Simple Roast Turkey Recipe - Perfectly Juicy Every Time
Make a perfectly juicy roast turkey every time with this simple recipe. Easy steps, crispy skin, and tender meat are ideal for holidays or any special meal.
Apr 16, 2025255 Shares42.4K Views
A perfectly roasted turkey is the centerpiece of many family gatherings, especially during holidays. Achieving a golden-brown, juicy, and flavorful turkey might seem intimidating, but this simple recipe takes the stress out of the process.
With just a few ingredients and a straightforward approach, you can roast a turkey that’s moist on the inside, crispy on the outside, and packed with flavor. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your best roast turkey yet!
Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need
A great roast turkey starts with simple yet flavorful ingredients:
- Turkey:A 12-14 lb bird is ideal for most families.
- Butter:Unsalted butter adds richness and helps achieve crispy skin when spread under and over the skin.
- Fresh Herbs:Rosemary, thyme, parsley, and sage infuse aromatic flavors into the meat.
- Garlic & Lemon:Brighten the dish with zesty lemon and garlic cloves stuffed inside the cavity.
- Onion & Celery:Add depth to the flavor of drippings for gravy preparation.
- Salt & Pepper:Essential for seasoning both inside and outside of the bird.
Essential Tools
- Roasting Pan with Rack:Elevates the turkey for even cooking.
- Meat Thermometer:Ensures the turkey is fully cooked.
- Kitchen Twine:Helps tie the legs for even roasting.
- Basting Brush or Spoon:For spreading butter and basting juices.
Preparation Your Turkey For Roasting
Select The Turkey
When choosing a turkey, consider the number of guests you will be serving. A 12-14 pound turkey is typically suitable for 8-10 people. Ensure the turkey is fresh or fully thawed if it's frozen.
Thawing The Turkey
If you have a frozen turkey, it’s important to thaw it properly. The safest way to thaw a turkey is in the refrigerator. Allow 24 hours of thawing time for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. For a 10-12 pound turkey, this means you should allow at least 3 days for it to thaw completely.
Prepare The Turkey
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C): Set your oven to 450°F initially to crisp up the skin quickly.
- Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity:Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Season the turkey:Rub the melted butter all over the turkey, including under the skin if possible. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over the turkey.
- Stuff the cavity:Place the lemon quarters, onion quarters, and smashed garlic cloves inside the turkey cavity. These aromatics will infuse the turkey with flavor as it roasts.
Roasting Techniques For Juicy Meat And Crispy Skin
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan:Position it breast-side up on a rack in the roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan. This will help keep the turkey moist and create a base for delicious pan drippings.
- Cover the turkey:Tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil. This will prevent the skin from getting too dark too quickly.
- Roast the turkey:Place the turkey in the preheated oven. Roast for about 13-15 minutes per pound. For a 10-12 pound turkey, this means roasting for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Baste the turkey:Every 30-45 minutes, baste the turkey with the pan juices. This helps keep the turkey moist and adds flavor.
- Remove the foil:About 30-45 minutes before the turkey is done, remove the aluminum foil to allow the skin to brown and become crispy.
Checking For Doneness
To ensure your turkey is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
For a step-by-step visual demonstration, check out this helpful video that walks you through the entire roasting process.
Best Roasted Turkey Recipe We've Ever Made
Resting And Carving
- Let the turkey rest:Once the turkey is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more moist and flavorful.
- Carve the turkey:Begin by removing the legs and thighs. Next, cut along the breastbone to remove the breast meat in one piece, then slice it into even pieces. Finally, remove the wings.
Tips For Perfect Roast Turkey
1. Use A Meat Thermometer
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your turkey is perfectly cooked. This prevents undercooking, which can be unsafe, and overcooking, which can make the meat dry.
2. Basting For Moisture
Regularly basting the turkey with its own juices or a butter mixture can help keep the meat moist and enhance the flavor.
3. Resting The Turkey
Allowing the turkey to rest after roasting is crucial. This step ensures that the juices are evenly distributed throughout the meat, resulting in a juicy and flavorful turkey.
4. Making Gravy
The drippings from the roasting pan can be used to make a rich, flavorful gravy. Simply strain the drippings, remove excess fat, and thicken with flour or cornstarch over medium heat.
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People Also Ask
What Temperature Should I Cook The Turkey To?
The turkey should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the thigh.
What Is The Best Way To Cook A Turkey Without Drying It Out?
The light, tender breast meat is prone to overcooking, while dark meat portions of the bird needs extra time. A simple solution is to flip the bird over and roast the turkey upside down. This technique protects the white meat from drying out, and cooks the thigh meat faster.
What Do You Season Turkey With?
- Salt for the best results, use coarse Kosher salt.
- Dried Herbs-dried thyme, rosemary, and sage add an herbal depth of flavor commonly found in poultry seasoning blends.
- Dried Seasonings in particular, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika round out this flavorful turkey seasoning.
What Is The Secret To A Moist Turkey?
Think of brining like marinating. It helps season and draw moisture into the meat to keep it flavorful and juicy. A good rule of thumb is to use 1 cup of table salt (2 cups kosher salt) and 1/2 cup sugar (white or brown) for every gallon of water. Brining recipes vary greatly on how long the turkey should be brined.
Final Thoughts
Roasting a turkey doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, the right technique, and a bit of patience, you’ll get a juicy, flavorful turkey with crispy golden skin every time. Give it a try and impress your guests with the perfect roast turkey.
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