Gordon Ramsay's Turkey Recipe
Gordon Ramsay's Turkey Recipe is famous for producing a juicy, flavorful and beautifully golden turkey. It is a popular choice for holiday dinners and family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Turkey
- 12-14 pound whole turkey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
For the Herb Butter
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Cavity
- 1 lemon halved
- 1 onion quartered
- 1 head garlic halved
- 4 fresh rosemary sprigs
- 4 fresh thyme sprigs
For the Roasting Pan
- 2 onions sliced
- 2 carrots chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
Prepare the Turkey
- Remove the turkey from the refrigerator about one hour before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the skin become crispy and golden during roasting.
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Starting with a hot oven helps create beautiful color on the turkey skin while sealing in moisture.
Make the Herb Butter
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary and lemon zest. Mix until everything is evenly blended and fragrant.
Season the Turkey
- Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the turkey. Make sure to season both the outside and inside cavity for maximum flavor.
Add Herb Butter Under the Skin
- Carefully loosen the skin over the breast. Spread some herb butter underneath. This step helps keep the breast meat juicy and flavorful.
Fill the Cavity
- Place lemon halves, onion quarters, garlic, rosemary and thyme inside the turkey cavity. These ingredients add wonderful aroma while roasting.
Prepare the Roasting Pan
- Arrange onions, carrots and celery in the roasting pan. Pour in the chicken broth. Place the turkey on top of the vegetables.
Roast the Turkey
- Rub the remaining herb butter over the entire turkey. Roast for about 30 minutes at 425°F. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F.
Continue Cooking
- Roast until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste occasionally using the pan juices.
Rest Before Serving
- Remove the turkey from the oven and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This keeps the juices inside.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Bring turkey to room temperature before roasting.
- Pat the skin completely dry.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible.
- Do not skip the resting period.
- Add sage for extra flavor.
- Try orange zest instead of lemon.
- Save pan drippings for gravy.
- Avoid opening the oven frequently.
- Carve with a sharp knife.