Description
Perfect Roast Turkey is the ultimate centerpiece for any festive gathering, ensuring your holiday meal is not only memorable but also filled with juicy and flavorful bites. This recipe combines a meticulous brining process with aromatic herbs and spices, resulting in a beautifully golden-brown turkey that will impress your guests. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a family get-together, this succulent turkey will have everyone asking for seconds. With clear instructions and simple ingredients, even novice cooks can master this classic dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 turkey, 12-14 pounds
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
- 1 teaspoon juniper berries
- 1 large or two small fresh rosemary sprigs
- 6 whole large fresh sage leaves
- 2 good sized sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 whole bay leaves
- 3 whole medium garlic cloves, crushed
- Peel of one large naval orange
- 1 large apple, chopped or crushed fine, core and all
- 2 quarts vegetable stock
- 1 gallon of ice water, or more as needed to cover turkey during the brining process
- 2 stalks of celery, with leaves roughly cut
- 2 large carrots, cleaned but not peeled with tops trimmed off, roughly cut
- 1 medium onion, peeled and roughly cut
- 2 quarts chicken stock
- 1 bunch parsley, with stems
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the brine by mixing salt, sugar, peppercorns, allspice, juniper berries, herbs, garlic, orange peel, apple, vegetable stock, and ice water in a large pot.
- Submerge the turkey in the brine and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the turkey from the brine; rinse and pat dry.
- Brush melted butter over the turkey and season with salt.
- Roast the turkey in a pan for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, basting every 30 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C).
- Let rest for 20 minutes before carving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 150 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 235
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 98mg