Have you ever wanted a beautiful roast turkey dinner without waiting all day? You are not alone. This Fast Garlic Herb Spatchcock Turkey for Weeknights is the perfect solution. It is so quick and easy.
By flattening the bird, it cooks much faster and more evenly. You get that amazing golden brown skin and juicy meat every single time. It looks just as impressive as a traditional turkey, trust me.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, it is incredibly fast. A whole turkey dinner on a weeknight is totally possible with this method. It is a game changer for busy families or anyone craving a special meal.
The flavor is simply amazing. The garlic and herb mixture gets all over the turkey. Every bite is packed with savory goodness. Plus, the skin gets extra crispy because more of it is exposed to the oven’s heat.
This is one of the best Oven Roasted Turkey Recipes Thanksgiving can offer, especially if you want to save time. It’s a fantastic recipe for beginners too. It might sound fancy, but it is really simple to do.
Ingredients
- 10 to 12 pound turkey
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 sprigs rosemary (chopped)
- 4 sprigs thyme (chopped)
- 4 leaves sage (chopped)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
First things first, get your oven ready. Preheat it to 425°F. This high heat is key to getting that wonderful crispy skin on your turkey.
Step 2: Prep The Turkey
Now for the main event. Here is How To Spatchcock A Turkey. Start by removing the neck and giblets from inside the bird. You can save those for making gravy later.
Place the turkey breast side down on a cutting board. The legs should be facing you. Grab a good pair of kitchen shears. Carefully cut along each side of the backbone.
Once the backbone is out, open the turkey up like a book. Flip it over so the breast side is up. Use the heel of your hand to press down firmly on the breastbone. You should hear a little crack. This flattens the bird completely. Also, snip off the wing tips.
Step 3: Season The Bird
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, chopped herbs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This is your delicious flavor paste.
Using a brush, coat the inside of the turkey with this mixture. Then, flip it over and brush the outside generously. Make sure you get it everywhere for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Roast The Turkey
Place your seasoned turkey on a large baking sheet. Now you are ready to Bake Turkey In Oven. Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven.
Roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Every 20 to 30 minutes, baste the turkey with the drippings from the pan. This keeps it moist.
Your turkey is done when a meat thermometer reads 185°F in the thigh and 165°F in the breast. It will look absolutely gorgeous.
Step 5: Rest Carve And Serve
Take the turkey out of the oven. Loosely cover it with foil. This next step is very important. Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before you carve it. This lets the juices settle back into the meat.
After it has rested, carve it up and serve it hot. Get ready for everyone to be amazed by your cooking skills!
How To Store Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you. Let the turkey cool completely. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze it. Carve the meat off the bones and place it in a freezer safe bag. It will last for about 3 months in the freezer. Perfect for future meals.
Tips
For even crispier skin, pat the turkey dry with paper towels before you apply the herb mixture. A dry surface helps the skin get that perfect crunch when it roasts.
Do not be afraid to use other herbs. Parsley or a little bit of oregano would also be delicious in the rub. Feel free to get creative with what you have on hand.
Letting the turkey sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting can help it cook more evenly. Just a small trick that makes a big difference.
Conclusion
This Fast Garlic Herb Spatchcock Turkey for Weeknights is truly a fantastic recipe. It saves time, delivers amazing flavor, and guarantees a juicy, perfectly cooked bird every time.
Whether for a special weeknight dinner or your next holiday gathering, this method will not disappoint. Give it a try and see how easy a beautiful roast turkey can be.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Size Turkey?
Yes, you can. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time. A larger turkey will need more time, while a smaller one will need less. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
What Should I Serve With This Turkey?
This turkey goes well with so many things. Classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a simple salad are all great choices. Cranberry sauce is also a must have.
Do I Really Need To Let It Rest?
Absolutely. Resting is a critical step. It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it much more moist and flavorful. Do not skip this part.
Fast Garlic Herb Spatchcock Turkey for Weeknights
Enjoy a beautiful roast turkey dinner on any weeknight with this simple spatchcock method. Flattening the bird ensures it cooks quickly and evenly, resulting in incredibly juicy meat and perfectly golden-brown, crispy skin. A flavorful garlic and herb rub makes every bite delicious.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. This high heat is essential for getting crispy skin.
- Prepare the turkey: Remove the neck and giblets. Place the turkey breast-side down on a cutting board. Using sturdy kitchen shears, carefully cut along both sides of the backbone to remove it.
- Flip the turkey over and use the heel of your hand to press down firmly on the breastbone until you hear a crack, flattening the bird completely.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful herb paste.
- Generously brush the herb mixture all over the turkey, making sure to coat the inside and outside. Place the seasoned turkey on a large baking sheet.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. Baste the turkey with pan drippings every 20-30 minutes to keep it moist.
- The turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 185°F and the breast reads 165°F.
- Remove the turkey from the oven, cover it loosely with foil, and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist turkey.
Notes
For even crispier skin, thoroughly pat the turkey dry with paper towels before you apply the herb and oil mixture.
Feel free to customize the herbs. Fresh parsley or a little bit of oregano would also be delicious additions to the rub.
Letting the turkey sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting can help it cook more evenly for a perfect result.
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