Turkey cooking hacks: Start thawing on Tuesday

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — WPTV's T.A. Walker took a trip to Okeechobee Steakhouse to ask co-owner Ralph Lewis his tricks and tips on cooking the most golden-brown juicy turkey and to get some of their recipes for side items like stuffing and mashed potatoes.

How Much Turkey Do You Need

Plan on one pound per person

Plan on buying more if your guests prefer all white or dark meat

Plan on buying more if your guests want leftovers to take home

Turkey Cooking Timeline

Tuesday before Thanksgiving: Start thawing your turkey for 24 hours (larger turkeys should be thawed even earlier)

Wednesday before Thanksgiving: Put your turkey in a brine for 24 hours (brine recipe below)

Use bottled water, salt, pepper, sugar, and butter

Thanksgiving Day:

Okeechobee Steakhouse brining recipe for tenderness and flavor

1⁄2 cup Brown Sugar

Zest of 1 Lemon

Zest of 1 Orange

1⁄2 Gallon Water (Can use Chicken Stock for More Robust Flavor)

You can also add Allspice Berries, a Cinnamon Stick, Rosemary Leaves, Sage Leaves, and Apple Slices to really kick up the flavor

1. Mix all ingredients in a large stockpot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Add One Gallon of cold water (or Chicken Stock) and ensure the brine is at room temperature before pouring over the turkey.
3. Place turkey breast side down in a large container. Pour brine over turkeys and top the turkey with a heavy plate to keep it submerged in the brine.
4. Brine a 12 to 14-pound turkey for 8 to 12 hours, 16 pounds and over 12 to 16 hours in the refrigerator
5. Rinse Turkey inside and out after pulling it from the brine and Pat Dry before Roasting.

Okeechobee Steakhouse turkey seasoning recipe

There are many ways to season your turkey. They suggest using a dry rub or herbs and butter under the skin of the turkey to keep the turkey moist and to add another dimension of flavor.

Seasoning options

Cajun Seasoning/Rub

Jerk Seasoning/Rub

Traditional – Poultry seasoning, salt and pepper, some paprika for color

Herbed butter – Add fresh herbs to the butter you put under the skin, such as sage, rosemary, or thyme

Okeechobee Steakhouse stuffing recipe
(serves 8-10 people)

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. In a sauté pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the celery and onions and cook until translucent.
3. In a large sauce pot, heat the chicken broth and remaining butter. Bring to a slow simmer.
4. Add the celery and onion mixture, salt, pepper, sage and parsley to the pot with the broth.
5. Turn off the heat and add the dried cornbread. Mix until everything is incorporated.
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9” x 13” baking dish and bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown.

Okeechobee Steakhouse mashed potatoes recipe

1. Peel Russet Potatoes, if using yukons, you can leave the skin on, but wash thoroughly. Cut into large cubes.
2. Place cubed potatoes in a large stockpot and Add enough water to cover the potatoes by at least an inch.
3. Add salt to water.
4. Bring to a Boil and then reduce heat to a simmer for 25 minutes.
5. Drain the potatoes well. Using either an electric mixer or potato masher, mash the potatoes well, adding salt and pepper to taste, butter, and milk. Mix until Smooth.

How to carve a turkey

How to carve a pencil thin turkey

Set up a leftover station with disposable muffin tins