Best Buttery Lemon Turkey Recipes

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LEMON-HERB TURKEY WITH BAY BUTTER AND GRAVY



Lemon-Herb Turkey with Bay Butter and Gravy image

Bay leaves, rosemary, and lemon zest are tucked under the skin of this turkey and gently perfume the meat with a fragrant, floral flavor. Then the roast turkey is set on fresh bay branches for a dramatic presentation.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Turkey Recipes

Time 3h45m

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
Flaky sea salt, such as Jacobsen
6 fresh bay leaves
1 bunch fresh rosemary, woody stems removed
1 turkey (14 to 16 pounds), preferably heritage, neck and giblets reserved for stock, patted dry
Peeled zest of 2 lemons, plus 3 whole lemons
1 bunch fresh thyme
2 heads garlic, halved crosswise
3 cups turkey stock or low-sodium chicken broth, plus more if needed
Freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • In a bowl, combine butter and 3 tablespoons salt. Lightly pound bay leaves and two-thirds of rosemary in a mortar-and-pestle (or roll over a few times in a sealed plastic bag with a rolling pin), keeping leaves intact.
  • Using your fingers, separate turkey skin from breasts and legs. Rub half of butter mixture under skin. Tuck bay-rosemary mixture and lemon zest evenly under skin. Season both cavities with salt; stuff with all but 3 sprigs thyme and all but 3 sprigs remaining rosemary. Rub outside of turkey all over with remaining butter mixture. Transfer turkey to a roasting pan lined with a rack and refrigerate, uncovered, at least 24 hours and up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature 1 to 2 hours before roasting.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, with rack in lower third. Prick whole lemons all over with the tines of a fork. Stuff 2 lemons into larger cavity, along with 1 head garlic; tie legs with kitchen twine. Stuff remaining lemon into neck cavity. Pour 1 cup stock into pan. Add remaining 1 head garlic.
  • Roast turkey 1 hour. Continue roasting, basting every 20 minutes, until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh (near but not touching bone) registers 165°, 1 hour, 30 minutes to 2 hours, 30 minutes more, depending on size. If pan becomes dry during roasting, add more stock, 1/2 cup at a time. Transfer turkey to a carving board or platter; let stand at least 20 minutes before carving.
  • Meanwhile, remove rack from pan. Tilt pan and skim excess fat from drippings (or use a fat separator). Place pan across 2 burners. Carefully remove lemon from neck cavity and squeeze 1 to 2 tablespoons juice into drippings; squeeze cloves of roasted garlic from pan into drippings. Add remaining rosemary and thyme sprigs. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Add 2 cups stock; boil until reduced by half and thickened slightly, 6 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and more squeezes of lemon juice to taste. Strain gravy through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Carve turkey and serve with gravy.

LEMON-HERB ROASTED TURKEY



Lemon-Herb Roasted Turkey image

Lemon and thyme are the predominant flavors in this golden, tender and moist turkey that has just six ingredients. It's so easy, we guarantee success! -Felicia Smith, Georgetown, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 2h45m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup butter, melted
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 turkey (14 to 16 pounds)
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons pepper
1 medium lemon, halved
1 medium onion, quartered
14 garlic cloves, peeled
24 fresh thyme sprigs
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 turkey-size oven roasting bag

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, combine the butter, lemon juice, lemon zest and minced thyme. Pat turkey dry. Sprinkle salt and pepper over skin of turkey and inside cavity; brush with butter mixture. Place the lemon, onion, garlic and thyme sprigs inside cavity. Tuck wings under turkey; tie drumsticks together., Place flour in oven bag and shake to coat. Place bag in a roasting pan; add turkey to bag, breast side up. Cut six 1/2-in. slits in top of bag; close bag with tie provided., Bake at 350° for 2-1/4 to 2-3/4 hours or until a thermometer reads 180°. Remove turkey to a serving platter and keep warm. Let stand for 15 minutes before carving. If desired, thicken pan drippings for gravy. Freeze option: Freeze cooled turkey and gravy in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a covered skillet, gently stirring and adding a little broth or water if necessary.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 525 calories, Fat 27g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 230mg cholesterol, Sodium 489mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 64g protein.

BUTTER-BLANKETED TURKEY



Butter-Blanketed Turkey image

This turkey is extra juicy and gorgeously browned, thanks to the blanket of butter.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 3h50m

Yield 10 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

One 12- to 14-pound turkey
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 sprigs fresh thyme
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
1 lemon, cut into wedges
1 large yellow onion, cut into 6 wedges
3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) unsalted butter, melted, plus 4 tablespoons, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon paprika
3 stalks celery, broken into thirds
3 medium carrots
1 1/2 cups chicken or turkey broth

Steps:

  • Position an oven rack in the lowest position (with room above to fit the turkey) and preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Remove any turkey parts from the cavity and reserve for another use if desired. Dry the turkey well with paper towels inside and out. Sprinkle the cavity with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stuff with the thyme, rosemary, lemon wedges and half of the onion wedges.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the 4 tablespoons room temperature butter with the paprika to make a smooth, spreadable mixture. Using your hands, carefully separate the skin from the flesh of the turkey from the breasts toward the legs, making sure not to tear the skin. Spread about half of the butter mixture evenly between the skin and flesh on one side. Do the same on the other side using the remaining butter mixture. Any residual butter on your hands or in the bowl can be rubbed on the outside of the turkey. Sprinkle the outside of the turkey with 2 teaspoons salt, making sure to get it all over the surface.
  • Scatter the celery pieces, whole carrots and remaining onion wedges in the bottom of a roasting pan. Place the roasting rack in the pan, making sure it is level. Pour the broth into the pan. Transfer the turkey to the rack, tuck the wings back under the body and tie the legs together with butcher's twine.
  • Cut a 20-inch piece of cheesecloth and fold twice, creating 4 layers. Submerge the cloth in the melted butter, making sure it is completely saturated with it. Gently squeeze the cloth, then re-form so there are 4 layers and place on top of the turkey, covering it completely. Use a turkey baster to baste the cheesecloth with some of the remaining melted butter.
  • Roast for 30 minutes, then lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Baste the turkey with the pan juices and more of the melted butter. Continue to roast, basting with butter and pan drippings every 30 minutes, for an additional 2 hours.
  • Very gently remove the cheesecloth from the turkey, taking care not to tear the skin (see Cook's Note). Baste one more time, then return the turkey to the oven with the breasts facing towards the back and roast until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of a thigh measures 165 degrees F, about another 30 minutes. Let rest for 30 minutes before carving.

PERFECT ROAST TURKEY



Perfect Roast Turkey image

Use lemon, garlic and thyme to flavor Ina Garten's Perfect Roast Turkey recipe from Barefoot Contessa on Food Network, great for the holidays or just dinner.

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     main-dish

Time 3h20m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 fresh turkey (10 to 12 pounds)
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 large bunch fresh thyme
1 whole lemon, halved
1 Spanish onion, quartered
1 head garlic, halved crosswise

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add the zest and juice of the lemon and 1 teaspoon of thyme leaves to the butter mixture. Set aside.
  • Take the giblets out of the turkey and wash the turkey inside and out. Remove any excess fat and leftover pinfeathers and pat the outside dry. Place the turkey in a large roasting pan. Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the turkey cavity. Stuff the cavity with the bunch of thyme, halved lemon, quartered onion, and the garlic. Brush the outside of the turkey with the butter mixture and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Tie the legs together with string and tuck the wing tips under the body of the turkey.
  • Roast the turkey about 2 1/2 hours, or until the juices run clear when you cut between the leg and the thigh. Remove the turkey to a cutting board and cover with aluminum foil; let rest for 20 minutes.
  • Slice the turkey and serve.

ROAST TURKEY WITH ROSEMARY AND LEMON



Roast Turkey with Rosemary and Lemon image

Flavorful rosemary-lemon oil is great for the turkey-it helps create crispy, golden-brown and an aromatic, earthy flavor. You can also use it to season vegetables before roasting or after steaming, or to dress up a vinaigrette.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Turkey Recipes

Time 3h

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 whole turkey (about 12 pounds), thawed if frozen, neck and giblets removed, and rinsed and patted dry
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
7 wide strips lemon zest (from 1 large lemon)
Coarse salt and ground pepper
4 cups Mushroom and Walnut Stuffing
1 large yellow onion, cut into 8 wedges

Steps:

  • Let turkey sit at room temperature 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees, with rack in lower third. In a small saucepan, heat oil, rosemary, garlic, and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer over medium-high and cook until garlic is soft and lemon is slightly shriveled, 1 minute. Remove rosemary-lemon oil from heat and let cool.
  • Tuck wing tips underneath body of turkey. Season inside of turkey with salt and pepper. Loosely fill large cavity and neck cavity with stuffing; fold neck skin over opening. Tie legs together with kitchen twine. Brush turkey all over with 1/2 cup rosemary-lemon oil and season with salt and pepper.
  • Place onion in a heavy-bottomed roasting pan. Set a roasting rack over onion and place turkey on top. Roast until turkey is golden brown, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Reduce heat to 375 degrees, add 1 cup water to pan, and roast, brushing turkey with remaining rosemary oil every 30 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in thickest part of a thigh reads 165 degrees, 1 1/2 to 2 hours (add some water, if pan becomes dry).
  • Transfer turkey to a platter or cutting board and loosely tent with foil; let rest 30 minutes. Reserve pan with drippings for White Wine Gravy. To serve, scoop out stuffing and carve turkey.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 663 g, Fat 33 g, Protein 83 g

QUICK THANKSGIVING TURKEY WITH LEMON-GARLIC BUTTER



Quick Thanksgiving Turkey with Lemon-Garlic Butter image

What's the fastest way possible to roast a turkey for Thanksgiving? Skip the whole turkey: instead, roast bone-in breasts and legs. (If you don't want to butcher a turkey yourself, you can buy them in individual pieces or have your butcher break a whole bird down for you.) Once you put the pieces in the oven, they cook in about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and are so much faster and easier to carve and serve.

Provided by Anna Stockwell

Categories     Thanksgiving     Dinner     Quick & Easy     turkey     Rosemary     Garlic     White Wine     Lemon

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
6 garlic cloves, pressed
2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
3 sprigs rosemary
2 bone-in turkey legs (thigh and drumstick attached) and 2 bone-in turkey breasts (about 8 pounds total; from one 10-12-lb. turkey)
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more
1 cup dry white wine, divided
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Cook butter, garlic, lemon zest, and rosemary in a small pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until butter is melted. Reduce heat to low and let simmer to infuse flavors, about 5 minutes.
  • Brush turkey generously with butter mixture on all sides and under skin, getting some garlic and lemon zest under skin-that'll make it taste so much better. Season turkey with 1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. salt and 1 Tbsp. pepper on all sides and arrange skin side up on a rimmed baking sheet. Pour 1/2 cup wine around turkey pieces.
  • Cover with foil and roast turkey 20 minutes. Uncover, brush tops of each piece with butter mixture, and continue to roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of each piece registers 165°F, 40-50 minutes. Some pieces might be done before others, so test each one. Let turkey rest 20 minutes before slicing.
  • Meanwhile, strain pan drippings through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof measuring cup or bowl. Skim fat off surface (or use a fat separator if you have one). You should have about 1/2 cup drippings. Whisk in cornstarch until smooth.
  • Bring remaining 1/2 cup wine to a boil in a large skillet over high heat. Cook until reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Add broth and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced slightly, about 5 minutes. Whisk in turkey drippings and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Transfer turkey to a platter. Serve with pan sauce alongside.

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