What to Do With Plastic Thing on Turkey Legs?
The plastic thing on turkey legs, also known as a hock lock or leg truss, is used to secure the legs of the bird together during processing and cooking.
While it is safe to leave the plastic hock lock on during cooking at moderate temperatures, it is recommended to remove it during the last 45 minutes when increasing the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
To remove the plastic tie, use sharp kitchen scissors and gently pull to extract it without damaging the appearance of the turkey.
Removing the hock lock is necessary if the bird contains a packet with giblets inside.
Leaving the plastic tie on is safe, but removing it helps the bird cook more evenly and quickly.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. The plastic thing on turkey legs, often referred to as a “trussing clamp,” is actually called a pop-up timer.
2. These pop-up timers contain a heat-sensitive strip made of a food-safe metal, such as stainless steel. When the meat reaches a specific temperature, the strip expands, causing the plastic indicator to pop up.
3. Pop-up timers were initially invented to help home cooks ensure that their Thanksgiving turkeys were cooked to a safe internal temperature. It helps prevent the risk of foodborne illnesses caused by undercooked poultry.
4. Although primarily used in turkeys, pop-up timers can also be found in other large poultry, such as chicken and duck. Their purpose remains the same: ensuring the meat is thoroughly cooked.
5. While some chefs and culinary experts discourage the use of pop-up timers, arguing that they can be unreliable or result in overcooked meat, they can still be a helpful tool for those who may be unsure about properly cooking a turkey.
Purpose And Types Of Hock Locks Or Leg Trusses
The plastic or metal clip on turkey legs, commonly referred to as a “hock lock“, “leg truss“, or “oven-safe leg holder“, serves an important purpose in the processing and presentation of poultry. Its primary function is to secure the legs together during processing and packing, ensuring that the bird maintains its shape while being cooked. Different suppliers use various types of hock trusses, with some opting for metal clips and others choosing heat-resistant nylon or plastic.
While the appearance may vary, the goal remains the same – to provide stability and aesthetic appeal to the final product. The use of hock locks streamlines the cooking process, allowing for more even heating and facilitating the carving process. By keeping the legs firmly held together, it ensures that the turkey presents itself beautifully on the dinner table.
Cooking With The Plastic Hock Lock: Safe Or Not?
One commonly asked question is whether it is safe to leave the plastic hock lock on turkey legs during the cooking process. The answer largely depends on the materials used and the cooking temperature. In general, it is safe to cook the turkey with the plastic hock lock intact at moderate temperatures.
However, for the best results, it is advisable to remove the plastic hock lock during the final stages of cooking. This is typically done during the last 45 minutes of the cooking process when the temperature is increased to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. By removing the plastic tie at this point, the bird can experience more even and efficient heat distribution, resulting in a perfectly cooked turkey.
- It is safe to cook the turkey with the plastic hock lock intact at moderate temperatures.
- Remove the plastic hock lock during the final stages of cooking when the temperature is increased to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for best results.
- Removing the plastic tie allows for more even and efficient heat distribution.
Recommended Temperature And Timing For Cooking
Cooking a turkey to perfection requires careful consideration of temperature and timing. For optimal results, it is recommended that the turkey be cooked at around 325 degrees Fahrenheit. To achieve even baking, cover the turkey with foil during the first part of the cooking process.
When it comes time to increase the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for the final stage, removing the plastic hock lock is advised. This allows for improved airflow and promotes even browning and crisping of the skin. Additionally, the plastic tie should be removed to prevent any potential melting or releasing of toxic fumes.
Removing The Plastic Hock Lock: Step By Step Guide
To remove the plastic hock lock from the turkey legs, you will need a pair of sharp kitchen scissors and a gentle touch. Follow these simple steps:
- Ensure the turkey has sufficiently cooled after cooking. Remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes.
- Locate the plastic hock lock on each leg of the turkey. It is typically found near the ankle joint.
- With the kitchen scissors, carefully cut the plastic tie on each leg. Take care not to damage the appearance of the turkey.
- Gently pull the plastic tie to extract it from the legs. Again, exercise caution to maintain the turkey’s aesthetic appeal.
By following these steps, you can ensure a neat and presentable turkey without compromising its appearance or taste.
Remember these tips:
- Allow the turkey to cool for a sufficient amount of time before handling.
- Be mindful of the location of the plastic hock lock near the ankle joint.
- Use sharp kitchen scissors to carefully cut the plastic tie without damaging the turkey’s appearance.
- Exert a gentle pull to extract the plastic tie from the legs, ensuring the turkey remains visually appealing.
Using Kitchen String For Trussing With Stuffing
If you plan to stuff your turkey, it is important to remove the plastic hock lock before cooking. Before stuffing the bird, delicately remove the plastic tie from both legs. Then, proceed to stuff the turkey as desired. Once the stuffing is in place, you can utilize kitchen string to truss the turkey for optimal cooking results.
Trussing involves tying the kitchen string securely around the turkey to keep the legs and wings close to the body. This ensures that the stuffing remains inside the cavity and that the turkey cooks evenly. By trussing the turkey after removing the plastic hock lock, you can create a beautifully presented and flavorful Thanksgiving centerpiece.
- Remove the plastic hock lock before stuffing.
- Delicately remove the plastic tie from both legs.
- Stuff the turkey as desired.
- Truss the turkey using kitchen string to keep legs and wings close to the body.
“By trussing the turkey after removing the plastic hock lock, you can create a beautifully presented and flavorful Thanksgiving centerpiece.”
Importance Of Removing Hock Lock For Giblets And Even Cooking
Removing the plastic hock lock is necessary if your turkey contains a packet of giblets inside the cavity. Before cooking, it is crucial to remove the giblets to prevent any potential health risks. The presence of the plastic hock lock can hinder easy access to the giblets, making their removal more challenging.
Furthermore, removing the plastic tie contributes to more even cooking and faster cooking times. Allowing the legs to separate during the final stages of cooking allows for improved heat circulation, resulting in an evenly cooked bird. By taking this extra step, you can ensure a memorable and delicious Thanksgiving feast for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I take the plastic thing off the turkey legs?
When it comes to the plastic thing on turkey legs, it is completely up to personal preference. Whether you leave it on or take it off, the legs will still cook just fine. However, removing the hock lock might promote more even cooking of the legs. Before cooking, it is important to rinse the turkey thoroughly in cold water, both inside and out, to ensure cleanliness.
What is the plastic piece around turkey legs?
The plastic piece around turkey legs is a hock lock, which serves to secure the hind legs of a turkey or chicken in place. Typically made of heat-resistant nylon or metal, the hock lock ensures the legs stay in position during the roasting process. This simple yet practical tool can be left inside the bird while it cooks, ensuring a beautifully roasted turkey leg every time.
Is it OK to cook turkey with plastic leg holder?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to cook a turkey with the plastic leg holder. The hock lock is specifically designed to be heat-safe on food and has undergone certification to ensure its suitability for cooking. Therefore, leaving it on while roasting the bird poses no risk to your health or the quality of the meat. Enjoy your turkey without any worries about the plastic leg holder!
Do I take the plastic wrap off the turkey?
While the hock lock on the turkey is designed to withstand high heat, it is recommended to remove it before roasting. Leaving the plastic wrap on can hinder the even cooking of the turkey, resulting in unevenly cooked meat. Therefore, it is best to take off the plastic hock lock to ensure a delicious and evenly roasted turkey.