Published 10/23/2023 We have been cooking our meat sous vide for years now and it’s truly one of our favorite methods to get perfectly cooked meat throughout the entire cut. Turkey meat can easily dry out, but we’re here to teach you how to sous vide turkey so that you can get that moist and juicy turkey you know and love. We love this recipe because It’s made with a bone-in turkey breast instead of a whole Thanksgiving turkey. The key to this recipe is using ALL white meat. White and dark meat need to be cooked to different temperatures, which is why the sous vide is perfect for one cut of meat. A quick rundown: Rub a simple herbed butter beneath the turkey skin and then sear it in butter to get it nice and crispy. Vacuum seal it and cook it for 12 hours in a 165ºF water bath. Finally, roast it at 400ºF for 20 minutes.
What You Need for Sous Vide Turkey
Sous vide machine, vacuum seal or plastic bag, and large container or a sous vide oven 7-9 lb. bone-in turkey breast Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage Butter, salt, and pepper Kitchen twine and sharp carving knife
How to Choose a Turkey for Sous Vide
Whether you are having a Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, or just a fun turkey dinner party, knowing what turkey to buy can be hard.
1.5 lbs. of turkey per person
On average for a bone-in turkey, you should account for 1.5 lbs. per person. Because there are bones and other portions of the turkey that you will not consume, counting 1.5 lbs. per person is a guideline to help you find the right turkey for you and your guests. Don’t worry, each guest won’t be eating 1.5 lbs. of turkey on their own. For example, if you are feeding 4 people, you would multiply 1.5 lbs. x 4 = 6 lbs. That means you would look for a 6-lb. bird! Easy, peasy.
Variations
Herbs: Venture beyond the classic trio with oregano, marjoram, or a pinch of nutmeg. Butter: Olive oil or ghee are wonderful alternatives for a different flavor profile. Spices: A dash of paprika or garlic powder can add a delightful twist.
Can you sous vide a full turkey?
We do not advise using a full turkey in the sous vide because the white meat and dark meat have different cook temperatures and cook times.
Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes
Looking for more healthy Thanksgiving recipes to fill your holiday table with? Check out all of our best turkey day recipes in one spot!
Is sous vide turkey safe?
Sous vide turkey is safe. Just like any other meat in the sous vide, you bring the meat to a safe cook temperature, and then let it sous vide to tenderize the meat to juicy deliciousness.
Can I use oven bags for sous vide?
We have never used an oven bag in the sous vide. We use a food saver vacuum sealer and food saver bags.
Can you sous vide turkey overnight?
Yes! We recommend that you sous vide turkey overnight or for at least 12 hours if you are using a bone-in young turkey breast.
How do I get crispy skin on my turkey if I sous vide it?
The key to getting crispy skin and delicious flavor for sous vide turkey is to sear the turkey BEFORE and AFTER you sous vide it as well as a quick roast in the oven.
Storage
Store leftover turkey in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. Feel free to shred it and make turkey salad or turkey wild rice soup.
Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes
Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Ultimate Smoked Turkey Thanksgiving Turkey Roulade Baked Turkey Tenderloin Spatchcock Turkey Smoked Turkey Breast Sous Vide Turkey Smoked Turkey Legs Ranch Roasted Turkey Breast
How to Serve Your Sous Vide Turkey
Follow our turkey gravy recipe to use your drippings to make gravy. Then, serve your sous vide turkey with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, a vibrant cranberry sauce, and a heap of roasted brussels sprouts.
