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Best Roast Turkey Recipe

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Recipe Information

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Video-Specific Recipe

Roast Turkey

Cultural Context

Roast turkey is a staple of Canadian Thanksgiving, celebrated on the second Monday in October, and is often associated with harvest festivals. The dish symbolizes gratitude and abundance, bringing families together for a festive meal. While traditional recipes are common, many modern variations include unique marinades and stuffing, reflecting regional tastes and preferences.

North AmericanCAmain
180 min
medium
8 servings
Servings4
5 gallons water
small bunch of fresh parsley
small bunch of fresh sage leaves
4 fresh bay leaves
1/4 cup peppercorns
1 cup kosher salt
1 whole turkey
1 quartered onion
2 celery stalks (diced)
1 stick of butter (melted)
1 tablespoon dried marjoram
1 tablespoon dried thyme

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil reduces saturated fat while adding flavor.

whole turkey

💰Cheaper: turkey breast

Turkey breast is less expensive and easier to cook.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

Vegetable broth is lower in calories and suitable for vegetarians.

fresh herbs

💰Cheaper: dried herbs

Dried herbs are more accessible and have a longer shelf life.

1

Fill a 5-gallon bucket halfway with water to start the brine.

2

Add a small bunch of fresh parsley, small bunch of fresh sage leaves, 4 fresh bay leaves, 1/4 cup of peppercorns, and 1 cup of kosher salt to the water.

3

Stir well until the salt dissolves to mix the brine.

4

Carefully place the turkey into the brine, ensuring it is completely submerged.

5

Refrigerate the brined turkey overnight, adjusting shelves if necessary.

6

Remove the turkey from the brine and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

7

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).

8

Stuff the turkey cavity with 1 quartered onion, 2 diced celery stalks, a small bunch of fresh parsley, a small bunch of sage leaves, and 1 fresh bay leaf.

9

Brush the turkey with 1 stick of melted butter, focusing on the breast and thighs.

10

Season the turkey with 1 tablespoon each of dried marjoram, thyme, and sage.

11

Spray the roasting rack with cooking spray before placing the turkey breast side down.

12

Roast the turkey in the oven at 425°F for 40 minutes, breast side down.

13

After 40 minutes, turn the turkey breast side up and reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).

14

Baste the turkey every 15 minutes during roasting.

15

Before carving, tilt the turkey to drain the juices for gravy.

16

Let the turkey rest for about 20 minutes before placing it on the carving board.

17

Slice the turkey breast for serving.

Cooking Techniques

bastingroasting

Equipment Needed

5-gallon bucketroasting rackovenbasting brushcarving boardcarving knife

Spice Level:

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Dietary

gluten-free

Allergens

dairy

Also Known As

Thanksgiving TurkeyHoliday Turkey

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