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Roast Turkey: 1 Secret to Perfect, Juicy Bird

Roast Turkey
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Learn how to cook a juicy and tender roast turkey with crispy skin, perfect for beginners. This easy oven-roasted turkey recipe is ideal for Thanksgiving or any holiday meal.

Ingredients

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  • 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds), fully thawed
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 onion, peeled and quartered
  • 1 head of garlic, halved horizontally
  • Fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage sprigs
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Remove giblets and neck from the turkey. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
  3. Season the turkey generously inside and out with salt and pepper.
  4. Mix softened butter with olive oil. Rub this mixture under the skin over the breasts and all over the turkey.
  5. Place the lemon halves, onion quarters, garlic halves, and herb sprigs inside the turkey cavity.
  6. Tie the turkey legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body.
  7. Place the prepared turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Add the chicken broth or water to the bottom of the pan.
  8. Roast the turkey uncovered for 13–15 minutes per pound. For a 14-lb turkey, this is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
  9. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer. The thickest part of the thigh should reach 165°F (74°C).
  10. Once cooked, transfer the turkey to a cutting board, tent it loosely with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 30 minutes before carving.

Notes

  • Always thaw turkey completely before cooking. Allow 1 day in the refrigerator per 4–5 lbs of turkey.
  • Seasoning the cavity as well as the outside of the turkey maximizes flavor.
  • Applying butter under the skin of the breast meat helps ensure it stays juicy.
  • If the turkey’s skin begins to brown too quickly during cooking, you can tent it loosely with aluminum foil.
  • Always allow the turkey to rest for at least 30 minutes after roasting before carving to lock in the juices.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://quizsavor.com/roast-turkey-recipe-juicy/

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