Introduction
Roasting a turkey is a beloved tradition, especially around festive occasions. This recipe brings together aromatic herbs, garlic, and a flavorful mayonnaise rub to create a succulent and tender turkey that will make your gatherings memorable. With a few simple steps and quality ingredients, you can impress your family and friends with this delicious centerpiece.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
16-pound whole turkey
10 cloves garlic, divided
1 bunch fresh rosemary
1 bunch fresh thyme
1 bunch fresh sage leaves
1½ cups mayonnaise
2 teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon ground paprika
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
3 small onions, sliced into quarters
2 lemons, sliced into wedges
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Prep Time
1 hour
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: Approximately 4 hours
Total Time: 5 hours including resting time
Yield: Serves about 12-16 people
Following these steps and using these ingredients, you’ll have a beautifully roasted turkey that deserves a spot at your dinner table. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the joy of gathering with your loved ones!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Turkey
Remove the turkey from the refrigerator 1 hour before roasting and preheat the oven to 325°F.
Mince and Chop the Ingredients
Mince 4 cloves of garlic and chop the leaves from 3-4 sprigs each of rosemary, thyme, and sage.
Make the Herb Mayonnaise
Combine the minced garlic and chopped herbs with the mayonnaise, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
Prepare the Turkey for Roasting
Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Tuck the wings under the turkey and season the cavity with salt and pepper.
Fill the Cavity
Fill the cavity with the quartered onions, lemon wedges, remaining 6 cloves of garlic, and fresh herbs.
Apply the Mayonnaise Mixture
Rub the mayonnaise mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin of the breasts.
Prepare the Roasting Pan
Pour the chicken broth into the roasting pan. Add any remaining onions, lemon wedges, garlic cloves, and herbs to the pan.
Roast the Turkey
Place the turkey, breast side up, on a rack in the roasting pan. Place the turkey in the oven and roast for 15 minutes per pound (approximately 4 hours for a 16-pound turkey).
Monitor the Turkey
Check the turkey a couple of times throughout cooking. If the skin is becoming too brown, loosely cover the turkey with tin foil.
Check Temperature
Check the temperature at the meatiest part of the thigh or breast to ensure it has reached 165°F.
Rest the Turkey
Loosely cover the turkey with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Notes
Timing
The roasting time is approximately 15 minutes per pound.
Flavoring
For a more intense flavor, consider marinating the turkey overnight with the herb mayonnaise mixture.
Serving
Resting the turkey is crucial for juicy meat; do not skip this step.
Storage
Leftover turkey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute other herbs based on preference or availability, but rosemary, thyme, and sage pair well with turkey.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Turkey
Remove the turkey from the refrigerator an hour before roasting to bring it to room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
Herb and Garlic Mixture
Mince garlic and chop fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage) before combining them with mayonnaise for a flavorful rub.
Seasoning the Cavity
Season the turkey’s cavity with kosher salt and pepper, then fill it with onions, lemon wedges, and additional garlic and herbs for enhanced flavor.
Applying the Rub
Rub the mayonnaise and herb mixture over the entire surface of the turkey and under the skin for maximum flavor and moisture.
Roasting the Turkey
Place the turkey breast side up in a roasting pan with chicken broth and ensure it roasts for approximately 15 minutes per pound.
Monitoring the Cooking Process
Check the turkey periodically and cover it loosely with foil if the skin becomes too brown during roasting.
Checking for Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature at the thickest part of the turkey reaches 165°F.
Resting the Turkey
Allow the turkey to rest for 15 minutes after roasting, covering it loosely with foil before carving to retain juices.
FAQ
How long should I let the turkey rest before carving?
Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow the juices to redistribute.
Can I use other herbs besides rosemary, thyme, and sage?
Yes, you can experiment with other herbs like parsley, oregano, or tarragon depending on your flavor preference.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the rub?
You can use Greek yogurt or melted butter as substitutes for mayonnaise if desired.
Is it necessary to cover the turkey with foil?
Covering the turkey with foil is recommended if the skin starts to brown too quickly during roasting.
What should I do with leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze for longer storage.
Conclusion
Preparing a whole turkey with fresh herbs and garlic creates a flavorful and juicy centerpiece for any gathering. The combination of mayonnaise, aromatic herbs, and citrus not only keeps the turkey moist but also infuses it with delightful flavors. With careful seasoning and proper roasting techniques, your turkey will be a true highlight of the meal, sure to impress your family and friends.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Herb-Crusted Roast Chicken
Try using the same herb and garlic combination with a whole chicken for a quicker and equally delicious option.
Garlic Rosemary Grilled Vegetables
Use leftover herbs and garlic to season a mix of seasonal vegetables for a tasty side dish.
Lemon Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Toss baby potatoes with lemon, garlic, and rosemary before roasting as a perfect accompaniment to your turkey.
Sage and Thyme Stuffing
Prepare a savory stuffing using breadcrumbs, diced onions, garlic, and fresh herbs to complement the turkey.
Garlic Herb Butter Basted Corn on the Cob
Use garlic and herbs to create a flavor-packed compound butter to baste corn on the cob for a seasonal treat.
Lemon Garlic Soup
Make a comforting soup using the leftover carcass, garlic, lemon, and herbs from your turkey to create a delicious broth.
