Essential Turkey Carving Tips

Here’s how to carve your turkey in style.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s time to talk turkey. The bird is synonymous with the holiday, yet a big undertaking for many a well-intentioned cook and carver. Got the bird cooked and ready to go? Here’s how to carve in style.
Tips for the Carver
Minimize garnishes to leave room for cutting.
 
Convention allows standing to carve so if it’s easier, stand up.
 
Unexpected bones can get in the way. A little investigation reveals where they are.
 
Carving is unduly complicated by a dull knife.
 
Take the pressure off the carver by diverting guest’s attention.
Always cut across the grain. Avoid cuts with the grain: The resulting long meat fibers form a stringy texture to slices.
 
Turkey slices cool quickly. Use a warm serving platter and plates.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s time to talk turkey. The bird is synonymous with the holiday, yet a big undertaking for many a well-intentioned cook and carver. Got the bird cooked and ready to go? Here’s how to carve in style.

Tips for the Carver

 

  • Minimize garnishes to leave room for cutting. 
  • Convention allows standing to carve so if it’s easier, stand up. 
  • Unexpected bones can get in the way. A little investigation reveals where they are. 
  • Carving is unduly complicated by a dull knife. Take the pressure off the carver by diverting guest’s attention.
  • Always cut across the grain. Avoid cuts with the grain: The resulting long meat fibers form a stringy texture to slices. 
  • Turkey slices cool quickly! Use a warm serving platter and plates.