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Citrus Butter Sage Roasted Turkey

Citrus Butter Sage Roasted Turkey
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The Citrus Butter Sage Roasted Turkey is a flavorful and juicy main dish that boasts the bright zest of fresh citrus and the rich creaminess of butter infused with earthy sage. Perfect for holiday celebrations, this recipe is simple to prepare and delivers a tender, aromatic turkey with golden, crispy skin that will impress any guest.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • Whole turkey (12-14 lbs): Choose a fresh or thawed bird for even cooking and best texture.
  • Unsalted butter (1 cup): Softened for easy mixing and to baste the bird with luscious flavor.
  • Fresh sage leaves (about 2 tablespoons): Chopped finely to release fragrance directly into the butter.
  • Citrus zest and juice (1 orange, 1 lemon): Both zest and juice brighten flavor and tenderize the meat.
  • Garlic (4 cloves): Minced to add subtle pungency and depth under the citrus notes.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season generously to enhance and balance all flavors.
  • Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For rubbing on the skin to achieve that irresistible golden-brown crispiness.

Optional Aromatics

  • Onion, carrot, and celery: Aromatics placed inside the cavity or roasting pan for enhanced aroma and flavor.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Citrus Butter Sage Mixture: Start by combining softened unsalted butter with finely chopped fresh sage, minced garlic, and the zest and juice from your orange and lemon. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth, fragrant butter blend ready to infuse the turkey with vibrant flavors.
  2. Clean and Season the Turkey: Rinse the turkey and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Generously season the turkey inside and out with salt and freshly ground black pepper to build a flavorful base.
  3. Apply the Citrus Butter Under and Over the Skin: Gently loosen the turkey skin from the breast and legs without tearing. Using your hands or a spoon, spread a good amount of the citrus butter mixture under the skin for intense flavor and moisture. Then, rub the remaining butter all over the skin’s surface, ensuring every inch is covered.
  4. Stuff and Truss the Turkey: Place onion, celery, and carrot pieces inside the cavity along with a few extra citrus slices if desired. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the bird to promote even cooking and a graceful presentation.
  5. Roast to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a large pan. Brush the skin lightly with olive oil to help crisp it. Roast the bird, basting every 30-45 minutes with pan juices, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast — usually about 3 to 3.5 hours for a 12-14 lb turkey.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the turkey from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute for tender, flavorful slices.

Notes

  • Butter at room temperature: Makes it easier to blend with herbs and citrus zest smoothly.
  • Pat dry the skin: Dry skin crisps up much better during roasting.
  • Use a roasting rack: Elevating the turkey allows hot air to circulate and avoid soggy bottom skin.
  • Invest in a meat thermometer: Ensures perfectly cooked, safe turkey without guesswork.
  • Baste sparingly: Too much basting cools the oven; limit it to keep crispy skin.
  • Rest the turkey: Essential for juicy slices and to avoid drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey, roasted turkey, holiday turkey, citrus butter sage, holiday recipe, Thanksgiving, Christmas turkey, juicy turkey, sage roasted turkey

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/citrus-butter-sage-roasted-turkey/