Ep 11. The Turkey Strikes Back

In this episode of Good Eats, host Alton Brown tackles the challenge of cooking the perfect Thanksgiving turkey. In what he calls the "mission to end all missions," Brown delves into the science behind turkey cooking to help viewers achieve a succulent and flavorful bird.

Brown begins by examining the traditional dry-brining method, a process that involves rubbing salt and spices onto the bird and letting it sit in the refrigerator for a few days before cooking. While popular, Brown argues that this method can lead to over-salted meat and dry breast meat. Instead, he advocates for a wet-brining method, which involves immersing the turkey in a saltwater solution for several hours. Brown explains that the saltwater helps to break down the proteins in the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful bird.

Next, Brown tackles the issue of turkey cooking time. Many home cooks struggle to achieve a perfectly cooked turkey, with the breast meat often drying out while the dark meat remains undercooked. Brown demonstrates a method called spatchcocking, which involves removing the backbone of the bird and flattening it out on a roasting pan. This technique not only ensures even cooking but also shortens the cooking time, resulting in a moister bird.

As he prepares his turkey, Brown also shares tips for flavoring the meat beyond traditional spices. He experiments with different seasonings, including tea leaves and whiskey, to add a unique twist to the classic bird.

Throughout the episode, Brown emphasizes the importance of using a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to the proper temperature. He also shares his favorite method for carving the turkey, which involves removing the legs and wings first and then slicing the breast meat across the grain.

In classic Good Eats fashion, Brown weaves in plenty of humor and pop culture references throughout the episode. He even dons a Darth Vader costume to illustrate the dangers of overcooked turkey, which he compares to the Death Star exploding in the Star Wars franchise.

Overall, The Turkey Strikes Back is a must-see episode for anyone looking to up their Thanksgiving turkey game. With his signature wit and scientific approach, Alton Brown breaks down the complexities of turkey cooking to make it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.