Oven Roasted Citrus Turkey

Oven Roasted Citrus Turkey is a flavorful, juicy turkey dish that’s perfect for holiday meals or any special occasion. The citrus (like oranges, lemons, or even grapefruits) infuses the turkey with fresh, zesty flavor while keeping the meat moist and tender. This recipe combines the bright, refreshing taste of citrus with classic herbs and seasonings for a beautifully roasted turkey with crispy skin and a succulent interior.

Here’s a simple recipe for Oven Roasted Citrus Turkey:

Oven Roasted Citrus Turkey

Ingredients:

• 1 (10-12 lb) whole turkey, thawed if frozen
• 2 oranges, quartered
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 1 lime, quartered
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4-6 cloves of garlic, smashed
• 1/4 cup olive oil or unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (for color)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for a hint of warmth)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine (for the roasting pan)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

2. Prepare the Turkey:

• Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey (usually located in the cavity). Pat the turkey dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.

3. Season the Turkey:

• In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil (or melted butter), kosher salt, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and cumin (if using).
• Rub this seasoning mixture all over the turkey, including the cavity and under the skin where possible (especially over the breasts) for maximum flavor.

4. Stuff the Turkey:

• Stuff the cavity of the turkey with the quartered oranges, lemon, lime, onion, and garlic. These citrus fruits will infuse the turkey with fresh flavor as it roasts.

5. Prepare the Roasting Pan:

• Pour chicken broth or white wine into the bottom of the roasting pan. This will help keep the turkey moist and create a delicious base for gravy later. You can also add a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme to the liquid for extra flavor.
• Place a roasting rack in the pan, then set the turkey on the rack breast-side up.

6. Roast the Turkey:

• Roast the turkey in the preheated oven. General rule of thumb is to roast the turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound if unstuffed (or 15-18 minutes per pound if stuffed). For a 10-12 lb turkey, this will take approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
• Baste occasionally with the pan juices (about once every 45 minutes) for a golden, crispy skin. If you prefer, you can also cover the turkey loosely with foil for the first hour to keep it moist, and remove it for the last part of the roasting time to allow the skin to crisp up.

7. Check the Internal Temperature:

• The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh (without touching the bone) and 160°F (71°C) in the breast. If the skin is browning too quickly, loosely cover the turkey with aluminum foil and continue roasting until the turkey reaches the correct temperature.
• For an extra juicy turkey, you can tent it with foil and let it rest for about 20-30 minutes before carving.

8. Carve and Serve:

• Once the turkey is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest. This helps redistribute the juices and makes carving easier.
• Carve the turkey and serve with the roasted citrus fruit from the cavity as a garnish or squeeze the citrus over the meat for an extra burst of freshness.

9. Optional Gravy:

• Use the pan drippings to make a delicious gravy. Pour the drippings through a strainer into a saucepan, then bring to a simmer. If needed, you can thicken it by making a roux with butter and flour, then whisking it into the drippings to reach the desired consistency.

Storage:

• Leftover turkey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• You can also freeze turkey meat for up to 2-3 months for later use in sandwiches, soups, or casseroles.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve your Oven Roasted Citrus Turkey with classic sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, and cranberry sauce for a traditional holiday meal.
• Add a refreshing citrus salad or roasted vegetables to complement the citrus flavors in the turkey.

Tips & Variations:

• Citrus Variations: Feel free to experiment with other citrus fruits like grapefruit or tangerines for a different flavor profile.
• Herb Butter: For extra richness, mix some of the herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley) into softened butter and rub it under the skin of the turkey before roasting.
• Dry Brine: If you have time, you can dry-brine the turkey by rubbing it with a salt and sugar mixture and letting it rest in the fridge for 12-24 hours. This will help ensure a juicier, more flavorful bird.

This Oven Roasted Citrus Turkey brings together fresh, vibrant flavors with the comfort of a classic roast turkey. The citrus helps keep the meat juicy and imparts a bright, refreshing note that balances the savory herbs and seasonings. Perfect for any special occasion! Enjoy!