Go Back
Turkey

Perfect Roast Turkey Recipe

Experience culinary delight with our fail-proof roast turkey recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine International
Servings 8
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Basting brush
  • Kitchen twine
  • Aluminium foil

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole turkey 12-15 pounds
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Herbs of your choice, finely chopped rosemary, thyme, sage
  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
  • Kitchen twine for trussing
  • 3 cups chicken or turkey broth
  • Aromatics for the cavity staffing onions, garlic, lemon, and herbs
  • Additional herbs for garnish Optional
  • Olive oil for brushing Optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
  • Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 1 hour.
  • Seasoning:
  • Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
  • Season the cavity with salt and pepper.
  • Rub the outside of the turkey with melted butter and season generously with salt, pepper, and herbs.
  • Trussing:
  • Truss the turkey using kitchen twine to help it cook evenly.
  • Tuck the wings under the bird and tie the legs together.
  • Aromatics:
  • Place aromatics (sliced onions, garlic cloves, lemon wedges, and herbs) in the turkey cavity.
  • Roasting:
  • Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
  • Pour broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the turkey moist.
  • Tent the turkey loosely with aluminium foil.
  • Cooking Time:
  • Roast the turkey in the preheated oven.
  • Cooking time will vary based on the size of the turkey. A general guideline is about 15 minutes per pound.
  • Remove the foil during the last hour to allow the skin to brown.
  • Basting:
  • Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the pan juices to keep it moist.
  • Temperature Check:
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
  • Resting:
  • Allow the turkey to rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute.

Notes

  • Brush with melted butter for a golden finish.
  • Tent with foil if it browns too quickly.
  • Enhance flavour by adding aromatics inside the cavity.
  • Use a meat thermometer for accurate results.
  • Let the turkey rest to ensure juiciness.
  • Customise the herb and spice rub based on your preferences.
Keyword christmas turkey recipe, esy roast turkey, Roast turkey recipe