How to Carve a Turkey

No time to take a crash course on how to carve a turkey before the big day? No worries! In this episode of Culinary Intelligence from the CIA, Chef Brendan Walsh of The Culinary Institute of America gives you step-by-step instructions for not only how to carve a turkey, but also how to slice and arrange it on a platter for the perfect presentation on your holiday table.

Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is the world’s premier culinary college. Dedicated to developing leaders in foodservice and hospitality, the independent, not-for-profit CIA offers master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees with majors in culinary arts, baking & pastry arts, food business management, hospitality management, culinary science, and applied food studies. The college also offers executive education, certificate programs, and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its conferences, leadership initiatives, and consulting services have made the CIA the think tank of the food industry and its worldwide network of more than 50,000 alumni includes innovators in every area of the food world. The CIA has locations in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore.

[aislinnw]

This is my dad! Our new family tradition is for us kids to see how many views this video gets pre and post Thanksgiving. We love our dad and love to read him the nice comments every year. We want to convince him to make his own video channel because we think he’s an incredible teacher and because we want to learn to his cooking techniques too!

Hoping that this can generate some attention so we can try to get him to make social media accounts!

[foxydub]

Happy Holidays to everyone else who comes back here every Thanksgiving to relearn how to do this!

[isaiasanchez]

No matter how many Thanksgivings pass, i watch this once a year to stay sharp 😎

[rpvs]

Two Thanksgiving traditions... 1) watch the parade 2) watch this video. Best turkey carving video!!

[riffraff]

Not gonna lie the family asked me to cut the turkey (was not prepared) so I ran to the restroom to YouTube it and this is the video I found. ThankS!

[margohere]

This is the best video on carving a turkey that I've found. The Chef articulates his steps very well and the camera gives great close-ups so that the viewer can see how to correctly carve.

[stevengandt]

This is an outstanding video. As dean of culinary education at the CIA, he takes an educator’s approach to the presentation that I really appreciated. He briefly includes an important point that bears emphasis: “Using your SHARP knife…”. That’s critically important when carving a turkey. If your knife isn’t sharp, the job will be much harder, you’ll make a mess, and you’ll be angry when you should be enjoying the time you’re spending with family and friends. Sharpen your carving knife a day or two before Thanksgiving so you’re prepared. That, combined with watching this video, will get you ready for stardom on Turkey Day!

[aaronallen]

I come back every year for a refresher. I'm thankful for this video!

[karenadams]

Brendan does a fabulous job teaching, but keeping it simple. I bet he’s a fun instructor. I watch this video every Thanksgiving so I don’t screw it up… It works exactly the way he shows. Thanks Brendan!!

[davidwilson]

I come from a family of meat cutters and restaurateurs, no one carves their turkey as good as I do thanks to this video! Sharp knife a must! Thank you CIA and Chef Walsh!

[lillookc]

When he ate the piece of Turkey. That was as real and genuine as it gets . Bravo. Great video.

[danieldoyon]

Many thanx for your competence and execution. Now my superbly roasted turkey is skilfully carved and

[paulfrombrooklyn]

I learned this many, many years ago. One year I offered to carve the turkey. When I brought the plate out, everyone was amazed at how beautiful the presentation was. Of course, it became my job, every year, to carve the turkey. This method is the best. And this chef did a great job of explaining it.

[den]

I have this video bookmarked and review it every Thanksgiving! Very clear and concise!

[sarahperry]

i wow'ed my dad with this last thanksgiving. i will rewatch a few times morning of thanksgiving - the thigh always gets me a bit confused but maybe this year will be the year it clicks. this truly is the best way to get as much meat as possible from your bird!

[TheyCallHimTheTops]

This is a perfect, no bs demonstration with explanation and instruction. 10/10

[ericgreen]

who’s here for thanksgiving?
first time carver here🤞🏼

[acanfield]

Thank you for the great video demonstration! I watched this last year and came back again for a refresher this year (2022). Maybe by next year I'll remember how to do this LOL.

[rwinfi]

I watched this video the first year of Covid when we couldn’t be with my parents and made my first bird. I’ve been coming back to it ever since. Great job.

[mattlowman]

I carved the turkey last year and was super frustrated with the whole process and felt bummed that I basically butchered the bird I spent two day's worth prepping and smoking. So I was determined not to make the same mistake again. Came across this vid, watched a few times, and carved a damn near perfect turkey. Many thanks!