How to Cook a Juicy, Flavorful Turkey with Oranges

Cooking Turkey with Oranges

The smell of a roasted turkey is a sure sign that Thanksgiving is coming soon. But what if you want to add a little something different to your holiday bird? Cooking turkey with oranges is a great way to do just that. The citrusy flavor of oranges pairs perfectly with the rich, savory taste of turkey, and the resulting dish is both flavorful and visually appealing.

In this article, we will discuss how to cook turkey with oranges, including tips for choosing the right oranges, marinating the turkey, and roasting it to perfection. We will also provide some ideas for side dishes that would pair well with this dish. So whether you’re looking for a new way to cook your Thanksgiving turkey or just want to try something different, read on for all the information you need to know!

Ingredient	Quantity	Instructions
1 (12- to 14-pound) turkey, thawed	–	Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
1 cup orange juice	–	In a large bowl, combine the orange juice, orange zest, honey, salt, and pepper.
1/2 cup olive oil	–	Place the turkey in a large roasting pan. Brush the turkey with the orange juice mixture.
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley	–	Cover the turkey with aluminum foil.
1/2 cup chopped fresh thyme	–	Roast the turkey for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
1/2 cup chopped fresh rosemary	–	Remove the turkey from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Ingredients

* 1 (12- to 14-pound) turkey, thawed
* 1 cup orange juice
* 1/2 cup honey
* 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 orange, thinly sliced
* 1 lemon, thinly sliced
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a large bowl, combine the orange juice, honey, mustard, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Brush the turkey all over with the marinade. Place the orange and lemon slices inside the turkey cavity.
5. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and roast for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
6. Remove the turkey from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before carving.
7. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Tips

* To make sure the turkey is cooked through, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
* If you don’t have time to marinate the turkey, you can skip that step. Just be sure to season the turkey with salt and pepper before roasting.
* You can also use other citrus fruits in place of oranges, such as lemons, limes, or grapefruits.
* Serve the turkey with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, and cranberry sauce.

Conclusion

Cooking turkey with oranges is a delicious and flavorful way to prepare a holiday meal. The oranges add a sweet and tart flavor to the turkey, and the herbs and spices give it a nice aromatic boost. This recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Tips

Here are some tips for cooking turkey with oranges:

* To make the dish more flavorful, use fresh oranges instead of canned or frozen oranges. The fresh citrus juice will add a bright, tart flavor to the turkey, while the orange zest will add a subtle, aromatic flavor.
* To make the dish more visually appealing, slice the oranges thinly and arrange them on top of the turkey before baking. The orange slices will add a splash of color to the dish and make it more inviting.
* To make the dish more economical, use bone-in, skin-on turkey thighs. The thighs are less expensive than the breast, and they will become incredibly juicy and flavorful when roasted.

Variations

There are many different ways to cook turkey with oranges. Here are a few variations to try:

* Orange-glazed turkey: This is a classic dish that is perfect for a holiday meal. To make the glaze, combine orange juice, orange zest, honey, and brown sugar. Brush the glaze over the turkey before baking, and then baste it every 30 minutes or so.
* Orange-herb turkey: This dish is full of flavor and fragrance. To make the herb rub, combine fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and sage with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Rub the rub all over the turkey before baking.
* Orange-cranberry turkey stuffing: This stuffing is a delicious way to use up leftover cranberries. To make the stuffing, combine bread cubes, cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and chopped nuts. Stuff the stuffing into the turkey before baking.

Cooking turkey with oranges is a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy this holiday staple. By following these tips, you can create a dish that is sure to impress your guests.

Q: What are the benefits of cooking turkey with oranges?

A: There are several benefits to cooking turkey with oranges. Oranges are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They can help to tenderize the meat and add a citrusy flavor. Additionally, the acidity of oranges can help to break down the proteins in the meat, making it easier to digest.

Q: What are some tips for cooking turkey with oranges?

A: Here are a few tips for cooking turkey with oranges:
* Choose a ripe orange. The flavor of the orange will be more pronounced if it is ripe.
* Peel and section the oranges before adding them to the dish. This will make it easier to eat the turkey and oranges together.
* Add the oranges to the dish towards the end of cooking. This will help to prevent the oranges from becoming too mushy.
* Serve the turkey and oranges with a sauce or gravy. This will help to balance the flavors and make the dish more enjoyable.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when cooking turkey with oranges?

A: Here are a few common mistakes people make when cooking turkey with oranges:
* Not using enough oranges. The flavor of the oranges will be more pronounced if you use more of them.
* Adding the oranges too early. Adding the oranges too early can cause them to become too mushy.
* Not cooking the turkey long enough. The turkey needs to be cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: What are some recipes for cooking turkey with oranges?

A: Here are a few recipes for cooking turkey with oranges:
* [Orange-Roasted Turkey](https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/219031/orange-roasted-turkey/)
* [Orange-Glazed Turkey Breast](https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/orange-glazed-turkey-breast-recipe-1946683)
* [Orange-Cranberry Turkey Chili](https://www.themediterraneandish.com/orange-cranberry-turkey-chili/)
* [Orange-Chicken Teriyaki](https://www.thespruceeats.com/orange-chicken-teriyaki-3059971)

Q: Where can I find more information on cooking turkey with oranges?

A: Here are a few resources where you can find more information on cooking turkey with oranges:
* [The Spruce Eats: Cooking Turkey with Oranges](https://www.thespruceeats.com/cooking-turkey-with-oranges-5918595)
* [Allrecipes: Turkey with Oranges](https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/turkey-with-oranges/)
* [Food Network: Turkey with Oranges](https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/turkey-with-oranges-1945686)

In this article, we have discussed the different ways to cook turkey with oranges. We have covered everything from simple roasting methods to more complex recipes that incorporate oranges into the marinade or stuffing. We hope that you have found this information helpful and that you will enjoy trying out some of these recipes for yourself.

Here are a few key takeaways from this article:

* Oranges can be used to flavor the turkey in a variety of ways, including roasting, brining, and marinating.
* Oranges can also be used to make a delicious glaze for the turkey.
* When cooking turkey with oranges, it is important to use fresh oranges that are ripe and juicy.
* Oranges can add a delicious citrus flavor to your turkey, making it a festive and flavorful dish for any occasion.