The Perfect Roast Turkey Juicy and Golden Every Time
Recipe Introduction
Fancy roasting a turkey? Honestly, who doesn't love a good roast? This recipe is a winner every time!
Quick Hook
Ever wondered what temp to cook a turkey for that perfect juicy finish? This herb butter turkey recipe guarantees a golden brown, flavour packed bird.
The herb butter infuses the turkey with savory goodness.
Brief Overview
Roast turkey is a classic for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is the quintessential family gathering meal! This recipe's medium difficulty and will take 2.
5 - 29 hours with resting and brining, making enough for 8-12 people.
Main Benefits
The best thing about this recipe is the flavour. The herb butter is great! It makes the best temperature to cook a turkey a no-brainer.
Serve this for a proper festive feast, it is fantastic.
Let's get started! I remember the first time I roasted a turkey. It was a disaster! I followed some dodgy online recipe and ended up with something drier than the Sahara.
That's why I'm sharing this foolproof version with you. Trust me, you got this!
The Secret's Out: Juicy Turkey Every Time
Want to know the secret for a juicy bird? It is all about monitoring the turkey internal temperature and the oven temperature for roasting turkey .
Oh, and don't skip the resting time, seriously.
Cracking the Code: Temperature and Time
So, what temp to cook a turkey , you ask? We're aiming for 325° F ( 160° C). And as for turkey cooking temperature and time per pound , check the chart below to determine turkey cooking times , it is important.
The turkey should reach a safe internal turkey temperature of 165° F ( 74° C), but always let the turkey rest before carving.
Simple Ingredient List
For this glorious roast, you will need a 12-14 pound turkey, salt, pepper, chicken broth, onion, carrots, celery, butter, parsley, rosemary, thyme, garlic, lemon zest.
Ingredients & Equipment
Right then, let's talk turkey! We need to gather our bits and pieces. It's all about getting prepped, innit?
Main Ingredients
- One 12-14 pound turkey, thawed (US: 5.4-6.3 kg; Metric: 5443-6350 grams)
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt (US: 30 ml; Metric: 30 grams)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (US: 5 ml; Metric: 5 grams)
- 2 cups chicken broth (US: 475 ml; Metric: 475 grams)
- One large onion, quartered
- Two carrots, roughly chopped
- Two stalks celery, roughly chopped Optional: brine ingredients
For the turkey itself, make sure it’s fully defrosted! Honestly, I once tried to roast a half frozen bird. Disaster! The quality of your herb butter turkey recipe really shines with a properly thawed, good quality turkey.
Herb Butter Goodness
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (US: 227g; Metric: 227 grams)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (US: 60 ml; Metric: about 20g packed)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary (US: 30 ml; Metric: about 10g packed)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme (US: 30 ml; Metric: about 10g packed)
- Two cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (US: 2.5 ml; Metric: 2.5 grams)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (US: 1.25 ml; Metric: 1.25 grams)
That herb butter is the key, right? It's not just about flavour; it keeps the turkey moist. Rosemary and thyme? Absolute classics. But chuck in a bit of sage if you fancy!
Equipment Needed
- Roasting pan with rack
- Meat thermometer
- Basting brush
- Kitchen twine (optional)
- Aluminum foil
Nothing fancy here! A roasting pan with a rack is essential. You don't want the turkey stewing in its own juices.
And a meat thermometer? Non-negotiable! You need to know what temp to cook a turkey to.
Let's talk turkey cooking temperature chart . For safety and taste, you need to know the turkey internal temperature. We are aiming for 165° F ( 74° C) .
It is safe internal turkey temperature to avoid serving Salmonelly. And do we want to know how to roast a turkey ? A turkey cooking temperature and time per pound depends from oven temperature for roasting turkey .
So the best temperature to cook a turkey is 325° F ( 160° C) . Remember to check that roast turkey temperature and always follow the turkey cooking times that I have provided.
Now, let's get cooking!
The Perfect Roast Turkey: Juicy and Golden, Every Time
Honestly, folks, roasting a turkey can feel like a right palaver. But, fear not! This recipe makes it simple. We're talking beautifully browned skin and juicy meat.
It's all about what temp to cook a turkey and a bit of savvy prep. No more dry, disappointing birds! This is a showstopper herb butter turkey recipe !
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, mise en place . Sounds fancy, but it just means getting your ducks in a row. Chop your onion, carrots, and celery.
Soften that butter for the herb butter. Get the turkey thawed. This avoids last minute faffing. And for goodness sake, remember to remove the giblets from inside the safe internal turkey temperature .
Nobody wants a surprise packet of… stuff.
Time saving tip: Make the herb butter turkey recipe a day ahead. Wrap it up tight and bung it in the fridge.
BOOM. You've saved yourself 15 minutes tomorrow. Safety Reminder: Always wash your hands after handling raw poultry. Seriously.
step-by-step: From Bird to Feast
Right, here's the easy bit:
- Pat that turkey completely dry. A dry bird browns best. Honestly!
- Mix up that herb butter. Parsley, rosemary, thyme, garlic, lemon zest, salt, pepper and butter all mixed together.
- Place your onion, carrots and celery in the bottom of your roasting pan. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth.
- Season the turkey with 2 tablespoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper inside and out.
- Loosen the skin on the breast. Shove half the herb butter underneath. Rub the rest all over the outside.
- Roast at 325° F ( 160° C) . Aim for 3- 4 hours for a 12-14lb turkey . Baste it every 30- 45 minutes . If it starts to brown too much, tent it with foil.
- Check the turkey internal temperature with a meat thermometer. You want 165° F ( 74° C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Let it rest for 20- 30 minutes before carving. Roast turkey temperature after removing from the oven still increases a bit.
Pro Tips: Secrets from a (Semi) Pro
Don't overcook it! It's better to err on the side of slightly undercooked. A turkey cooking temperature chart is your friend.
A common mistake to avoid is thinking turkey cooking temperature and time per pound is always an exact science; every oven is different.
For a flavor boost, try dry brining. Rub the turkey with salt 1-3 days before cooking. Best temperature to cook a turkey , in my experience, is low and slow.
It keeps it juicy. Remember the turkey cooking times depend of its weight.
Enjoy your perfectly roasted turkey!
Recipe Notes
Right then, you've got the herb butter turkey recipe down. Now, let's chat about those little extras that can make all the difference.
Honestly, these tips are from years of me potentially messing up roasts!
Plating Like a Pro, Serving like a Star!
Forget the basic plate dump. A little presentation goes a long way. Slice the turkey neatly. Arrange it artfully. Think a fan of slices overlapping slightly.
A sprig of rosemary on top? Classy, innit? Complementary sides are key. Mashed potatoes and gravy are essential. Roasted brussel sprouts add a touch of green.
And cranberry sauce? A must have. As for beverages, a crisp white wine or a light bodied red always hits the spot.
Oh, and don't forget the homemade lemonade for the kids (and designated drivers).
Storage Savvy: No Waste Here, Mate!
Got leftovers? Of course, you do! Refrigeration guidelines are simple. Get that turkey into an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
It'll be good for 3-4 days. Want to freeze it? No problem! Shred the turkey first, then pop it into freezer bags.
It'll last for up to 3 months. Reheating instructions are easy. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat in the oven with a bit of broth to keep it moist.
Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven is always better for that lovely, even warmth.
Adapt and Conquer: The Variations Game
Dietary needs? Sorted! Need a dairy-free option? Use a decent dairy-free butter substitute. Want a gluten-free feast? Just make sure your broth is gluten-free.
Seasonal ingredient swaps are fun. In autumn, try adding roasted squash to the roasting pan. In spring, use fresh asparagus.
Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!
Nutrition Nuggets: Knowledge Is Power
Okay, so, turkey's pretty good for you. It's packed with protein, which is great for muscles. And it's relatively low in fat, depending on how much skin you scoff down.
The herbs in the butter add a dose of antioxidants. Remember, everything in moderation, even delicious roast turkey! The key health benefit? Well, aside from feeling smug about cooking a fantastic meal, it brings people together.
That's worth more than any vitamin, right? You know, what temp to cook a turkey is important not just for taste, but also for safe eating! Use a turkey cooking temperature chart and always ensure a safe internal turkey temperature .
Also, keep in mind, that the best temperature to cook a turkey is not the only thing, turkey cooking temperature and time per pound is essential! This ensures your roast turkey temperature hits the sweet spot, giving a nice and brown turkey.
Right then, feeling confident? You got this! Go forth and roast that herb butter turkey recipe . You'll impress everyone. And even if you don't, who cares? You'll have a delicious turkey to enjoy! Let me know how it goes! And remember to check the turkey internal temperature .
Frequently Asked Questions
Right, so what temp to cook a turkey to make sure it's not drier than the Sahara?
You want to aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, making sure you don't touch the bone with the thermometer! Remember, that's your target temperature taking it out a bit early is better than serving shoe leather.
The turkey will continue to cook a bit while it's resting.
What oven temperature should I actually set the oven to when roasting my turkey? Is it just guesswork?
For this recipe, we recommend preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This lower temperature allows for even cooking, preventing the breast from drying out before the legs are cooked through. It's a bit like slow roasting a Sunday joint you get a much more tender and flavorful result.
How long do I cook the turkey for? I'm panicking about timings!
Cooking time depends on the size of your bird. As a general guide, a 12-14lb turkey will take around 3-4 hours, an 14-18lb turkey will take 4-4.5 hours, and an 18-20lb turkey will take 4.5-5 hours.
Always use a meat thermometer to be sure it's the only way to know for sure when it's done, so ditch the guesswork!
I've heard brining is a game changer. Should I bother, and how does it affect what temp to cook a turkey?
Brining is a game changer! It adds moisture and flavor, resulting in a juicier turkey. It doesn't affect the cooking temperature itself you'll still cook to 165°F (74°C) but it can potentially shorten the overall cooking time slightly, so keep an eye on that thermometer.
Think of it like giving your turkey a spa day before the big roast!
What if the turkey skin starts to get too brown before it's cooked through? Is there a Blue Peter style fix?
No need for sticky back plastic! If the skin is browning too quickly, simply tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil. This will protect it from the direct heat and prevent it from burning while the inside continues to cook.
Remove the foil during the last 30-45 minutes to allow the skin to crisp up again best of both worlds!
Can I prep the turkey ahead of time to save stress on the day?
Absolutely! You can make the herb butter a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also chop the vegetables and prepare the roasting pan the night before. Even better, brine the turkey up to 24 hours in advance. On the day, just focus on assembling and roasting less stress, more sherry!
Remember to bring the turkey to room temperature before cooking for even roasting.
The Perfect Roast Turkey Juicy And Golden Every
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 5-10g |
