Description
Citrus and Sage Roasted Turkey is the ultimate centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast, combining tender, juicy turkey with zesty citrus and aromatic sage. This straightforward recipe ensures a flavorful experience that will impress your guests and create lasting memories around the dinner table. With its golden crispy skin and succulent meat, this dish is perfect for any holiday gathering or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12–14 lb whole turkey
- 1 cup fresh sage leaves, packed
- 2 oranges, cut into wedges
- 2 lemons, cut into wedges
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
- For the brine: 1 gallon water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup salt
Instructions
- Brine the Turkey: In a large pot, combine water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil until dissolved. Cool completely, then submerge the turkey in brine for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325?F (165?C).
- Prepare Aromatics: Remove turkey from brine and pat dry. Stuff cavity with citrus wedges and sage leaves.
- Baste with Butter: Brush melted butter generously over the turkey's surface. Season with salt and pepper.
- Roast Turkey: Place turkey breast side up on a roasting rack in a pan. Roast for about 13-15 minutes per pound or until a meat thermometer reads 165?F (74?C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Rest Before Carving: Allow the turkey to rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: Approximately 3 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 6 oz (170g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 130mg