In terms of cooking, a turkey breast is a section of the white meat found on the breast of the turkey. A single breast is usually sufficient to provide a meat entrée for two to four people. While it is possible to purchase packaged breasts with a bone in them, most of the breasts are de-boned as part of the preparation for sale.
Cooking a boneless turkey breast is a relatively straightforward process. All that is required is a small roasting pan, or an oblong pan and a sheet of aluminum foil to function as a lid. After placing a small amount of water in the bottom of the pan, the meat is positioned in the middle of the pan. If desired, carrots, potatoes and onions may be arranged around the breast. The breast is covered with foil and allowed to bake according to the package instructions. Cooking time will vary based on the size of the breast.
Along with this simple turkey breast recipe, there are also more elaborate recipes that make use of other ingredients to create a more sensational meat entrée. For example, a smothered turkey breast may involve the addition of gravy or cream soups to slices of the breast. The slices are allowed to bake in the gravy, making it possible for the flavors of both components to mingle while cooking. The slices of turkey and gravy may be served singly, on an open face sandwich, or presented on a bed of rice.
Learning how to cook turkey breast requires nothing more than basic culinary skills. It is possible to cook a turkey breast in a full sized oven, a toaster oven, or in a convection oven. It is also possible to prepare this meat on an outdoor grill. The meat cooks through with relative ease and when basted from time to time during the cooking process will not dry out.
For people who enjoy the white meat but care little for the dark meat, purchasing turkey breasts instead of a whole turkey is a sensible option. In addition, when families do not want to deal with a lot of leftover turkey after a holiday celebration, cooking a breast helps to ensure there is enough for the meal but not a lot to dispose of later. Supermarkets usually carry frozen turkey breast all year long, making it easy to enjoy turkey dinners whenever desired.
