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Simple Oven-Cooked Turkey

Simply Cooked Thanksgiving Turkey

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4 min read
Effortless Preparation of Delicious Roasted Turkey
Effortless Preparation of Delicious Roasted Turkey

Simple Oven-Cooked Turkey

Getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner? This straightforward recipe will take the hassle out of cooking a turkey, with just a handful of high-flavor ingredients and a simple cooking method. Plus, you'll be left with some delectable Easy Turkey Gravy to savor. To ensure a thawed-to-perfection turkey, give it plenty of time in the fridge before roasting.

You'll Need:

  • A 12-15 pound natural turkey
  • Generous pinches of kosher salt
  • Vegetable oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
  • 1/2 lemon
  • 1/2 yellow onion, quartered
  • 1 celery stick, cut into 3 pieces

Here's What to Do:

  1. The night before roasting, empty the turkey's cavity, discard the giblets, and reserve the neck. Give the turkey a good rub with salt, including some beneath the skin covering the breast. Pop it in a dish or on a baking sheet, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F with a rack in the lower third.
  3. Once you're ready to cook the turkey, pat it dry with paper towels, tuck the wing tips back and under, and coat it with vegetable oil. Season generously with salt and pepper, inside and out, and under the skin too.
  4. Break the butter into small chunks and stick them under the breast skin. Place the lemon, onion, and celery inside the cavity.
  5. Position the turkey, breast down, on a roasting rack set in a roasting pan and put the reserved neck in the bottom of the pan. Roast for 45 minutes, basting it every 20 minutes while the juices collect.
  6. After 45 minutes, flip the turkey onto its back and continue to baste and cook for another 2-2.5 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted in the inner thigh reads 170°F and the juices run clear. Pull the turkey from the oven, let it rest 20-30 minutes, and then carve it up. If you're making Turkey Gravy, be sure to keep the neck in the pan and the vegetables from the cavity.

Useful Hints:

  • Curious about fixing dry turkey? We've got the solution for you.
  • Need to quickly correct undercooked turkey? Here's a simple way to do it.

Preparing an Easy Roast Turkey along with amazing Turkey Gravy involves several steps, from thawing to cooking and serving. Here's a comprehensive and informative guide:

Ingredients:

For the Turkey:- 1 whole turkey (12-pound): Skin on, fully defrosted.- Several generous pinches of salt: For seasoning.- ¼ cup vegetable oil: For coating the turkey.- Freshly ground black pepper: To taste.- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: For flavoring the turkey.- 1/2 lemon: For stuffing and garnish.- 1/2 yellow onion, quartered: For flavoring the cavity and basting.- 1 celery stick, cut into 3 pieces: For flavoring the cavity and basting.

For Gravy: Total yield may be adjusted based on individual requirements.- 1-2 tablespoons butter: For making the roux.- 1-2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: For thickening the gravy.- 1 ½ cup turkey or chicken broth: Adjust based on desired consistency.- Optional: Worcestershire sauce, herbs for added flavor.

Equipment:

  • Large roasting pan: To hold the turkey and pan juices.
  • Cutting board: For preparing ingredients.
  • Oven-safe string: To tie turkey legs.
  • Meat thermometer: To ensure turkey is cooked to safe temperature.
  • Saucepans: One for melting butter and one for making gravy.
  • Whisk and wooden spoon: For whisking and stirring.

Instructions:

Thawing

  1. Thaw in the Fridge: Place the turkey in its original packaging in a deep pan on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator, allowing 24 hours for every 3-4 pounds (1.5-2 kg).
  2. Cold Water Thawing (Faster): Submerge the turkey in a sealed bag in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes, allowing about 30 minutes per pound.

Preparing the Turkey

  1. Remove Giblets: Pull out neck and giblets from the turkey cavity.
  2. Rinse and Pat Dry: Rinse the turkey and pat it dry with paper towels.

Cooking the Turkey

  1. Preheat Oven: To 425°F (220°C) for standard ovens, or 390°F (200°C) for fan-forced.
  2. Arrange Pan: Line the roasting pan with foil. Place halved garlic heads and herbs in the pan.
  3. Season and Stuff Turkey: If using, stuff with garlic halves, lemon slices, and herbs. Drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Roast Turkey:
  5. Place turkey breast-side down on the pan.
  6. Roast for 30 minutes for smaller turkeys (<13 lbs), or 45 minutes for larger ones (>14 lbs).
  7. Flip the turkey breast-side up, baste with pan juices.
  8. Baste frequently and roast for another hour, then add remaining butter and roast for 30 minutes more.
  9. Rest the Turkey: Remove from oven, let rest for 15-30 minutes covered with foil before carving.

Making Gravy

  1. Strain Pan Juices: Reserve the juices from the roasting pan.
  2. Make Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, then slowly whisk in flour until smooth.
  3. Add Broth: Gradually whisk in turkey or chicken broth. Simmer until thickened to desired consistency.
  4. Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, or herbs if desired.
  5. This Thanksgiving, accumulate wonderful memories with the Super Simple Roast Turkey recipe, complete with homemade gravy.
  6. With the turkey thawed and ready, you can follow the baking instructions for a delectable meal that will leave everyone satisfied.
  7. As you roast the turkey, make sure to maintain the suggested temperature for perfect results, and don't forget to save the cooking juices for an amazing Turkey Gravy.
  8. After the turkey has been baked, allow it to rest and use the accumulated pan juices and vegetables from the cavity to make a rich and flavorful gravy that will complete your Thanksgiving feast.

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