Herb & Citrus Infused Roast Turkey
Elevate your holiday feast with this Herb & Citrus Infused Roast Turkey, a recipe that guarantees to impress your guests. Perfectly roasted to golden brown, this turkey is tender and juicy, enveloped in a symphony of fragrant herbs and zesty lemon that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas. The secret lies in the herb butter mixture, which not only enhances flavor but also ensures the turkey remains moist throughout the cooking process. Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering, this turkey will become a cherished tradition that you’ll look forward to year after year. Serve it alongside your favorite sides for an unforgettable meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
1/4 lb (melted)
lemon
1 (juice and zest)
fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon (chopped)
fresh turkey
10 lb (whole)
kosher salt
to taste (for seasoning)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
fresh thyme
1 bunch (whole)
whole lemon
1 (halved)
Spanish onion
1 (quartered)
garlic
1 head (halved crosswise)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat.
3
Once melted, stir in the zest and juice of one lemon, along with one teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves. Remove from heat and set aside.
4
Remove any giblets from the turkey cavity and rinse the turkey thoroughly, both inside and out. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
5
Trim any excess fat and leftover pinfeathers from the turkey.
6
Place the turkey breast-side up in a large roasting pan.
7
Generously season the inside of the turkey cavity with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
8
Stuff the cavity with the bunch of fresh thyme, halved lemon, quartered Spanish onion, and halved head of garlic.
9
Using a brush, apply the melted butter mixture all over the outside of the turkey, ensuring to cover all areas.
10
Sprinkle the outside with additional salt and pepper for flavor.
11
Using kitchen twine, tie the turkey legs together and tuck the wing tips under the body to create a compact shape.
12
Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear when cut between the leg and thigh.
13
Once cooked, carefully transfer the turkey to a cutting board. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
14
After resting, carve the turkey and serve it alongside your favorite festive sides.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this turkey?
The turkey is infused with a fragrant symphony of fresh herbs and zesty lemon, using an herb butter mixture to enhance flavor and moisture.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How much butter is needed for the herb mixture?
You will need 1/4 pound of unsalted butter.
What size turkey does this recipe specifically call for?
This recipe is designed for a 10 pound fresh turkey.
How do I prepare the herb butter?
Melt the butter over low heat, then stir in the zest and juice of one lemon along with one teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves.
Should I rinse the turkey before cooking?
Yes, the recipe instructions suggest rinsing the turkey thoroughly, both inside and out.
How do I dry the turkey after rinsing?
Pat the turkey dry with paper towels to ensure the skin can brown properly.
What should be removed from the turkey cavity?
Ensure you remove any giblets from the cavity before starting the preparation.
How should the turkey be placed in the roasting pan?
The turkey should be placed breast-side up in a large roasting pan.
What seasonings are used for the cavity?
Generously season the inside of the cavity with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
What ingredients are stuffed inside the turkey?
Stuff the cavity with a bunch of fresh thyme, a halved lemon, a quartered Spanish onion, and a halved head of garlic.
How do I apply the herb butter mixture?
Use a brush to apply the melted butter mixture all over the outside of the turkey, covering all areas.
How do I prepare the garlic for stuffing?
The garlic head should be halved crosswise before being placed in the cavity.
Do I need to tie the turkey legs?
Yes, use kitchen twine to tie the turkey legs together to create a compact shape.
What should I do with the wing tips?
Tuck the wing tips under the body of the turkey.
How long does a 10 pound turkey take to roast?
It takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven.
What is the safe internal temperature for the turkey?
The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius).
How can I check for doneness without a thermometer?
Check if the juices run clear when the meat is cut between the leg and the thigh.
Why must the turkey rest after cooking?
Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it remains tender and moist.
How long should the turkey rest?
Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
Should the turkey be covered while resting?
Yes, cover it loosely with aluminum foil while it rests.
What kind of onion is recommended?
The recipe specifies using a Spanish onion.
What type of salt is best for this recipe?
Kosher salt is recommended for both the cavity and the exterior seasoning.
Can this recipe be used for holidays?
Yes, it is ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any large family gathering.
What should I trim off the turkey?
Trim away any excess fat and any leftover pinfeathers.
What preparation is needed for the lemon used in the butter?
You need both the juice and the zest of the lemon for the butter mixture.
Is fresh or dried thyme better?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh thyme leaves and fresh thyme bunches for the best aroma.
What are the suggested tags for this recipe?
Tags include holiday recipe, Thanksgiving turkey, herb infused, and main course.
What equipment is needed for shaping the turkey?
You will need kitchen twine to tie the legs together.
When should you carve the turkey?
Carve the turkey only after the full 20-minute resting period is complete.