How to poach a turkey breast

Alyn's Christmas turkey

How to poach a turkey breast

8 December 2014

How to poach a turkey breast

Poaching is a gentle cooking technique that helps keep the potentially dry turkey meat succulent and tender. It is important to cook the turkey breast on a low heat and not boil it as this will toughen the meat.

Ingredients

Metric

Imperial

  • 2 turkey breasts, each weighing 200g
  • 1l chicken stock
  • 1/2 onion, roughly chopped
  • 1 sprig of thyme
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • 15g of salt

Method

1
Put the turkey breasts, stock, vegetables, thyme, garlic and salt into a large saucepan and bring to a very gentle simmer over a low heat
2
Cook for 8–10 minutes, the turkey is cooked when it is firm to the touch
3
Serve immediately

Uses

Poached turkey breast can be used in salads, curries and sandwiches, for example, Dominic Chapman uses poached leg in his Turkey, Stilton, chicory and walnut salad.

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