Tequila Turkey
Infuse your holiday feast with bold, zesty flavors by preparing this show-stopping Tequila Turkey! Perfectly seasoned with a marinade of silver tequila, fresh lime juice, garlic, smoked paprika, and vibrant cilantro, this roast turkey truly elevates your dinner table. Stuffed with fragrant oranges, herbs, and onions, and basted to golden perfection, each bite bursts with a citrusy, smoky allure. The tequila not only tenderizes the meat but also adds an unexpected yet delightful twist to the traditional roast. Serve this juicy, tender centerpiece alongside your favorite sides, and watch it become the star of the meal. Ideal for festive gatherings, this tequila-marinated turkey is as unique as it is unforgettable.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 lbs Whole turkey (fresh or thawed)
- 1 cup Tequila (silver or blanco)
- 4 Limes (zested and juiced)
- 6 cloves Fresh garlic (minced)
- 0.5 cup Olive oil
- 1 cup Fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 2 tsp Ground cumin
- 2 tsp Smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp Kosher salt
- 1 tbsp Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 cups Chicken or turkey stock
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 Onion (quartered)
- 1 Orange (quartered)
- 4 Fresh rosemary sprigs
- 4 Fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and position the oven rack in the lower third.
Remove the turkey giblets and neck, rinse the turkey inside and out, and pat dry with paper towels.
In a bowl, whisk together tequila, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey by sliding your hand between the skin and the meat, being cautious not to tear the skin.
Rub the marinade generously under the skin, over the skin, and inside the cavity of the turkey.
Stuff the cavity with the onion quarters, orange quarters, rosemary sprigs, and thyme sprigs.
Tie the legs of the turkey together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the body.
Place the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan and pour the chicken or turkey stock into the bottom of the pan.
Rub the softened butter over the skin of the turkey to aid in crisping and browning.
Tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and place in the oven.
Roast for about 15 minutes per pound, basting the turkey with pan juices every 30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 45 minutes to brown the skin.
The turkey is done when the thickest part of the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the thighs reach 175°F (80°C).
Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest, covered loosely with foil, for at least 20 minutes before carving.
Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy the rich, citrusy, tequila-enhanced flavors!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
9599 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 545.9 g | 700% | |
| Saturated Fat | 155.7 g | 778% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 3934 mg | 1311% | |
| Sodium | 9160 mg | 398% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 65.1 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.9 g | 68% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.9 g | ||
| Protein | 938.4 g | 1877% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 991 mg | 76% | |
| Iron | 71.6 mg | 398% | |
| Potassium | 12928 mg | 275% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
