Spiced and Super-Juicy Roast Turkey Recipe

Name: Spiced and Super-Juicy Roast Turkey
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 10 pints 11 fluid ounces (6 liters) water; 4 1/4 -ounces (125 grams) table salt; 3 tablespoons black peppercorns; 1 cinnamon stick; 1 tablespoon caraway seeds; 4 cloves; 2 tablespoons allspice berries; 4 star anise; 2 tablespoons white mustard seeds; 7 ounces (200 grams) caster sugar; 2 onions, quartered; 1 (3-inch) piece ginger, cut into 6 slices; 4 tablespoons maple syrup; 4 tablespoons clear honey; Handful fresh parsley leaves, optional (only if you've got some parsley hanging around); 1 orange, quartered; 1 (9 to 11 1/4-pound) (4 to 5-kg) turkey; 2 3/4 ounces (75 grams) butter; 3 tablespoons maple syrup

Servings: persons

10 pints 11 fluid ounces (6 liters) water
4 1/4 -ounces (125 grams) table salt
3 tablespoons black peppercorns
1 cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon caraway seeds
4 cloves
2 tablespoons allspice berries
4 star anise
2 tablespoons white mustard seeds
7 ounces (200 grams) caster sugar
2 onions, quartered
1 (3-inch) piece ginger, cut into 6 slices
4 tablespoons maple syrup
4 tablespoons clear honey
Handful fresh parsley leaves, optional (only if you've got some parsley hanging around)
1 orange, quartered
1 (9 to 11 1/4-pound) (4 to 5-kg) turkey
2 3/4 ounces (75 grams) butter
3 tablespoons maple syrup

1
Place the water into your largest cooking pot or bucket/plastic bin and add all the turkey ingredients, stirring to dissolve the salt, sugar, syrup and honey.
2
(Squeeze the juice of the orange quarters into the brine before you chuck in the pieces.)
3
Untie and remove any string or trussing attached to the turkey, shake it free and add it to the liquid.
4
Add more water if the turkey is not completely submerged.
5
Keep the mixture in a cold place, even outside overnight or for up 1 or 2 days before you cook it, remembering to take it out of its liquid (and wiping it dry with kitchen-towel) a good 40 or 50 minutes before it has to go into the oven.
6
Turkeys - indeed this is the case for all meat - should be at room temperature before being put in the preheated oven.
7
If you're at all concerned - the cold water in the brine will really chill this bird - then just cook the turkey for longer than its actual weight requires.
8
Place the butter and syrup into a saucepan and cook over a low heat, while stirring, until the ingredients have melted and combined.
9
Brush the turkey with the glaze before roasting, and baste periodically throughout the roasting time.
10
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
11
Cook the turkey for 30 minutes at this relatively high temperature, then turn the oven down to 350 degrees F and continue cooking, turning the oven back up to 425 degrees F for the final15 minutes or so if you want to give a browning boost to the skin.
12
For a 9 to 11-pound turkey, allow 2 1/2 to 3-hours in total.
13
But remember that ovens vary enormously, so just check by piercing the flesh between leg and body with a small sharp knife: when the juices run clear, the turkey is cooked.
14
Just as it's crucial to let the turkey come to room temperature before it goes in to the oven, so it's important to let it stand out of the oven for a good 20 minutes before you actually carve it.

615

kcal

Calories

Fat

113

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave for a slightly different but equally rich sweetness.
Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 19 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 10 pints 11 fluid ounces (6 liters) water, 4 1/4 -ounces (125 grams) table salt, 3 tablespoons black peppercorns, 1 cinnamon stick, and more.

Yes, Spiced and Super-Juicy Roast Turkey falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Spiced and Super-Juicy Roast Turkey

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions