ASIAN SPICED TURKEY

Asian Spiced Turkey image

I have my mother and our Chinese heritage to thank for this moist and savory turkey. The vanilla, aniseed and apple juice make the basting sauce unique. -K. Fung, Stoneham, Massachusetts

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 3h45m

Yield 19-20 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

2 to 3 celery ribs
1 to 2 green onions
1 turkey (16 to 20 pounds)
3 cups water, divided
1 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup apple juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon aniseed, crushed
1/8 teaspoon each ground cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves

Steps:

Place celery and onions inside the turkey cavity. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup water, soy sauce, sugar, apple juice, vanilla and seasonings; mix well. Place turkey, breast side up, on a rack in a roasting pan; pour remaining water into the pan. Pour 1/4 cup soy sauce mixture into the cavity and another 1/4 cup over turkey; set remaining sauce aside. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 3-1/2 to 4 hours or until a thermometer reads 180°, basting occasionally with remaining sauce. When turkey begins to brown, cover lightly with foil. Cover and let stand for 20 minutes before carving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 328 calories, Fat 9g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 137mg cholesterol, Sodium 866mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 55g protein.