All Recipes

Easy Oven Roasted Citrus Turkey recipe

Easy Oven Roasted Citrus Turkey Recipe

Introduction

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones and enjoy a delicious meal together. One dish that always takes center stage on this special occasion is the turkey. If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful way to prepare your turkey, look no further than this easy oven roasted citrus turkey recipe. The combination of zesty citrus flavors and tender, juicy meat will leave your guests asking for seconds. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a show-stopping turkey that will be the star of your Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients

To make this mouthwatering citrus turkey, you will need the following ingredients:

– 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)

– 2 oranges

– 2 lemons

– 1 lime

– 4 cloves of garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon dried thyme

– 1 tablespoon dried rosemary

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1/2 cup butter, melted

– 1 cup chicken broth

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

2. Prepare the citrus mixture by zesting the oranges, lemons, and lime. Set aside the zest for later use. Slice the oranges, lemons, and lime into rounds.

3. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.

4. Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, both inside and out.

5. Stuff the cavity of the turkey with the citrus rounds and half of the garlic and herb mixture.

6. Rub the melted butter all over the turkey, making sure to coat it evenly.

7. Sprinkle the remaining garlic and herb mixture over the entire turkey, including the breast, legs, and wings.

8. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.

9. Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.

10. Roast the turkey for approximately 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.

11. Every 30 minutes, baste the turkey with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.

12. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the skin to brown and crisp up.

13. Once the turkey is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender and juicy turkey.

Variations

While this easy oven roasted citrus turkey recipe is delicious as is, you can also experiment with some variations to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to consider:

1. Citrus-Herb Butter: Instead of rubbing the turkey with plain melted butter, mix the melted butter with the reserved citrus zest and some additional fresh herbs like sage or parsley. This will add an extra burst of flavor to the turkey.

2. Spicy Citrus Glaze: If you prefer a little heat, you can make a spicy citrus glaze by combining the juice of the oranges, lemons, and lime with some honey, chili flakes, and a splash of hot sauce. Brush this glaze onto the turkey during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a sweet and spicy kick.

3. Citrus-Stuffed Turkey Breast: If you’re not cooking a whole turkey, you can still enjoy the citrus flavors by making a citrus-stuffed turkey breast. Simply follow the same steps for preparing the citrus mixture and stuffing it inside the turkey breast. Roast the turkey breast in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Tips

– To ensure a moist and tender turkey, brine the turkey overnight in a mixture of salt, sugar, and water before roasting. This helps to infuse the meat with moisture and flavor.

– Use a meat thermometer to accurately determine when the turkey is done. Overcooking can result in dry meat, while undercooking can be unsafe to consume.

– Letting the turkey rest after cooking is crucial for a juicy turkey. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bird.

– Save the pan drippings from the roasted turkey to make a flavorful gravy. Simply strain the drippings, skim off the fat, and whisk in some flour or cornstarch to thicken.

Conclusion

This easy oven roasted citrus turkey recipe is a surefire way to impress your guests with minimal effort. The combination of citrus flavors, aromatic herbs, and juicy meat will make this turkey the highlight of your Thanksgiving feast. Whether you choose to follow the recipe as is or add your own creative twists, you can’t go wrong with this delicious and foolproof method. So go ahead and give it a try this holiday season – your taste buds will thank you!

FAQs

**Q: Can I use a different type of citrus fruit?**

A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for oranges, lemons, and limes, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like grapefruits or tangerines for a unique twist.

**Q: Can I stuff the turkey with other ingredients besides citrus fruits?**

A: Of course! While citrus fruits add a bright and tangy flavor, you can also stuff the turkey with other ingredients like apples, onions, or fresh herbs to enhance the taste.

**Q: Can I use this recipe for a larger or smaller turkey?**

A: Yes, you can adjust the cooking time based on the weight of your turkey. As a general rule, calculate about 15 minutes of cooking time per pound of turkey.

**Q: Can I make the citrus mixture and rub ahead of time?**

A: Yes, you can prepare the citrus mixture and rub in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them.

**Q: Can I use this recipe for a different occasion besides Thanksgiving?**

A: Absolutely! This easy oven roasted citrus turkey recipe is versatile and can be enjoyed year-round for any special occasion or Sunday dinner gathering.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *