A step-by-step guide to stress free turkey carving

Taylor TobinOct 19, 2022, 00:42 IST

The Good Brigade/Getty Images

Roasting a turkey is only the beginning of the process; the carving is equally important.
You'll need a sharp knife and a large cutting board, but most importantly, let the bird rest for a half hour first.

A perfectly-carved turkey is an essential element of a Thanksgiving spread. If you're not a whiz with a kitchen knife, it can be intimidating to slice up a roasted bird — especially if you're doing it table side. Turkey carving requires some precision, so if you can do it without all eyes on you (and without your opinionated relative trying to explain how you should be carving the bird), then so much the better.

To make sure we were ready for the task, we talked to chef and butcher Tony Sudak of Walden Local Meat in Boston, Massachusetts and head chef Noah Poses of The Fulton in New York City. Then, we followed their instructions to break down our own bird. Whether you're a first-time Thanksgiving host or an old pro looking to hone your skills, we've got a step-by-step guide with photos to lead you through the process of carving up a whole turkey.

What you'll need

A very sharp knife: The most important tool for turkey carving is a knife that's as sharp as possible. If you don't have one on hand, you can use a chef's knife, says Noah Poses. However, if you don't have time or equipment to thoroughly sharpen your chef's knife or carving knife, then you'll be best served by "a brand-new serrated knife or an electric carver," says Poses.
A large cutting board: Always cut your turkey on a cutting board big enough to hold the turkey with some extra room to maneuver, says Sudak. If you choose a cutting board that's too small, you'll end up with juices and skin scraps all over your countertop.
A dishtowel: Laying a dish towel on the counter under the cutting board will provide you with extra stability and absorbency. Your counters (and your kitchen floors) will thank you.
Aluminum foil: An aluminum foil "tent" will keep the turkey juicy and tender during its pre-carving, "resting" period.
A beautiful platter: While some hosts love the showmanship of carving the turkey at the table, we recommend doing this important task in the kitchen and plating the carved pieces on a large and decorative platter before bringing it to the dining room.

Step 1: Take the turkey out of the oven and let it rest

You don't have to be precise with the foil; just make sure to cover the bird while it rests.Taylor Tobin/Insider

Step 2: Start with the dark meat and find the joint between the legs and breasts

Arranging the turkey so the drumsticks are facing you gives you more leverage.Taylor Tobin/Insider

Step 3: Remove and break down the legs

The first major step in turkey carving is splitting the legs from the breast.Taylor Tobin/Insider

Step 4: Separate the wings and the breast

It is easier to slice off the breast meat if you first remove the wings.Taylor Tobin/Insider

Step 5: Cut the breast meat for serving

You can cut the breast meat thinner if you're planning to make leftover sandwiches.Taylor Tobin/Insider

Anatomy of a turkey

LauriPatterson/Getty Images

Check out our other cooking guides

Lesyy/Getty Images

I flew on Alaska Airlines from Seattle to New Jersey in economy and the Boeing 737 wasn't as amenity-heavy as competitors but I'd still book again

Cookies on the Business Insider India website