Best Roasted Turkey with Flavorful Herb Butter

Introduction:

Looking for the ultimate roasted turkey recipe that guarantees tender meat and crispy skin? This Best Roasted Turkey with a flavorful herb butter is perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion. The herb butter infuses the turkey with rich, aromatic flavors, while the careful roasting technique ensures a beautifully golden and juicy bird.

Ingredients

For the Turkey:

• 1 (12 to 20 pound) turkey, brined (optional but recommended) and trussed
• 1 large onion, cut into wedges
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, smashed
• 8 fresh thyme sprigs
• 4 sage leaves
• 2 quarts (8 cups) chicken stock or water

For the Herb Turkey Butter:

• 1 pound (460 grams) salted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 tablespoon coarse ground pepper
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or Pickapepper sauce
• 3 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1/2 cup parsley leaves
• 1/4 cup sage leaves
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves

Directions

Step 1: Make the Turkey Butter

1. Blend the Butter: In a food processor, pulse the softened butter with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, sage, and thyme. Scrape down the sides and blend until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C). Adjust the oven racks so the turkey can fit comfortably.
2. Set up the Roasting Pan: Place the onion, carrot, celery, garlic cloves, thyme sprigs, sage leaves, and chicken stock in the bottom of the roasting pan. Add a roasting rack above the vegetables and stock.
3. Butter the Turkey: Gently separate the skin from the breast by sliding your hands between the skin and meat to create pockets. Rub the herb butter generously under the skin, focusing on the breast and thighs. Massage the butter evenly.
4. Brush with Melted Butter: Melt about 1/4 of the herb butter in a small saucepan. Flip the turkey breast-side down on the roasting rack and brush it with the melted butter. Then flip the turkey breast-side up and brush the rest of the melted butter over the top.

Step 3: Roast the Turkey

1. Roast: Place the turkey in the oven and roast for approximately 14 minutes per pound. For example, a 15-pound turkey will take around 3 ½ hours. Rotate the pan every hour to ensure even browning.
2. Baste the Turkey: Every 30 minutes, baste the turkey with the fat that rises to the top of the broth in the roasting pan.
3. Check the Temperature: When the turkey is about two shades lighter than your desired color, tent it with foil and continue roasting until an internal thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding the bone) reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 4: Rest the Turkey

1. Let it Rest: Remove the turkey from the oven and allow it to rest for 30 minutes to an hour. Lightly cover it with foil to keep it warm. The internal temperature will continue to rise to 165°F due to carry-over cooking.
2. Optional: To keep the turkey warm for longer, you can place it in a 200°F (93°C) oven after resting.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves approximately 12-20 people, depending on the size of the turkey. A 15-pound turkey typically takes around 3 ½ hours to roast. Remember to factor in additional time for resting.

Variations

• Spicy Herb Butter: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the herb butter for a spicy kick.
• Citrus Herb Butter: Substitute orange zest and juice for the lemon for a different citrus flavor.
• Stuffed Turkey: For added flavor, stuff the turkey with aromatics like lemon halves, additional herbs, and garlic.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover turkey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat turkey in a 325°F (162°C) oven, covered with foil, until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to dry it out.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a frozen turkey?
   • Yes, but ensure it is fully thawed before cooking. This can take several days in the refrigerator.
2. Should I brine the turkey?
   • Brining is optional but recommended as it helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
3. How often should I baste the turkey?
   • Baste the turkey every 30 minutes for the best results.
4. What if my turkey isn’t browning evenly?
   • Rotate the roasting pan every hour to ensure even browning.
5. Can I use a different kind of stock?
   • Yes, you can use vegetable stock or even white wine instead of chicken stock.
6. What if I don’t have a roasting rack?
   • You can place the turkey directly on top of the vegetables in the roasting pan.
7. How can I tell when the turkey is done?
   • Use an internal thermometer to check the thickest part of the thigh. It should reach 160°F (71°C).
8. Can I make the herb butter ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the herb butter up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
9. What should I do if the skin is getting too dark?
   • Tent the turkey with foil if the skin is browning too quickly.
10. How long should the turkey rest before carving?
    • Allow the turkey to rest for 30 minutes to an hour before carving.

Conclusion

This Best Roasted Turkey recipe with herb butter is a standout choice for any festive meal. The herb butter imparts delicious flavor and ensures the turkey is juicy and succulent, while the roasting technique delivers a crispy, golden skin. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion, this turkey will be the centerpiece of your holiday table, leaving your guests raving about the meal.

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