Tired of dry, flavorless turkey? Say goodbye to Thanksgiving disasters and hello to juicy, succulent perfection with Chef John’s legendary roast turkey recipe. This easy-to-follow method guarantees a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday feast whether you’re a seasoned pro or a kitchen newbie.
What makes this recipe so special?
- Flavorful herb butter: This secret weapon infuses the turkey with incredible taste from the inside out.
- No-fuss roasting: Forget complicated techniques. This simple method delivers perfect results every time. ⏱️
- Foolproof instructions: Chef John’s clear instructions and helpful tips guide you through the process, ensuring success.
- Adaptable for any occasion: This recipe isn’t just for Thanksgiving! It’s perfect for any special occasion or even a regular Sunday dinner.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the world of deliciousness with Chef John’s roast turkey recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 large turkey (12-18 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning (fresh, not from 1997)
- 2 onions, quartered
- 3 celery ribs, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1/2 bunch fresh sage
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened (or flavored butter recipe)
- Meat thermometer
Instructions:
- Prep the turkey: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and remove any giblets or neck from the cavity.
- Season the bird: In a small bowl, combine black pepper, kosher salt, and poultry seasoning. Rub the mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin.
- Make the herb butter: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter with your favorite herbs. Chef John recommends rosemary, sage, and thyme, but feel free to get creative!
- Stuff the turkey: Loosen the skin over the turkey breast and gently insert the herb butter underneath. Spread the remaining butter over the entire turkey.
- Prepare the roasting pan: Place the onions, celery, carrots, rosemary, sage, and bay leaf in the bottom of a large roasting pan. Add a few inches of water to the pan.
- Roast the turkey: Place the turkey, breast-side up, on a rack in the roasting pan. Roast for 15-18 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Rest and carve: Remove the turkey 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 flavorful turkey.
Tips from Chef John:
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the most important tool for ensuring your turkey is cooked to perfection. Don’t rely on guesswork! ️
- Don’t overcook: Overcooked turkey is dry and tough. Follow the recommended cooking times and use a thermometer to be sure. ⏰
- Let it rest: This is crucial for juicy, flavorful turkey. Don’t skip this step! ⏳
- Get creative with the herb butter: Experiment with different herb combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.
- Make it your own: This recipe is a guideline, not a rule. Feel free to adjust the seasonings and ingredients to your liking.
FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of butter? Yes, you can use salted butter or even flavored butter. Just adjust the amount of salt you add to the seasoning mixture accordingly.
- Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? Yes, you can use dried herbs, but fresh herbs will give you the best flavor.
- Can I stuff the turkey? Yes, you can stuff the turkey after you’ve inserted the herb butter under the skin. Just make sure the stuffing is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Can I use a different roasting pan? Yes, you can use a roasting pan with a rack or without. Just make sure the pan is large enough to accommodate the turkey.
- Can I roast the turkey in a different way? Yes, you can roast the turkey in a bag or even in a slow cooker. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Additional Resources:
- Chef John’s Roast Turkey Video: https://foodwishes.blogspot.com/2008/11/how-to-cook-turkey-part-1-no-fail.html
- Chef John’s Allrecipes Page: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/219079/chef-johns-roast-turkey-and-gravy/
With this recipe and Chef John’s guidance, you’re guaranteed to impress your guests with a delicious and juicy roast turkey. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of Chef John’s culinary expertise!