Uncle Willie's Savory Citrus Roast Turkey
Experience the joy of family gatherings with Uncle Willie's Savory Citrus Roast Turkey. This delightful recipe features a perfectly roasted turkey infused with the zesty flavors of oranges and fragrant herbs. Each bite reveals tender, juicy meat, complemented by sweet caramelized onions and roasted garlic. As the turkey gently roasts in the oven, imagine the laughter and love shared around the dinner table, where Uncle Willie would serenade us with his favorite tunes. It's not just a meal; it's a cherished memory served on a plate, perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion.
10
Servings
400
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Turkey
12-16 lbs (Whole, thawed if previously frozen)
Oranges
2 (Halved)
Sweet Onions
2 large (Quartered)
Garlic
1 head (Peeled)
Salt
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Pepper
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Paprika
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Fresh Sage
1 bunch (Finely diced)
Fresh Rosemary
1 bunch (Finely diced)
Canola Oil
1/4 cup (N/A)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Generously rub the entire surface of the turkey with canola oil to ensure a crispy skin.
3
Finely dice the fresh sage and rosemary and combine with salt, pepper, and paprika in a small bowl.
4
Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the turkey, ensuring it's fully coated.
5
Halve the oranges and stuff them inside the turkey cavity for an infusion of citrus flavor.
6
Quarter the sweet onions and scatter them along with the peeled garlic in the bottom of a large roasting pan.
7
Place the turkey breast-side down on a rack in the roasting pan and roast for approximately 2 hours.
8
After 2 hours, carefully turn the turkey breast-side up using tongs or a large fork.
9
Continue roasting until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
10
Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.
11
Serve with the roasted onions and garlic for a fabulous family feast!
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
10g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Uncle Willie's Savory Citrus Roast Turkey unique?
This recipe is unique for its infusion of zesty oranges, fresh sage, and rosemary, which create a savory and citrusy flavor profile, complemented by roasted garlic and sweet onions.
What size turkey is recommended for this recipe?
A whole turkey weighing between 12 and 16 lbs is recommended for this recipe.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before roasting the turkey.
How do I ensure the turkey skin is crispy?
To achieve a crispy skin, generously rub the entire surface of the turkey with canola oil before applying the spice mixture.
Which fresh herbs are used in the seasoning rub?
The seasoning rub uses finely diced fresh sage and fresh rosemary.
What spices are combined with the fresh herbs?
The diced herbs are mixed with salt, pepper, and paprika for the dry rub.
How are the oranges used in the recipe?
Two oranges are halved and stuffed inside the turkey cavity to provide a citrus flavor infusion during roasting.
What type of onions are used in the roasting pan?
The recipe calls for two large sweet onions, which should be quartered.
How should the garlic be prepared?
One full head of garlic should be peeled before being scattered in the roasting pan.
What is the initial roasting position for the turkey?
The turkey is initially placed breast-side down on a rack in the roasting pan.
How long does the turkey roast breast-side down?
The turkey should roast breast-side down for approximately 2 hours.
What should I do after the first 2 hours of roasting?
After 2 hours, carefully turn the turkey breast-side up using tongs or a large fork to finish roasting.
What is the target internal temperature for the turkey breast?
The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
How long should the turkey rest before carving?
Once removed from the oven, let the turkey rest for 20 minutes.
Why is resting the turkey important?
Resting the turkey allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it stays tender and moist during carving.
How many servings does this turkey recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve approximately 10 people.
What are the nutritional details per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, 22g of fat, 10g of carbohydrates, and 30g of protein.
What is the primary cooking oil used for the rub?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of canola oil to coat the turkey.
Can this recipe be used for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is described as a perfect meal for Thanksgiving or any special family occasion.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as Poultry.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 10 total ingredients required for this recipe.
Where do I put the onions and garlic?
Scatter the quartered onions and peeled garlic along the bottom of the roasting pan.
Is the turkey cooked on a rack?
Yes, the instructions specify placing the turkey on a rack within the roasting pan.
Should the turkey be thawed before starting?
Yes, the turkey should be whole and thawed if it was previously frozen.
What is the suggested way to serve the dish?
Serve the carved turkey with the roasted onions and garlic from the pan for a complete feast.
Is there any sugar or fiber in this recipe?
According to the provided data, there are no significant amounts of fiber or sugar listed.
What is the purpose of the paprika in the rub?
Paprika adds flavor and helps contribute to the golden color of the roasted skin.
How are the herbs prepared for the rub?
The fresh sage and rosemary should be finely diced before being mixed with the other spices.
Does the recipe include a serving size?
A specific weight-based serving size is not provided, but the recipe is calculated for 10 servings.
What story is associated with this recipe?
It is a cherished family memory of Uncle Willie, who would serenade his family during holiday gatherings where this turkey was served.