How to Cook a Perfectly Juicy Roast Turkey with Lemon and Herb Stuffing
Roast turkey is a classic centerpiece for any holiday meal. With the right techniques and ingredients, you can cook a perfectly juicy roast turkey with delicious lemon and herb stuffing that will impress your guests. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a mouthwatering turkey that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 stalks of celery, chopped
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 4 cups of chicken or turkey broth
- 2 cups of breadcrumbs
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
2. Make the Lemon and Herb Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped thyme, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.
3. Season the Turkey:
Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Season the cavity of the turkey with salt and pepper. Place the quartered onion, chopped celery, and chopped carrots inside the cavity.
4. Loosen the Skin:
Gently separate the skin from the turkey breast by sliding your fingers under the skin. Be careful not to tear the skin.
5. Rub the Butter Mixture:
Take half of the lemon and herb butter mixture and rub it under the skin of the turkey, making sure to coat the breast meat evenly. Rub the remaining butter mixture over the outside of the turkey.
6. Tie the Legs:
Tie the legs of the turkey together with kitchen twine to help the turkey cook evenly and hold its shape.
7. Roast the Turkey:
Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Pour the chicken or turkey broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the turkey moist during cooking.
8. Cover and Roast:
Cover the turkey loosely with foil and roast in the preheated oven for about 3 to 3 1/2 hours, basting the turkey with the pan juices every 30 minutes.
9. Make the Stuffing:
In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the remaining lemon and herb butter mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Stuff the Turkey:
About 1 hour before the turkey is done, remove the foil and fill the cavity of the turkey with the prepared stuffing. Return the turkey to the oven to finish cooking.
11. Check the Temperature:
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. It should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
12. Rest the Turkey:
Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the turkey to become more tender.
13. Carve and Serve:
Carve the turkey and serve with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy your perfectly juicy roast turkey with lemon and herb stuffing!