Marinated Turkey

Marinated Turkey Recipe

Hello! We are going to prepare a delicious marinated turkey, ideal for the meat to be juicy and full of flavor. This dish is perfect for those looking for a tender and aromatic result, thanks to its special marinade that enhances the natural flavors of the turkey. The key lies in the preparation and resting time so that each bite is a true culinary experience.

Preparation time

For your marinated turkey to be perfect, it is important to respect the preparation and marinating times.

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Marinade: 24 hours
• Total: 24 hours and 15 minutes
• Servings: 1 turkey (15 lb)
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

For the marinade:

• 10 raw garlic cloves
• 1 3/4 cups vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup natural orange juice
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 3 chipotles in adobo
• 2 tablespoons yellow chili paste
• 4–6 thin orange slices
• 4 sage leaves, finely chopped

For the turkey:

• 1 15-pound whole turkey

If you don't have access to chipotles in adobo, you can substitute them with a mixture of roasted bell peppers with a little chili powder to maintain the smoky and spicy touch. Yellow aji paste can be replaced with a mixture of fresh yellow peppers and a touch of cumin.

Utensils we will use

• Large pot or wide baking dish
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Blender or food processor
• Measuring spoons
• Paper towels for drying the turkey
• Deep container for marinating
• Plastic wrap or lid to cover the turkey during marinating

Preparation

1. Prepare the turkey for the marinade

1. Thaw and dry the turkey. Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and clean before starting. Remove excess moisture with paper towels so the marinade adheres better.
2. Prior brining (optional but recommended). If you decide to brine, submerge the turkey in a mixture of water with kosher salt for 24 hours to improve juiciness.

2. Prepare the marinade

1. Wash and peel the garlic. The garlic cloves must be clean to avoid bitter flavors.
2. Blend the liquid ingredients with spices. In a blender, place the vegetable oil, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, kosher salt, oregano, cumin, coriander powder, onion powder, chipotles in adobo, and yellow chili paste.
3. Process until a homogeneous mixture is obtained. This ensures an even distribution of flavors.

3. Apply the marinade to the turkey

1. Spread well over the turkey. Place the turkey on a large tray and, using a spoon or your hands, distribute the marinade inside and outside the turkey, making sure to cover it completely to impregnate every part.
2. Place the orange slices and sage. These provide freshness and a special aroma. Place them on top of the turkey.
3. Cover and refrigerate. Use plastic wrap to cover the tray and let everything marinate for 24 hours in the refrigerator.

4. Cook the turkey

1. Preheat the oven to 200ºC (390°F). This allows the turkey to start cooking evenly from the beginning.
2. Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and pat dry lightly. This helps the skin brown better.
3. Bake the turkey. The time will depend on the size, but allow approximately 3 to 4 hours for a 15-pound turkey, until the juices run clear when the meat is pierced.

To finish and serve

Once the turkey is cooked, let it rest for about 20 minutes before carving so that the juices distribute evenly. Remove the sage leaves if you prefer, adjust salt if necessary, and serve hot with your favorite side dish. To enhance the flavor, you can accompany it with a fresh salad like spinach pasta salad or a traditional side dish like mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables.

How to get a juicy and flavorful turkey: essential tips

• Marinate the turkey for at least 24 hours. This time is vital for the meat to absorb all the flavors and remain juicy.
• Use acidic ingredients in the marinade. Vinegar and citrus fruits like orange and lemon soften muscle fibers.
• Massage the turkey with the marinade. Don't hesitate to spread and massage so that the mixture penetrates well.
• Don't forget to pat the turkey dry before baking. For crispy, golden skin, moisture must be minimized.
• Rest after cooking. Let the meat rest to retain juices and improve texture when slicing.

When is it ideal to enjoy marinated turkey

Marinated turkey is an excellent option for family celebrations, especially on dates like Christmas and Thanksgiving. Its preparation, with marinated flavors and characteristic aromas, turns any meal into a special occasion. It is also ideal for outdoor dinners in summer seasons, as its fresh and spicy flavor combines very well with salads and light side dishes.

Furthermore, this dish can be the centerpiece of intimate celebrations or gatherings of friends where a main course that impresses without complicating your life is sought. The marinade and slow cooking guarantee a gourmet result at home, in line with the best traditional cuisines.

Estimated nutritional information per serving

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Proteins: 45 g
• Fats: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g

These values are approximate per serving, considering only the meat of the marinated turkey.

4 common mistakes when marinating turkey and how to avoid them

• Not marinating long enough. Many cooks rush the process. The marinade should act for at least 24 hours for optimal flavor and texture.
• Not completely covering the turkey. If parts are left without marinade, you will lose texture and flavor.
• Forgetting to dry the turkey before baking. This makes the difference between crispy and soft skin.
• Using too much salt in the marinade. It can saturate the flavor and affect the texture; it's better to use kosher salt which distributes better.

5 Side Dishes that Complement the Flavor of Marinated Turkey

• Pasta salad with spinach and bacon
• Sweet potato and sage risotto
• Cranberry Preserve
• Homemade milk bread
• Roast turkey with plums and white wine

These options enhance the flavor of the turkey and provide different textures to make the experience complete and delicious.

Share your experience

Cooking is for experimenting and sharing. Do you dare to prepare this marinated turkey? Tell us how it turned out, what variations you tried, or what tricks you used to achieve that unique flavor. Your experience can inspire others and together we enjoy the The Happy Turkey on every table.

Culinary glossary

• Marinate: To let food rest in a mixture of liquids and spices so that it takes on flavor and softens.
• Brine: A solution of water and salt where meat is submerged to improve its juiciness.
• Aji amarillo paste: Concentrate made from ground aji amarillo, provides characteristic Peruvian color and flavor.
• Kosher salt: Salt with larger crystals, ideal for cooking because it dissolves slowly.
• Chipotles in adobo: Dried and smoked jalapeño chilies in sauce, used to give a spicy and smoky flavor.