Cooking a canned turkey can seem daunting, but with a few simple tips, you can easily prepare a delicious meal. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook canned turkey perfectly.
Should you cook canned turkey?
Canned turkey has already been pre-cooked when processed, so technically you don’t need to cook it further. However, heating it up can enhance the flavor and make it more palatable. Below are some of the main benefits of cooking canned turkey:
- Improves texture – Heating up canned turkey can make it juicier and more tender.
- Enhances flavor – Cooking brings out the turkey flavor and makes any added seasonings penetrate further into the meat.
- Makes it safer – Thoroughly cooking canned poultry destroys any bacteria that may be present.
- Lets you add sauces/glazes – Cooking allows you to coat the turkey in delicious sauces and glazes.
So while not absolutely necessary, cooking canned turkey is recommended to get the best results.
How to cook canned turkey
There are a few simple methods for cooking canned turkey perfectly every time:
Oven baking
Oven baking is one of the easiest ways to cook canned turkey. Here’s how:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Remove turkey from can and place in a baking dish. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Brush or rub turkey with oil, melted butter, or other fat to prevent drying out.
- Season turkey with salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, herbs, etc.
- Roast turkey for 45-60 minutes until heated through (165°F internal temperature).
- Make a sauce from the canned turkey broth and use it to baste the turkey several times while cooking.
Stovetop simmering
For a quick and easy stove-top method:
- Drain liquid from canned turkey into a skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Add turkey and simmer for 15-20 minutes, flipping occasionally.
- Use remaining liquid to make an optional pan sauce.
Grilling
You can also grill canned turkey for delicious flavor. Follow these tips:
- Pat turkey dry and coat in oil or dressing/marinade to prevent sticking.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill turkey for 6-8 minutes per side.
- Glaze or baste turkey with barbecue sauce, honey mustard, etc. in the last few minutes.
- Ensure turkey reaches 165°F internal temperature.
Tips for cooking canned turkey
Follow these tips to get perfect results when cooking your canned turkey:
- Always pat dry and oil/coat the turkey before cooking to prevent drying out.
- Cook thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature for food safety.
- Add broth and seasonings to boost flavor.
- For moistness, baste frequently or cook in sauce.
- Use leftovers within 3-4 days and reheat to 165°F.
Canned turkey recipes
Canned turkey can be used in all kinds of delicious recipes. Here are some popular ways to use up canned turkey:
Sandwiches
Canned turkey is fantastic for sandwiches and wraps. Try recipes like:
- Turkey salad sandwiches
- Turkey club sandwiches
- Turkey paninis
- Turkey Caesar wraps
Casseroles
Turkey casseroles are a hearty, comforting meal. Some options include:
- Turkey and rice casserole
- Creamy canned turkey casserole
- Turkey enchilada casserole
- Turkey tetrazzini
Soups and chilis
Canned turkey can be an easy protein addition to soups like:
- Turkey noodle soup
- Turkey tortilla soup
- Turkey chili
- Turkey and wild rice soup
Salads
Turkey salad makes a protein-packed topping for salads like:
- Chef salad
- Turkey Cobb salad
- Turkey taco salad
- Turkey Caesar salad
Canned turkey storage
Properly stored, unopened canned turkey will last:
| Pantry | 2-5 years |
|---|---|
| Fridge | 3-4 days after opening |
| Freezer | 2-6 months |
Keep canned turkey refrigerated once opened and use within 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze leftovers in airtight containers for 2-6 months.
Conclusion
Cooking up canned turkey is simple with oven baking, stovetop simmering, grilling, or using it in casseroles, sandwiches, salads and more. With proper storage and handling, canned turkey can be a versatile and healthy pantry staple. Follow these tips for delicious results when cooking with canned turkey.