and it worked a treat, delicious. Going to try it with beef next👌
Lisa
December 21, 2020
I will be cooking an 7-8 lb. fresh Whole Food's conventional turkey. I don't want to overcook it. I am having a hard time figuring out from the below the following:
1) How long to cook it per lb.? Happy to start high and flip. But i just don't get how long for what.
One reader wrote: Figure 12 minutes per pound (unstuffed) after the first 30 minutes of high heat cook. I get about 125 minutes in total for 8 lbs.
PLEASE confirm that is correct.
2) Can I put unsalted butter under the skin?
3) How long should it rest?
Thanks a lot.
1) How long to cook it per lb.? Happy to start high and flip. But i just don't get how long for what.
One reader wrote: Figure 12 minutes per pound (unstuffed) after the first 30 minutes of high heat cook. I get about 125 minutes in total for 8 lbs.
PLEASE confirm that is correct.
2) Can I put unsalted butter under the skin?
3) How long should it rest?
Thanks a lot.
Messi'sMom
December 21, 2020
I have always done a really big bird and find checking the internal temp with a thermometer is the best. Don’t put butter under the skin or it will mess with the crispy ness of the skin. You could flip since you are cooking a smaller bird but I am always suspect of this method because it’s too easy to rip the skin on the breast. I would say around 90 minutes (judging by the chickens I’ve cooked of that size) or at least start checking it then. 120 minutes should be tops. Enjoy!
Lisa
December 21, 2020
Thank you, Messi's Mom.
Got it. Temperature check at 90 mins. I recently bought a Thermo pop. Both breast and thigh, right?
Got it. Temperature check at 90 mins. I recently bought a Thermo pop. Both breast and thigh, right?
Leith D.
December 21, 2020
12 minutes per pound is correct. You can put butter under the skin, I use herb butter. I’d rest it for 15 to 20 minutes. Good luck, Merry Christmas!
Leith D.
December 21, 2020
Yes, check both but it’s the thigh that takes longer to cook. You can take it out at 160, it will continue to cook as it rests.
Lisa
December 21, 2020
Thank you LD.
8 lbs. bird
First - 30 mins at 425
FLIP
THEN 12 minutes per 8 lbs. at 325?
8 lbs. bird
First - 30 mins at 425
FLIP
THEN 12 minutes per 8 lbs. at 325?
Lisa
December 22, 2020
Thigh at 160. The video doesn't show the temp check. Is this in the drumstick? Not sure where to stick in the thermometer.
So NO need to check the breast?
Thanks.
So NO need to check the breast?
Thanks.
Leith D.
December 22, 2020
It’s easier to watch a video than explain it, google it and you’ll find a bunch of explanations and videos. It’s not the drumstick. You can check the breast but the thighs take the longest to cook.
dini18
November 27, 2020
All right, you've all convinced me. I also was only cooking for the three of us who live together and decided to just do it up because, well, you know why. Only I could not lay hands on a fresh turkey breast this year! I'd be embarrassed to mention what I ended up with. This recipe has come back to me year after year, and I'm now on the hunt for the Christmas turkey. We love food science anyway (katyaluke just mentioned this), so right up our alley. Thanks everyone for your contributions over the years. I feel confident enough to give it a try.
Leith D.
November 27, 2020
Glad you're convinced! It's a game changing technique, try it on a chicken if you have time. Happy Holidays~
Kathleen D.
December 21, 2020
Hi there,
This recipe was recommended to me.
If i were to use it on a chicken, do you still dry brine it for the 3 days?
Thanks!
This recipe was recommended to me.
If i were to use it on a chicken, do you still dry brine it for the 3 days?
Thanks!
Leith D.
December 21, 2020
Yes, make sure to measure the amount of salt based on the weight of the chicken. I’ve done chickens for 1 or 2 days when I ran out of time, and they were still delicious!
Shini W.
November 27, 2020
I never leave reviews but if I can convince someone to try this, I felt I needed to try. I was incredibly skeptical. Usually cook for a big group but since it was just my immediate family this year, figured I could experiment on them and I am so glad I did.
I used to make myself so crazy - wet brining and then putting all this composed herb butter under the skin and stressing about how long it would take. This was science. Will never do it any other way ever again. It was so juicy and tasted amazing. Follow exactly as written. My only note:
Keep adding stock to the bottom of the roasting pan, so you don't burn off the drippings as they were amazing and the gravy was so good. Not salty at all. Was shocked.
I used to make myself so crazy - wet brining and then putting all this composed herb butter under the skin and stressing about how long it would take. This was science. Will never do it any other way ever again. It was so juicy and tasted amazing. Follow exactly as written. My only note:
Keep adding stock to the bottom of the roasting pan, so you don't burn off the drippings as they were amazing and the gravy was so good. Not salty at all. Was shocked.
Leith D.
November 27, 2020
Glad to hear it worked out so well! I started using this recipe the first year it came out in the LA Times (2006!) and it has never failed me. Great point about stock in the pan, I pour some in and add to it if the pan dries out.
katyaluke
November 26, 2020
Ok- first time trying dry brining was this year. I only got in 2 days. It was the best turkey I have ever made- and that is saying something since I am 65!!!! So juicy and tender! Everyone loved it!
I will not go back to any other way.
Btw- I cooked it in convection oven and a 20# turkey was done quite quickly.
I will not go back to any other way.
Btw- I cooked it in convection oven and a 20# turkey was done quite quickly.
[email protected]
November 26, 2020
I've made this before, but always only with a bone in breast. This year I'm actually doing an 8 lb bird. It mentions the dry brining makes it cook faster...but what are the actual min per lb once you reduce the heat?
Leith D.
November 26, 2020
Figure 12 minutes per pound (unstuffed) after the first 30 minutes of high heat cooking. Happy Thanksgiving!
Amy
November 26, 2020
I made a 12 pounder, and it was done (almost overdone) in 1 hour 35 minutes total time! Great flavor, but will cook it less next year, maybe less than 30 min at 425.....
Hope yours was tasty!
Hope yours was tasty!
Thuy D.
November 30, 2020
I tried this recipe for the first time on a 12 lb turkey in a fairly new oven (less than 5 years old). I cooked it breast down for 30 min and then flipped it, and checked on it after 1 hour 20 minutes...thigh temp was already 175! It was fine, but one breast was a bit dry. So next time I would check on it even earlier...maybe at 1 hour. It cooks much faster than expected! I bought a V rack which did help. I had problems with the turkey cooking evenly in the past.
Natalia
November 25, 2020
What do you do with the liquid that's released into the bag? Do you just get rid of it when you take the turkey out of the bag the night before cooking it? Thank you!!
Natalia
November 25, 2020
What do you do with the liquid that releases into the bag? Do you just get rid of it when you take the turkey out of the bag the night before cooking it? Thank you!!
Sarah V.
November 24, 2020
Question! Would it be a mistake to use salted butter for the basting and for an herbed butter under the skin? It’s what I keep on hand and I’d love to avoid another trip to the grocery store, but I’m worried it may make the bird too salty.
[email protected]
November 24, 2020
Hi. I would avoid the salted butter as this is salty enough. I’ve done it every year the last 7 years and I never use any butter. I think you should try it as it is written. I think you will find it comes out really well. People rave about how juicy the breast is. Use spices instead do create flavor.
Leith D.
November 25, 2020
I think it’s fine, just reduce the amount of salt you season the bird with. I’ve actually always used salted butter and the turkey is never too salty.
[email protected]
November 25, 2020
Let us know what you did and how it turned out! I’d love to know !
cindy_perkins_marlow
November 24, 2020
I have a question...I just saw the 72 hour timeline. I only have 52 hours until dinner. Can I still try the dry brine?
Leith D.
November 24, 2020
Absolutely, get started as soon as possible. It will work fine. Happy Thanksgiving!
LMiller
November 23, 2020
Can you use this dry brine with recipes that call for buttered cheesecloth, specifically the no-baste versions? Will the cheesecloth prevent the skin from crisping in a way the butter on the skin alone wouldn't?
Leith D.
November 23, 2020
Yes! I use buttered cheesecloth every year, I soak it in melted butter and white wine. The skin comes out crispy and beautiful. However, I don't start the turkey breast side down and then flip it. If you want to do that I'd drape the cheesecloth after the bird is breast side up. Funny story, my husband was flipping the 24 lb bird and dropped it on the floor. He invoked the 20 second rule and put it back in the oven. I didn't find out until after dinner was over!! Thank goodness I'd mopped the floor that morning!
[email protected]
November 24, 2020
I used to use cheesecloth m, buttered, for decades. Then I can across this recipe. The whole point of this is it comes out looking like a magazine photo, the skin is perfectly crisped!!! So why make it harder than it has to be?
This recipe really works and is as simple as it sounds! Use herbs in your salt to infuse the meat with flavor. The salt and dry brining crisps the skin.
This recipe really works and is as simple as it sounds! Use herbs in your salt to infuse the meat with flavor. The salt and dry brining crisps the skin.
[email protected]
November 24, 2020
Why tho ? The entire point of this recipe is that the brining does all the work for you where crisping up is concerned. This seems like twice the work ?
Leith D.
November 25, 2020
It’s up to you, brining makes the turkey more tender and juicy. I don’t like to baste, and the cheesecloth does the work for me. Do whatever makes you comfortable.
Sauertea
November 25, 2020
Do you put the cheesecloth on when you start the turkey and are their any adjustments I would need to make using a convection roast setting?
Leith D.
November 25, 2020
I put the cheesecloth on at the very beginning, I soak it in melted butter and white wine. I don’t flip the turkey, if you’re going to flip I’d put the cheesecloth on after that. Convection ovens cook about 25% faster so factor that in to your cook time calculations. Good luck, Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🍁!
Sauertea
November 27, 2020
Wow, the cheesecloth was a great technique. Had a beautifully browned bird! Thanks for the advice!
Leith D.
November 27, 2020
Glad it worked for you, it's the perfect "no basting" method in my opinion. Try it on your next roast chicken. Happy Holidays!
Amy
November 23, 2020
My turkey is only 8 pounds. How can I adjust and still use this method? Thank you.
Sauertea
November 23, 2020
Yes, you can . It is one tablespoon of salt per five pounds. To do an 8 pound turkey it would take about 2.25 tablespoons of kosher salt. A tablespoon of Kosher salt is 18 grams. That
Amy
November 25, 2020
Actually - it's 12 lbs. When I asked the butcher, she only saw the word
"weight" but the "w" was rubbed off lol! Now my questions are:
Since it's at the low end of the weight scale for this recipe, is 30 min at 425 too much time?
To flip or not to flip...?
"weight" but the "w" was rubbed off lol! Now my questions are:
Since it's at the low end of the weight scale for this recipe, is 30 min at 425 too much time?
To flip or not to flip...?
Leith D.
November 25, 2020
The initial 30 minutes is for breast side down, then you flip and reduce the temperature to 325. Personally, I start it at 425 for 30 minutes then reduce the heat, but I keep the turkey breast side up the entire time. I keep the initial time at 425 for 30 minutes no matter how big my turkey is.
I don't flip the bird, we had an unfortunate incident a few years ago! If you scroll down, you'll see discussion about flipping the turkey. Good luck, and Happy Thanksgiving!
I don't flip the bird, we had an unfortunate incident a few years ago! If you scroll down, you'll see discussion about flipping the turkey. Good luck, and Happy Thanksgiving!
Carol Y.
November 20, 2020
What bout stuffing inside turkey?
Leith D.
November 20, 2020
It's not considered safe to stuff the turkey. The stuffing can't reach a safe internal temperature by the time the turkey is done, so you end up serving stuffing that has uncooked turkey juices in it. There's a lot of discussion on this topic in the comments below. Also, if you stuff this turkey after dry brining, the stuffing will be too salty. I put herbs, lemons, and onions in the turkey cavitiy. Good luck!
chimom435
November 20, 2020
Leith, thanks for that info. Do know this from direct experience? I definitely don’t want to have too salty of stuffing and am interested in your experience and how you have done things differently with subsequent attempts?
[email protected]
November 20, 2020
Hi. I’ve made this every single year for the past seven years and I stuff it every year. Then I take the stuffing out, and put it into a baking pan and bake it til crispy on top. It’s never been too salty and people rave about it. Just use a thermometer to make sure stuffing is cooked. So my personal experience is it’s not too salty. Just don’t add salt to your stuffing recipe. Tho I do moisten mine with chicken broth as my daughter is allergic to milk proteins.
chimom435
November 20, 2020
Thank you so much for the info. It’s my first year doing a Turkey. Normally we are at my moms but we are trying to follow Illinois rules to not gather. I feel like I have big shoes to fill. :) Thanks again!
Leith D.
November 20, 2020
I haven’t tried it for safety reasons, I put it in the casserole dish and bake it and then when the turkey comes out, I pour some turkey juices on it to make the stuffing taste like it’s been cooked in the bird.
chimom435
November 20, 2020
What if I baked the stuffing separately but “basted” it will some of the turkey’s drippings? Could that give me an good (tasty) end result? Will I kick myself bc it might reduce amounts for gravy? My mom always simmers the giblets (?) in a small pot of hot water and leaves it simmering all day...could that be used for basting the stuffing.
Ps: thanks SO MUCH for your input. So kind and much appreciated. :)
Ps: thanks SO MUCH for your input. So kind and much appreciated. :)
[email protected]
November 20, 2020
Yes! We like extra stuffing so I also make some in a dish and then combine the two at the end. But I do baste it with turkey juices and have used the gizzard juices as well! Good luck it
[email protected]
November 20, 2020
Oops. Do keep in mind the Joyce’s themselves are very salty. You may not want to use a lot of them for gravy anyway. Dilute with chicken stock unsalted or giblet water
[email protected]
November 20, 2020
Same but if you do it while it baked ie baste your stuffing it will get that crispy topping everyone loves on the part of the stuffing that usually sticks out of the turkey. So good
Leith D.
November 20, 2020
That would work as long as the drippings aren't too salty. I wait until the end of the turkey cooking time to use the drippings to make sure I have enough for gravy. I usually dilute the juices with chicken broth. The giblet broth might work, but that would be great in the gravy too! Happy Thanksgiving!
sue K.
November 21, 2020
Hi chimom
I simmer the giblets with garlic, onion, celery, and a carrot, and usually buy turkey necks of wings to make a full flavored stock.
Then, there is plenty for the gravy and stuffing
I simmer the giblets with garlic, onion, celery, and a carrot, and usually buy turkey necks of wings to make a full flavored stock.
Then, there is plenty for the gravy and stuffing
Lawkat
November 24, 2020
My mother (and now myself) have always simmered the giblets and used the broth for the stuffing. I like to throw some celery and onion into the broth for more flavor.
Shannon
November 18, 2020
I love this dry brine method. This will be my fifth year using this recipe. I break my bird down and separate the legs and thighs to roast on a separate sheet pan from the joined breasts and wings. I use a Thermapen and start checking around 01:45. Slice and present on a nice turkey platter. It's a winner every year for me with family and friends. I'll never go back to a wet brine. I highly recommend brining with fresh garlic and herbs.
Rosalind P.
November 7, 2020
Kosher turkey eliminates the need for brining because salting is used for koshering. Costs more but SO much easier. Who has room in their fridge for 3 days, especially at holiday time, for a big, dripping bird?
[email protected]
November 20, 2020
It works well if you have a second fridge in garage like we do. Also salting isn’t the point. All processed turkey has sodium injected. It’s the process of dry brining that’s being discussed
Rosalind P.
November 20, 2020
A second fridge! Why didn't I think of that? 🙂🙂 And salt is what brining is all about. Makes the bird more tender and moist and flavorful.
Meadowbrookmanor
January 18, 2020
How can I adapt this to just a Turkey breast?
dini18
January 18, 2020
If you have the patience (I just tried and do NOT have the patience ... or time, actually) I asked this question some time back and got replies. If only I had memorized them ... So it's in here somewhere! Or you can wait for some dear soul to come along and respond. Good luck!
dini18
January 18, 2020
Oh, and it will be useful if you can give more details about your bird, such as is it a whole breast, frozen or not, etc. Thanks!
Leith D.
January 18, 2020
Use the appropriate amount of salt according to the weight of your turkey breast (1 TB for every 5 pounds), and use it on the breast the same way you would for a whole turkey. I wouldn't do it for 3 days, just one or two. Depending on the size it might fit into a plastic bag, take it out the night before you cook it to let the skin dry out. I think you need different cooking instructions, look up some turkey breast recipes for that.
iheartblueberries
December 3, 2019
I was so excited to make this bird!
Used a 15#, all natural Bell & Evans bird (no added broth, vinegar, salt, etc), unstuffed... and I’m sad to say, in my particular case, it wasn’t stellar. The bird took well beyond the 2.75h to reach 165F (from the above recipe), and we took it out at 155 because we just couldn’t bear it any longer. The breast was more dry than moist—but still not terrible!! However, the legs, of course, were still not cooked through.
**I am NOT down on the Judy bird, and DO want to get it right!!
Any insight?
Used a 15#, all natural Bell & Evans bird (no added broth, vinegar, salt, etc), unstuffed... and I’m sad to say, in my particular case, it wasn’t stellar. The bird took well beyond the 2.75h to reach 165F (from the above recipe), and we took it out at 155 because we just couldn’t bear it any longer. The breast was more dry than moist—but still not terrible!! However, the legs, of course, were still not cooked through.
**I am NOT down on the Judy bird, and DO want to get it right!!
Any insight?
Leith D.
December 3, 2019
I've never made one of those, however, I found this on their website: "Our turkeys cook differently than most turkeys because they have less fat." I've always used an organic, hormone-free turkey and I haven't had a problem. Also, have you checked your true oven temperature recently? I was having timing problems with food and found my oven was actually cooking at 10-15 degrees below the temperature setting.
I've been making this recipe since 2006 and it hasn't failed me yet. Sorry I can't think of other reasons why it didn't work for you.
I've been making this recipe since 2006 and it hasn't failed me yet. Sorry I can't think of other reasons why it didn't work for you.
iheartblueberries
December 4, 2019
So sweet of you to reply! Thanks! I did cook this bird in my host’s home, so the oven could be the issue. So many rave reviews and that shattering skin— I’ll definitely try again.
Marti
December 2, 2019
I made this recipe for Thanksgiving and it turned out perfect! My 20 lb. turkey was moist, flavorful, and had the most beautiful golden brown skin--my brother in law said it was so perfect looking that it could be used as a cover shot for Bon Appetit! I did take it out of its bag the night before, as suggested, and I think that step is essential to getting the golden crispy skin on the bird. Thank you Food 52--I will be making this turkey again next year. So glad to have found this recipe!!!
Bewytched
December 3, 2019
Mine was beautiful as well, but was done really quickly. I checked it at 3 1/2 hours and it was overdone. Still flavorful, but not as moist as I wanted. How long did you bake yours?
Marti
December 3, 2019
Mine 20 lb bird took about three hours. I used a digital probe thermometer (by Oneida) and set it to alert me when internal temperature reached 165°. I did not open the oven door once after reducing the oven temperature from 425° to 325°, just watched the progress on the outside mounted thermometer during cook time. Was really easy, and stress free. Once I pulled the turkey, we just covered it with foil and let it sit for about an hour before carving. It was really delicious and perfectly cooked.
I bought the thermometer at Bed, Bath and Beyond.
I bought the thermometer at Bed, Bath and Beyond.
Leith D.
December 3, 2019
I'm glad you liked it! I'll never make a turkey without dry brining it again.
frugal S.
December 23, 2019
Hi Marti
Could've just you how long your 20lb turkey took in the oven?
I am cooking one that size on Christmas day
thank you
Mae
Could've just you how long your 20lb turkey took in the oven?
I am cooking one that size on Christmas day
thank you
Mae
Leith D.
December 23, 2019
It should take between 2 3/4 hours and 3 hours, I'd check it around 2 1/2 hours with an instant-read thermometer. Merry Christmas!
freshwaterpotter
December 1, 2019
Have been making this for years. Best turkey ever. Every year I make the process a bit simpler and it just keeps getting better. No plastic bag, No herbs, no daily rubbing, no butter, no turning, no flipping, NO STRESS. After salting, I put the bird on a cookie sheet on a couple layers of paper towels and cover the whole thing with plastic wrap and leave it alone for a few days. The salting part takes the most time because you need to trim the excess skin around both ends of the bird, decide what to do with the neck and bag-o-bits, etc. Then on T-day, I just drop the bird on to a hot pan (put the pan into the oven beforehand - Judy's suggestion) and into the oven. Make sure the bird is dry (it might need a once over with a paper towel. That's it. This year I think I cooked it at the higher temp for about an hour rather than the half hour. I think 3:20 had passed by the time I came out of the shower and took the 18 lb bird out of the oven. The temp was higher than the ideal, but the bird ended up 100% perfect. I'd rather have the thing cooked, if you know what I mean. Raw joints are a bummer. I think I left the second 16-lb bird in for about 2:30 and it was perfect as well.
Leith D.
December 1, 2019
I'm glad it came it so well, mine was delicious too! It's great for people to read such positive feedback.
LizbitsK
November 29, 2019
I have dry-brined our turkey using this technique for the past 6 years...both at Thanksgiving and throughout the year. It's hands down our favorite way to prepare a turkey, whether for the oven or the smoker. It has never, ever failed me (even when I've had to skip a 3rd day, or forgot to leave it uncovered for the 8 hours!). We use the Simon and Garfunklel rub from Amazing Ribs the most often, with a little orange zest added for Thanksgiving. We also spatchcock the turkey, removing the backbone before brining- it cooks even faster and more evenly, the skin stays crisp all over. It's a winner every single time.
Leith D.
November 29, 2019
I agree, it makes the best turkey ever! I'm actually having my Thanksgiving today (relatives snowed in yesterday) and I'm just taking it out of the oven!
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