Description
Gordon Ramsay’s Roast Turkey is a juicy and tender turkey, perfectly seasoned and roasted to golden-brown perfection. The bird is seasoned with fresh herbs, butter, and lemon for a deliciously rich flavor. This recipe guarantees a flavorful turkey with crispy skin and moist meat that will steal the show at any holiday meal.
Ingredients
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1 whole turkey (about 12-14 lbs)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
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1 lemon, halved
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1 head of garlic, halved horizontally
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1 bunch fresh thyme
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1 bunch fresh rosemary
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Herb Butter:
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
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1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For Roasting:
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1 onion, quartered
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1 cup dry white wine (optional, or use broth)
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1-2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions
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Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
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Prepare the turkey: Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. This helps the skin become crispy when roasting. Rub the turkey with olive oil and season generously inside and out with salt and pepper.
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Herb butter: In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, chopped thyme, rosemary, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper.
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Stuff the turkey: Carefully lift the skin of the turkey and spread half of the herb butter directly under the skin, especially over the breast. Rub the remaining butter on the outside of the turkey. Stuff the cavity of the turkey with the halved lemon, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
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Roasting setup: Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Scatter the quartered onion around the bottom of the pan. Pour the white wine or broth into the pan (this helps keep the turkey moist while roasting).
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Roast the turkey: Place the turkey in the oven and roast at 450°F (230°C) for 30 minutes. This high heat helps to crisp up the skin. After 30 minutes, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the turkey with the pan juices every 45 minutes.
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Rest the turkey: Once the turkey is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat moist.
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Serve: Carve the turkey and serve with your favorite sides and gravy. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
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For extra flavor, consider adding a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme to the roasting pan for the turkey to cook over.
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If you don’t have a roasting rack, you can use sliced onions or vegetables to elevate the turkey slightly.
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If you prefer a more traditional gravy, use the pan drippings and make a quick gravy with flour and broth.