Easy Herb-Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
Adapted from Ina Garten [1]
Notes
If you have extra time, let the turkey sit at room temperature for an hour after it's been prepped; this will allow some of the salt and aromatics to infuse the flesh.
Ingredients
- 12- to 14-pound turkey, rinsed and patted dry, neck and giblets reserved for stock [2]
2 tablespoons minced garlic (from about 6-8 cloves)
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon dry mustard [3]
2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary, plus whole sprigs for the cavity
2 tablespoons minced fresh sage, plus whole sprigs for the cavity
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme, plus whole sprigs for the cavity
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus 1 lemon, quartered for the cavity
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line the v-rack of a roasting pan [4] with heavy-duty tinfoil, and use a paring knife to poke holes in it every inch or so (this will protect the turkey from sticking to the rack, while allowing the drippings to accumulate on the bottom of the pan).
- Whisk together all ingredients (except the turkey, herb sprigs, and quartered lemon) in a small mixing bowl.
- Remove any remaining feathers from the turkey with tweezers. Gently loosen the skin from the flesh on the breasts, thighs, and drumsticks, and spread slightly more than 1/3 of the herb paste under the skin directly onto the flesh of these parts.
- Spread a scant 1/3 of the herb paste in the cavity of the turkey, and the remaining herb paste on the skin, focusing on the wings (since these aren't seasoned yet).
- Place turkey, breast-side down on the prepped v-rack and add 1-1/2 cups water to the bottom of the pan (this will prevent the drippings from burning). Stuff the cavity with the whole herb sprigs and quartered lemon.
- Roast for 45 minutes, then using clean oven mitts, or a wad of paper towels, flip the turkey so that the breast-side is facing up, and return to the oven.
- Roast for an additional 50 to 60 minutes, or until the thickest part of the thigh registers 170-175°, and the thickest part of the breast is 160°.
- Remove the turkey to a carving board, and let rest 30 minutes before carving.
Information
- Category
- Poultry, Main Dishes
- Cuisine
- North American
- Yield
- Serves 10-12