What To Know
- Return to the oven and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 170°F (77°C).
- If you don’t have a roasting pan with a wire rack, you can place the turkey on a bed of chopped vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and celery.
- Simmer leftover turkey in a pot with vegetables and broth for a comforting and flavorful soup.
Are you ready to elevate your Thanksgiving feast to new heights? Look no further than the legendary Andrew Zimmern’s turkey recipe. With its bold flavors and innovative techniques, this dish will leave your guests in awe. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, ensuring that your turkey turns out perfectly juicy, flavorful, and unforgettable.
Ingredients
- 1 (12-15 pound) turkey
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh sage
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh thyme
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
Instructions
1. Prepare the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the refrigerator 1 hour before roasting to bring it to room temperature. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Make the Herb Butter: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Season the Turkey: Loosen the skin of the turkey by carefully inserting your fingers between the skin and the meat. Spread the herb butter evenly under the skin, covering the breast, thighs, and legs.
4. Roast the Turkey: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the turkey in a roasting pan fitted with a wire rack. Roast for 30 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue roasting for 2-2 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured in the thickest part of the thigh.
5. Baste the Turkey: Every 30 minutes, baste the turkey with the pan juices. This will help keep it moist and flavorful.
6. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the white wine, chicken broth, and maple syrup. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced by half, about 10 minutes.
7. Glaze the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and brush with the glaze. Return to the oven and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 170°F (77°C).
8. Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
Tips
- For a crispier skin, pat the turkey dry thoroughly before roasting.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is cooked to the proper internal temperature.
- Don’t overstuff the turkey, as this can prevent it from cooking evenly.
- If you don’t have a roasting pan with a wire rack, you can place the turkey on a bed of chopped vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and celery.
Accompaniments
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting, mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to any turkey dinner.
- Stuffing: A classic Thanksgiving side dish, stuffing can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as bread, herbs, vegetables, and sausage.
- Gravy: Made from the turkey pan juices, gravy adds a rich and flavorful touch to any meal.
- Cranberry Sauce: A tart and tangy condiment, cranberry sauce is a refreshing complement to the savory flavors of turkey.
Variations
- Spiced Turkey: Add 1 tablespoon of ground cloves, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the herb butter.
- Citrus Turkey: Rub the turkey with the zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon before roasting.
- Smoked Turkey: Smoke the turkey for 2-3 hours before roasting. This will give it a delicious smoky flavor.
Leftovers
- Turkey Sandwiches: Leftover turkey makes for delicious sandwiches on bread or rolls.
- Turkey Soup: Simmer leftover turkey in a pot with vegetables and broth for a comforting and flavorful soup.
- Turkey Enchiladas: Fill tortillas with leftover turkey, cheese, and salsa for a quick and easy meal.
Conclusion: A Thanksgiving Feast to Remember
With its bold flavors and innovative techniques, Andrew Zimmern’s turkey recipe is sure to impress your guests and make your Thanksgiving feast a memorable one. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, this recipe will guide you every step of the way to a perfect turkey. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you satisfied and craving more.
FAQ
Q: What is the best way to thaw a frozen turkey?
A: The best way to thaw a frozen turkey is to place it in the refrigerator for 24 hours per 4-5 pounds of turkey.
Q: How do I know when the turkey is done roasting?
A: The turkey is done roasting when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured in the thickest part of the thigh.
Q: How long should I rest the turkey before carving?
A: The turkey should rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with turkey?
A: Some good side dishes to serve with turkey include mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce.
Q: How can I make the turkey skin crispy?
A: To make the turkey skin crispy, pat the turkey dry thoroughly before roasting. You can also rub the skin with olive oil or butter.
