Whether you’re cooking Thanksgiving dinner for your family or hosting a holiday feast, one thing is certain: the turkey is the star of the show. If you want to impress your guests with a beautifully roasted turkey that’s juicy and flavorful, then this recipe is for you. This recipe, inspired by the famous chef Jamie Oliver, will guide you through the process of prepping and roasting the perfect turkey that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prepping The Turkey Jamie Oliver Recipes
Ingredients:
– 1 whole turkey (12-15 pounds)
– Salt and pepper
– 1 lemon, halved
– 1 onion, halved
– 4 cloves of garlic
– Fresh herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme)
– Olive oil
– 1 cup chicken or turkey stock
Instructions:
1. Thaw the turkey: If your turkey is frozen, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator for several days. Allow 24 hours of thawing time for every 5 pounds of turkey.
2. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the turkey.
3. Clean the turkey: Remove the turkey from its packaging and discard any giblets or neck from the cavity. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Season the turkey: Generously season the inside of the turkey with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with halved lemon, onion, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme.
5. Tie the legs: Secure the legs together with kitchen twine to help the bird cook evenly and maintain its shape while roasting.
6. Prepare the turkey for roasting: Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack set in a roasting pan. Tuck the wings under the body to prevent them from burning.
7. Roast the turkey: Drizzle the turkey with olive oil and rub it all over the skin. Season the outside of the turkey with more salt and pepper. Pour the chicken or turkey stock into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the turkey moist during cooking.
8. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh and the juices run clear.
9. Baste the turkey: Every 30 minutes, baste the turkey with the pan juices to ensure a golden and flavorful skin.
10. Rest and carve: Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and moist turkey.
Serve your beautifully roasted turkey with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones. Turkey is a versatile meat that can be enjoyed in various ways, from sandwiches to soups, so don’t let any leftovers go to waste. With these simple steps, you can master the art of roasting a turkey that will have your guests coming back for more. Happy cooking!
