Get ready to transform your holiday dinner from ordinary to extraordinary with this mind-blowing Jive Turkey recipe that will have your guests begging for seconds! Imagine a turkey so juicy, so flavorful, that it practically melts in your mouth - a culinary masterpiece that takes your traditional roast to a whole new level of deliciousness. This isn't just another turkey recipe; this is a game-changing, flavor-packed experience that will revolutionize the way you think about holiday cooking.
Prep Time: 12 hrs
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 15 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon allspice berries
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon rosemary
- 1 tablespoon sage
- 4 quarts water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the brine for the turkey. In a large pot, combine 4 quarts of water, 1 cup of kosher salt, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved.
- Add 1 tablespoon of black peppercorns, 1 tablespoon of allspice berries, 1 tablespoon of thyme, 1 tablespoon of rosemary, and 1 tablespoon of sage to the pot. Bring the brine to a simmer, then remove it from heat and let it cool completely.
- Once the brine has cooled, place the whole turkey in a large container or a brining bag. Pour the brine over the turkey, ensuring it is fully submerged. If necessary, add additional water to cover the turkey completely. Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or overnight.
- After the turkey has brined, remove it from the brine and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). While the oven is heating, let the turkey sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Add additional herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and sage if desired, and mix well. Brush the melted herb butter all over the turkey, making sure to coat the skin evenly.
- Season the turkey with salt and pepper to taste. Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. This will allow air to circulate around the turkey for even cooking.
- Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for approximately 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the breast and thigh. Baste the turkey with the drippings every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Once the turkey is done roasting, remove it from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender turkey.
- Carve the turkey and serve it with your favorite sides. Enjoy your Jive Turkey Brined Herbed Slow Roasted turkey!
Tips
- Brining is Key: Don't rush the brining process. Give the turkey at least 12 hours to absorb all those incredible herb and salt flavors.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey reaches exactly 165°F - no guesswork, just perfect results every time.
- Room Temperature Roasting: Let the turkey sit out for 30 minutes before roasting to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Basting Brilliance: Baste every 30 minutes to keep the meat incredibly moist and develop a beautiful golden-brown skin.
- Resting is Crucial: Always let your turkey rest for at least 30 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing maximum tenderness.
- Herb Butter Magic: Don't skimp on the herb butter - it's the secret weapon that infuses incredible flavor into every bite.Pro tip: If you're cooking for a smaller group, you can easily adjust the recipe proportions while maintaining the same incredible flavor profile!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
