Ultimate Juicy Roast Turkey
Say goodbye to dry, flavorless turkey with this Ultimate Juicy Roast Turkey recipe! Elevate your holiday gatherings by cooking your turkey upside down, allowing gravity to work in your favor. This method ensures that the juices seep into the breast meat, resulting in a tender, moist bird that outshines any pop-up thermometer turkey. After roasting, let your turkey rest to allow the juices to redistribute, making it easier to carve and serve. Whether you're preparing for a large Thanksgiving feast or a simple family dinner, this straightforward approach requires minimal effort – just wash the turkey, place it in a pan, set the timer, and you’re free to work on other dishes. You can even make it a day early and reheat without losing its succulence. Perfect for both seasoned hosts and those celebrating away from home, this turkey recipe prioritizes taste over presentation, ensuring that every bite is juicy and delicious.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
2
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole Turkey
1 (Thawed)
Cooking Spray
1 dash (For greasing pan)
Instructions
1
Defrost the turkey thoroughly if it is frozen.
2
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
3
Remove the turkey from its packaging in a clean sink and take out the giblets and any other internal components. These can be discarded unless you plan to use them for gravy.
4
Wash the turkey both inside and out, ensuring to remove any stray feathers.
5
Place the turkey breast-side down in a large foil-lined roasting pan or 9x13 foil-lined cake pan. Ensure there is enough space for air circulation in the oven.
6
If using a non-disposable pan, grease with cooking spray to ease cleanup later.
7
Insert the pan with the turkey into the preheated oven, ensuring it sits in the middle for even cooking. Avoid positioning it too close to any heating elements to prevent burning.
8
Cook the turkey for 15 minutes per pound. For example, a 20-pound turkey will require approximately 5 hours and 5 minutes.
9
Once the cooking time is reached, carefully remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the juices to settle and enhance the flavor.
10
When ready to serve, carve the turkey on a large platter or buffet-style plate, discarding any skin or fat as preferred.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
0g
Carbs
46.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret to making this turkey juicy?
The secret is cooking the turkey upside down, which allows gravity to pull the juices into the breast meat.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does it take to cook the turkey?
You should cook the turkey for 15 minutes per pound.
Do I need to defrost the turkey?
Yes, ensure the turkey is thoroughly defrosted if it was previously frozen.
Should I use a pop-up thermometer?
This recipe claims to outshine pop-up thermometer methods by relying on the upside-down roasting technique for moisture.
What should I do with the giblets?
Remove the giblets from the internal cavity; you can discard them or use them to make gravy.
Is it necessary to wash the turkey?
Yes, you should wash the turkey both inside and out and remove any stray feathers.
What kind of pan is best for this recipe?
A large foil-lined roasting pan or a 9x13 foil-lined cake pan is recommended.
How do I prevent the turkey from sticking to the pan?
If you are using a non-disposable pan, grease it with cooking spray to make cleanup easier.
Where in the oven should the turkey be placed?
Place the turkey in the middle of the oven to ensure even cooking and avoid being too close to heating elements.
How long should the turkey rest after cooking?
The turkey should rest for at least 15 to 30 minutes before carving.
Why is resting the turkey important?
Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it easier to carve and more flavorful.
Can I make this roast turkey a day early?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it without losing its succulence.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe only requires two ingredients: a whole turkey and cooking spray.
What is the estimated cook time for a 20-pound turkey?
A 20-pound turkey will take approximately 5 hours and 5 minutes at 325 degrees.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is perfect for large Thanksgiving feasts or simple family dinners.
How should the turkey be positioned in the pan?
The turkey must be placed breast-side down in the pan.
What is the calorie count for this turkey?
The turkey is estimated at 400 calories per serving.
Does this turkey contain any carbohydrates?
No, this recipe contains 0g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 46.7g of protein.
What should I do if I see stray feathers?
Ensure you remove any stray feathers while washing the turkey.
Does the recipe prioritize presentation?
This recipe prioritizes taste and juiciness over traditional presentation.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The recipe contains 20g of fat per serving.
Can I use a disposable pan?
Yes, a foil-lined roasting pan or cake pan works well for this method.
How should I carve the turkey?
Carve the turkey on a large platter and discard any skin or fat as preferred.
Is this recipe difficult for beginners?
No, it is a straightforward approach that requires minimal effort.
Why should I avoid placing the turkey too close to heating elements?
Positioning it away from direct heating elements prevents the bird from burning.
Does this recipe require basting?
No basting is mentioned as the upside-down method naturally keeps the meat moist.
What preparation is needed for the turkey?
The turkey should be thawed and internal components should be removed.
Does this recipe contain fiber or sugar?
No, this turkey recipe contains no fiber or sugar.