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Best Roasted Turkey We've Ever Made

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This roasted turkey recipe guarantees incredible flavor, juicy, tender meat, and golden-brown crispy skin. Perfect for anyone preparing a turkey, especially for Thanksgiving!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Servings: 14
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 539

Ingredients
  

  • 1 (12 to 20 pound) turkey, thawed, brined (recommended), and trussed
  • 1 pound salted butter, softened (460g)
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon coarse ground pepper (5g)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or Pickapepper sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • ½ cup parsley leaves (14g)
  • ¼ cup sage leaves (7g)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (5g)
  • 1 large onion, cut into eight wedges
  • 2 carrots, roughly chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 8 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 4 sage leaves
  • 2 quarts chicken stock (8 cups or 1.8L)

Method
 

  1. Prep the oven: Preheat to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Make the butter: Pulse all the turkey butter ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
  3. Prep the roasting pan: Place onion, carrot, celery, garlic cloves, thyme, sage, and chicken stock in the pan. Set a roasting rack above.
  4. Melt some of the butter: In a saucepan, melt a quarter of the turkey butter and set aside.
  5. Prep the turkey: On the roasting rack, create pockets between the skin and breast meat, and make holes near the thighs.
  6. Add the butter: Rub the remaining turkey butter into the skin pockets and holes.
  7. Brush with melted butter: Flip turkey breast-side-down, brush with melted butter, then flip and season the top with salt and pepper.
  8. Roast the turkey: Roast for 14 minutes per pound, basting every 30 minutes. Rotate the pan every hour for even browning.
  9. Check doneness: Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) in the thickest part, with juices running clear.
  10. Let it rest: Remove from oven and let rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour before carving.

Nutrition

Calories: 539kcalCarbohydrates: 2.9gProtein: 81.3gFat: 21.7gSaturated Fat: 11gSodium: 709.8mgFiber: 0.6gSugar: 0.8g

Notes

The secret to achieving a beautifully succulent turkey lies in the herb-infused butter that seeps into the skin, enhancing flavor and moisture. This technique not only elevates the taste but also ensures that the meat remains juicy and tender, creating a perfect contrast with the crispy exterior.

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