Citrus Herb Roasted Turkey Recipe
Introduction
This Citrus Herb Roasted Turkey combines zesty orange flavors with fragrant rosemary, oregano, and thyme to create a deliciously aromatic centerpiece for your meal. Perfectly roasted to juicy tenderness, this turkey is sure to impress family and guests alike.
Ingredients
- 13 lb turkey
- 1/2 stick of butter
- 2 oranges
- 4 sprigs rosemary
- 3 sprigs oregano
- 3 sprigs thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Remove the giblets, neck, and any other organs from the turkey cavity.
- Step 2: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
- Step 3: Place the turkey in a roasting pan. Cut one orange into quarters and place it inside the turkey cavity along with two sprigs of rosemary.
- Step 4: Cover the turkey and bake for 3 hours.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, squeeze the juice from the second orange. Strip the leaves from the remaining herbs and add them to the bowl. Add 1/2 stick of butter and microwave for 1 minute, then stir to melt the butter completely.
- Step 6: Add salt and pepper to the bowl and stir well to combine.
- Step 7: Using a brush, coat the turkey with the butter and herb mixture. Replace the cover and cook for another hour.
- Step 8: Check for browning; the turkey should start to brown at this stage. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the recommended internal temperature according to your turkey’s guidelines or until the roasting pop-up thermometer has popped.
- Step 9: Remove the lid and continue roasting until the turkey is nicely browned and fully cooked.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, rub some of the butter and herb mixture under the turkey skin before roasting.
- If you prefer a crispier skin, uncover the turkey earlier during the final hour of cooking.
- Try adding a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the roasting pan to keep the turkey moist and add flavor.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with 1 teaspoon each of dried rosemary, oregano, and thyme if fresh isn’t available.
Storage
Store any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain moisture. For longer storage, freeze turkey pieces wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this turkey recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the herb butter mixture and stuff the turkey a few hours ahead, then keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to roast. Just bring the turkey close to room temperature before cooking for best results.
How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?
The safest method is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the breast and thigh. You can also follow your turkey’s pop-up timer as a guide.
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Citrus Herb Roasted Turkey Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 10–12 people 1x
Description
This Citrus Herb Roasted Turkey recipe offers a flavorful and juicy roasted turkey infused with fresh herbs and bright citrus notes. The turkey is slowly roasted at a moderate temperature, brushed with a citrus-herb butter mixture to enhance moisture and taste, resulting in a beautifully browned and aromatic centerpiece perfect for holiday meals or special occasions.
Ingredients
Turkey
- 13 lb turkey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Citrus Herb Butter
- 1/2 stick butter (4 tablespoons)
- 2 oranges
- 4 sprigs rosemary
- 3 sprigs oregano
- 3 sprigs thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey: Remove the giblets, neck, and any other contents from inside the turkey cavity to prepare it for roasting.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius) to ensure an even and moderate roasting temperature.
- Stuff the Cavity: Place the turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan. Cut one orange into quarters and place the pieces inside the turkey cavity. Add two sprigs of rosemary alongside the orange quarters inside the cavity for aromatic infusion.
- Initial Roasting: Cover the turkey with a lid or foil and roast in the oven for 3 hours to begin cooking the bird through.
- Prepare Citrus Herb Butter: In a small bowl, squeeze the juice from the second orange. Remove the leaves from the rosemary, oregano, and thyme sprigs and add them to the bowl. Add the 1/2 stick of butter and microwave for about 1 minute, then stir well to fully melt the butter and combine the flavors.
- Season the Butter Mixture: Add 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper to the melted butter mixture and stir thoroughly to season it evenly.
- Brush Turkey with Butter: Remove the turkey from the oven, use a brush to evenly coat the surface of the turkey with the citrus herb butter mixture. Replace the cover on the turkey and return it to the oven.
- Continue Roasting: Roast the turkey covered for an additional hour. At this time, the turkey should start to brown nicely. Check the internal temperature of the turkey using a meat thermometer; ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
- Final Browning: Remove the cover from the turkey and continue roasting uncovered until the turkey is beautifully browned and crispy on the outside. This final step enhances texture and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to check the turkey’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking.
- Let the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes after roasting before carving to retain juices.
- You can use fresh herbs of your choice if rosemary, oregano, or thyme are unavailable.
- If your roasting pan doesn’t have a cover, tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil during covered roasting steps.
- Consider basting again during the last uncovered roasting step for extra moisture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Turkey, Roasted Turkey, Herb Turkey, Citrus Turkey, Holiday Turkey, Thanksgiving Turkey, Roasted Turkey Recipe
