Juicy Roast Turkey Recipe

This Juicy Roast Turkey Recipe is perfect for creating a tender, flavorful turkey that is crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. Ideal for holidays like Thanksgiving or any family gathering, this recipe includes a flavored butter with lemon, garlic, and parsley, ensuring a juicy roast turkey every time. The step-by-step instructions guide you to perfectly roast a turkey, while the seasoned butter locks in moisture and infuses rich flavors. Learn how to achieve the best turkey with easy preparation and oven roasting tips.

Ingredients

For the Turkey:

• 12 lb turkey (11-15 lbs; baking time may vary), thawed*
• Salt and pepper, for seasoning the inside and outside of the bird

For the Flavored Butter:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
• 2 Tbsp olive oil (not extra virgin), plus more for drizzling
• 4 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon), plus 1/2 Tbsp lemon zest
• 3 large garlic cloves, pressed
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
• 1/2 Tbsp salt (sea salt preferred)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

For the Stuffing:

• 1 large onion, quartered (no peeling)
• 4 garlic cloves, halved (no peeling)
• 1/2 bunch fresh parsley
• 1 lemon, quartered

Instructions

Prepping Your Turkey:

1. Remove the thawed turkey from the fridge about 30 minutes before starting. This helps the turkey cook more evenly.
2. Remove the neck and giblets. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and set it in a roasting pan lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. Fold the wings behind the bird to prevent them from burning.

Seasoning and Stuffing:

1. Season the turkey’s cavity with about 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
2. In a medium bowl or food processor, combine softened butter, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the butter is fully blended.
3. Carefully loosen the skin over the turkey breast, using your fingers from both the front and back. Be cautious not to tear the skin.
4. Massage about two-thirds of the flavored butter under the skin, ensuring an even spread across the breast. Use the remaining butter to rub over the outside of the turkey.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the turkey and season generously with salt and pepper.
6. Stuff the turkey’s cavity with quartered onion, halved garlic cloves, parsley, and lemon wedges.
7. Tie the turkey legs together with kitchen string, crossing them to seal the cavity.

Roasting the Turkey:

1. Preheat the oven to 430˚F (220˚C). Place the oven rack in the lower part of the oven.
2. Prepare a foil shield by folding a large square of foil into a triangle and rubbing one side with olive oil. Place this oiled side down over the turkey breast to protect it from drying out.
3. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. Start roasting the turkey uncovered at 430˚F for 20 minutes.
4. After 20 minutes, baste the turkey with the drippings from the pan and apply the foil shield over the breast.
5. Lower the oven temperature to 350˚F (175˚C) and continue roasting for approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (about 13 minutes per pound). The thigh should reach 170˚F (77˚C), and the breast should reach 160˚F (71˚C) for a fully cooked turkey. Remove the turkey from the oven, keeping in mind that the internal temperature will rise slightly after it’s out of the oven.

Resting the Turkey:

1. Let the turkey rest on a serving platter, loosely covered with foil, for at least 1 hour to enhance tenderness and ease of carving.
2. Save the drippings from the roasting pan for turkey gravy.
3. Garnish the platter with festive decorations, such as kale, sliced apples, oranges, and lemon quarters, for a beautiful presentation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This juicy roast turkey recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday meals, or any special occasion. The flavored butter keeps the meat moist and tender while infusing rich, zesty flavors. The lemon, garlic, and parsley combination enhances the turkey’s taste, making each bite an explosion of savory goodness. Plus, the step-by-step instructions ensure even novice cooks can achieve a perfectly roasted turkey.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

• Turkey Size: This recipe works well for turkeys between 11-15 lbs. Adjust the roasting time based on the size of your turkey.
• Stuffing Alternatives: You can substitute the traditional stuffing ingredients with fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or sage for an aromatic twist.
• Butter Flavors: Experiment with adding different herbs like tarragon or dill to the flavored butter for a unique flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I prepare the turkey in advance? Yes, you can prepare the turkey up to a day ahead. Season and butter the turkey, then refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before roasting.

How do I know when the turkey is done? Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. The thigh should read 170˚F, and the breast should be 160˚F.

What should I do if the skin gets too brown? If the turkey skin starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning while it continues to cook.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious roast turkey with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and stuffing. Add a rich turkey gravy made from the pan drippings for extra flavor. A side of cranberry sauce will also complement the savory turkey perfectly.