How to Roast a Thanksgiving Turkey? Easy & Juicy
Roast turkey is the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving feast, bringing family and friends together to celebrate gratitude and togetherness. Fortunately, making a perfectly moist and flavorful turkey isn’t as hard as it seems. My grandmother and mother passed down this Thanksgiving turkey recipe to me. For this year’s Thanksgiving, I tried to improve the recipe a bit, just to find the best taste. Follow my steps, and you can impress your family and friends on the big day!
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| Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe |
Ingredients:
lWhole turkey
lKosher salt
lBrown sugar
lRosemary
lThyme
lSage
lLemon
lPepper
lGarlic
lMelted butter
lCelery
lOrange
lCarrots
lOnions
lBroth
Equipment:
lRoasting pan
lRoasting rack
lAluminum foil
lBrush
lCarving knife
lTongs
lCutting board
lMeat fork
How to Choose the Right Turkey?
Choosing the right turkey is where you should start, and here are some pointers to help you selecting the right one:
lSize matters: Plan for about 1 to 1.5 pounds of turkey per guest. So, if you’re hosting 10 people, select a turkey weighing between 10 to 15 pounds.
lFresh or frozen: Fresh turkeys are usually juicier and more flavorful, but if you go for frozen, make sure it’s a quality option, ideally labeled as ‘natural.’
lOrganic or Heritage: If you want to go the extra mile for flavor, consider organic or heritage breeds. They tend to have a richer taste and can be well worth the investment.
lCheck for quality: Look for a plump breast and a decent layer fat under the skin, which helps keep it moist while roasting. Also, make sure the skin is intact without blemishes or tears.
How Long to Thaw a Turkey?
The best way to thaw a turkey is in the fridge, giving it about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. For example, a 15-pound turkey will take about 3-4 days to fully thaw.
If you're in a hurry, you can thaw it using cold water. Just keep the turkey in its original packaging and submerge it in cold water, changing the water every half hour. This method takes roughly 30 minutes per pound, meaning a 15-pound turkey will take about 7.5 hours.
How to Season a Turkey?
To prepare a basic brine, mix water, salt, and sugar, then let the turkey soak in it for 12 to 24 hours. For seasoning, combine dried parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme, lemon pepper, and salt. If you want a crunchy skin, incorporate some softened butter into the mix. Generously rub the seasoning all over the turkey and fill the cavity with celery, orange, garlic, onion, and carrots.
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| Season Turkey |
How to Roast a Thanksgiving Turkey?
Now that your turkey is seasoned, it’s time to get it roasting. Here’s a foolproof guide:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
Step 2: Prepare the turkey. Cover a baking sheet with foil that is large enough to wrap the whole turkey, and place the turkey on it. Fold the wing tips under the turkey to avoid burning. Then, pour some broth over the turkey to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Step 3: Insert a meat thermometer. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. I would recommend using a wireless one like INT-11P-B, so you can remotely monitor the temperature and remaining time without overcooking it.
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| Insert Meat Thermometer |
Step 4: Start to roast the turkey. Roast the turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound, or you can use the chart below as a guideline:
l8-12 pounds: 2.75 to 3 hours
l12-14 pounds: 3 to 3.75 hours
l14-18 pounds: 3.75 to 4.25 hours
l18-20 pounds: 4.25 to 4.5 hours
l20-24 pounds: 4.5 to 5 hours
Step 5: Remove the foil and continue roasting. When the internal temperature of the turkey reaches about 160°F, take it out of the oven and remove the foil. Return it to the oven until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C) so the skin can get beautifully brown. For an extra crispy texture, you can brush the skin with melted butter again.
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| Roast Thanksgiving Turkey |
Step 6: Resting and carving. Let the turkey rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This helps the juices spread out evenly, making the turkey juicy and flavorful. Then, use a knife and a meat fork to carve the turkey from thigh to breast.
How to Store Leftovers and Reheat?
If you have turkey leftovers, let it cool down first before putting it in airtight containers. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, use a vacuum food saver to extend the shelf life up to 7 days. I don’t recommend freezing a roasted turkey as reheating it can cause it to become off-flavored and dry.
For reheating, set your oven to 325°F (165°C). Put the turkey in a baking dish with a splash of broth to keep it juicy, then cover it with foil. Heat it for around 20-30 minutes, or until it hits an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
