Imagine a holiday centerpiece that will have your guests swooning with every single bite - a turkey so incredibly juicy and bursting with vibrant citrus and spicy ginger notes that it transforms your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Orange Ginger Glazed Turkey isn't just another roasted bird; it's a flavor explosion that combines the brightness of fresh orange juice, the warmth of honey, and the zingy kick of ginger to create a show-stopping main dish that will become the talk of your dinner table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 90 mins
Total Time: 100 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (10-12 lbs)
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Remove turkey from refrigerator 1 hour before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Pat the turkey dry completely with paper towels, ensuring the skin is moisture-free for optimal browning.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, grated fresh ginger, and soy sauce to create the glaze. Set aside.
- Season the turkey inside and out generously with salt and pepper, paying special attention to the cavity and under the skin.
- Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan. Tuck wing tips under the body to prevent burning.
- Brush approximately one-third of the prepared glaze over the entire surface of the turkey, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Roast for approximately 60 minutes.
- Remove foil and baste the turkey with additional glaze every 15 minutes during the remaining cooking time.
- Continue roasting until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C), approximately 90 minutes total.
- Remove turkey from oven and let rest for 20-25 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme before serving. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the carved turkey.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always allow your turkey to come to room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking.
- Dry Skin = Crispy Skin: Pat the turkey completely dry with paper towels to achieve that irresistibly golden, crispy exterior.
- Glaze Mastery: Apply the glaze in stages to build layers of flavor and prevent burning. Baste every 15 minutes during the last half of cooking.
- Don't Skip Resting: Letting the turkey rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is incredibly moist.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the thigh - 165°F (74°C) is your target for perfectly cooked turkey.
- Fresh Herb Finale: Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme just before serving to add a beautiful aromatic touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 179kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 113mg
