SHUN CUTLERY BLOG: KNOW YOUR INGREDIENTS
How to Spatchcock a Turkey for Juicy, Even Roasting
If you're looking for a faster, easier, and more delicious way to roast your holiday turkey, spatchcocking is the method to try. It may have a funny name, but this simple technique is the best way to prepare a whole turkey for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Step 1: Set Up with the Right Tools
Start with a whole turkey on a sturdy cutting board. Trim any excess fat or loose skin using Shun’s Kitchen Shears, designed to cut through poultry bones with power and precision. These shears make prep safer and more efficient.
Step 2: Remove the Backbone
Flip the turkey so the back faces up. Use your kitchen shears to cut along both sides of the backbone from tail to neck. Remove the backbone completely and set it aside for stock or gravy.
Removing the backbone allows you to flatten the turkey, helping it cook more evenly in the oven.
Step 3: Flatten the Bird
Turn the turkey breast-side up and press firmly on the breastbone with both hands. You’ll hear a crack when it gives way. This step ensures the turkey lays flat on the pan for faster, more even roasting.
Step 4: Tuck and Season
Tuck the wings underneath the bird so they don’t burn. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper. Seasoning every surface helps create a flavorful, crispy skin. Drizzle the turkey with olive oil or brush with melted butter. Then add your favorite aromatics like rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, or citrus. These ingredients infuse the turkey with incredible flavor as it roasts.
Step 5: Roast and Carve
Roast your turkey on a wire rack over a sheet pan at 425°F. Most spatchcocked turkeys cook in 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on size. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness at 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
Once roasted, rest your turkey before carving. Use your Shun Slicing Knife to slice with ease and elegance. Its razor-sharp blade glides cleanly through skin and meat, making serving stress-free.
Why Spatchcock a Turkey?
Spatchcocking is one of the best ways to roast a turkey that is both beautiful and flavorful. With the right technique and tools, your turkey will be the show-stopping centerpiece it was meant to be.
Spatchcocking:
- Evenly cooks both white and dark meat
- Reduces roasting time by up to 25 percent
- Maximizes skin exposure for extra crispiness
- Makes carving simpler and presentation cleaner
Try this method with your holiday turkey this year and experience the Shun difference.
Featured Products
Watch the Full Video
See Chef Andrea Slonecker spatchcock a turkey.
Recent Articles
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS | Shun Kagerou Honored with 2025 Red Dot Award for Product Design
The Shun Kagerou 8" Chef Knife has just received a 2025 Red Dot Award for Product Design. See what sets this exclusive, limited-edition knife apart from the rest.
KNIFE KNOWLEDGE | Shun 101 Part 1: Why Shun Knives Feel So Different
Discover why Shun knives stand apart through centuries of Japanese craftsmanship, superior steel, and precision engineering. This article explores what makes Shun knives lighter, sharper, and more intuitive for effortless, elevated cooking every day.
KNIFE KNOWLEDGE | Shun 101 Part 2: Knife Anatomy and the Perfect Chef’s Grip
Learn the anatomy of a Shun knife and how to hold it like a pro. This guide covers each part of the knife and demonstrates the chef’s grip, giving you better control, comfort, and cutting precision in the kitchen.
BEHIND THE BLADE | From Brazil to Brooklyn: A Culinary Conversation with Chef Vitor Mendes
Chef Vitor Mendes shares his journey from Brazil to Brooklyn, his love for culinary craftsmanship, and how meaningful tools—like a great knife—help him express creativity and honor the flavors of the Amazon.
KNIFE KNOWLEDGE | Shun 101 Part 3: Essential Knife Cuts Every Home Chef Should Master
Mastering a few core knife cuts can transform your time in the kitchen. Whether you're prepping for a quick weeknight stir-fry or plating a dish with precision, the right cut enhances both flavor and presentation. With a Shun knife in hand, you’ll find each movement smoother, sharper, and more satisfying.
KNIFE KNOWLEDGE | Shun 101 Part 4: Knife Techniques for Everyday Ingredients
Learn essential cutting techniques for common kitchen staples like onions, bell peppers, and broccoli. This guide walks you through simple, effective steps to prep vegetables with confidence—using the right Shun knife for the job.
KNIFE KNOWLEDGE | Know Your Knife: Mastering the Kiritsuke Knife
Discover the story behind the kiritsuke—its heritage, purpose, and what sets each Shun version apart. Precision, tradition, and performance come together in this iconic blade.