Turkey with Lemon Under the Skin: A Juicy and Flavorful Thanksgiving Dinner

Turkey with Lemon Under the Skin

There’s nothing quite like a juicy, flavorful turkey on Thanksgiving Day. But if you’re tired of the same old dry bird, why not try something different this year? Turkey with lemon under the skin is a delicious and easy way to add some extra flavor to your holiday meal.

The lemon juice helps to tenderize the meat and impart a subtle citrus flavor. And the garlic and herbs add a touch of warmth and complexity. This recipe is sure to become a new family favorite!

Ingredients

* 1 (12- to 14-pound) turkey
* 1 lemon, thinly sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry.
3. Place the lemon slices under the skin of the turkey, tucking them in around the breast and legs.
4. In a small bowl, combine the garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the turkey, inside and out.
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 Fahrenheit.
6. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving.

| Ingredients | Instructions | Tips |
|—|—|—|
| 1 (10- to 12-pound) turkey | Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). | To brine the turkey: |
| 3 lemons, halved | Place the turkey in a large bowl. | To roast the turkey: |
| 1 cup kosher salt | Pour the brine over the turkey, and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. | To make the gravy: |
| 1 cup water | Refrigerate the turkey for at least 8 hours, or overnight. | To make the lemon-herb butter: |
| 1/2 cup brown sugar | Remove the turkey from the brine, and pat it dry. | To serve: |
| 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar | Place the turkey in a roasting pan, and rub it with the lemon-herb butter. | |
| 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce | Roast the turkey for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). | |
| 1/4 cup Dijon mustard | Remove the turkey from the oven, and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. | |
| 1 teaspoon dried thyme | | |
| 1 teaspoon dried rosemary | | |
| 1 teaspoon garlic powder | | |
| 1/2 teaspoon black pepper | | |

Introduction

Turkey with lemon under the skin is a classic holiday dish that is both flavorful and moist. The lemon juice and zest help to tenderize the meat, while the butter and herbs add flavor. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a simple weeknight meal.

Ingredients

* 1 (12-14 pound) turkey, thawed
* 1 lemon, halved
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Olive oil
* 1 stick of butter, melted
* Fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or sage (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Remove the giblets from the turkey and rinse the turkey inside and out. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
3. Tuck the lemon halves under the skin of the turkey, along with any herbs you are using.
4. Season the turkey with salt and pepper inside and out.
5. Brush the turkey with olive oil.
6. 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.
7. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Tips

* To make sure the turkey is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The temperature should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
* If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can check if the turkey is done by inserting a skewer into the thigh. The juices should run clear when the skewer is removed.
* Baste the turkey with the pan drippings every 30 minutes or so to keep it moist.
* If you want to crisp up the skin, broil the turkey for a few minutes after it has finished cooking.

Turkey with lemon under the skin is a delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to please everyone at your table. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a simple weeknight meal.

Ingredients

* 1 (12- to 14-pound) turkey, thawed
* 1 lemon, thinly sliced
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Rinse the turkey and pat dry.
3. Place the lemon slices under the skin of the turkey, tucking them in as you go.
4. Melt the butter in a small bowl. Stir in the oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Brush the turkey with the butter mixture.
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).
6. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Tips

* To make sure the turkey is cooked through, insert a meat 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 thaw the turkey ahead of time, you can cook it from frozen. Just increase the cooking time by about 50%.
* Baste the turkey every 30 minutes or so with the butter mixture to keep it moist.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Variations

* Instead of lemon, you can use other citrus fruits, such as oranges or grapefruits.
* You can also add other herbs and spices to the butter mixture, such as rosemary, garlic, or paprika.
* If you want to add a little sweetness to the turkey, you can drizzle it with honey or maple syrup before roasting.
* You can also stuff the turkey with your favorite stuffing.

Turkey with lemon under the skin is a delicious and easy way to cook a turkey. The lemon adds a bright and tangy flavor to the turkey, and the butter helps to keep it moist. This is a great recipe for a holiday meal or any special occasion.

Question 1: What is the purpose of putting lemon under the skin of a turkey?

Answer: The lemon helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful. The acidity of the lemon juice helps to break down the proteins in the turkey, making it more tender. The lemon also adds a citrusy flavor to the turkey, which is a nice complement to the traditional flavors of Thanksgiving dinner.

Question 2: How much lemon should I use?

Answer: You only need a small amount of lemon to flavor the turkey. A half lemon is usually enough for a 12-pound turkey. You can also use lemon zest instead of lemon juice, if you prefer.

Question 3: When should I put the lemon under the skin?

Answer: You should put the lemon under the skin of the turkey just before roasting it. This will give the lemon enough time to flavor the turkey without overcooking it.

Question 4: Can I use other citrus fruits instead of lemon?

Answer: Yes, you can use other citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, or limes. You can also use a combination of citrus fruits to create a unique flavor for your turkey.

Question 5: What are some other ways to flavor a turkey?

Answer: There are many other ways to flavor a turkey, besides using lemon. You can use herbs, spices, or marinades to add flavor to the turkey. You can also stuff the turkey with fruits, vegetables, or bread.

Question 6: How do I cook a turkey with lemon under the skin?

Answer: To cook a turkey with lemon under the skin, you will need:

* A turkey
* A lemon
* Salt and pepper
* Cooking oil

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey and pat it dry.
3. Season the turkey with salt and pepper.
4. Cut the lemon in half and place one half under the skin of the turkey.
5. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cook it for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving it.

Question 7: What are some tips for cooking a turkey with lemon under the skin?

Answer: Here are some tips for cooking a turkey with lemon under the skin:

* Make sure to use a fresh lemon.
* Use a small amount of lemon juice, so that the turkey doesn’t become too acidic.
* Put the lemon under the skin just before roasting the turkey.
* Cook the turkey until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving it.

Question 8: What are some common mistakes people make when cooking a turkey with lemon under the skin?

Answer: Here are some common mistakes people make when cooking a turkey with lemon under the skin:

* Using too much lemon juice.
* Not cooking the turkey long enough.
* Not letting the turkey rest before carving it.

Question 9: What are some potential health risks associated with eating turkey with lemon under the skin?

Answer: There are no known health risks associated with eating turkey with lemon under the skin. However, it is important to cook the turkey thoroughly to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.

Question 10: Where can I find more information about cooking a turkey with lemon under the skin?

Answer: You can find more information about cooking a turkey with lemon under the skin in the following resources:

* [The Spruce Eats: How to Cook a Turkey with Lemon Under the Skin](https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-cook-a-turkey-with-lemon-under-the-skin-591677)
* [Bon Apptit: Turkey with Lemon Under the Skin](https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/turkey-with-lemon-under-the-skin)
* [Food Network: Roasted Turkey with Lemon Under the Skin](https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/roasted-turkey-with-lemon-under-the-skin-1942108)

there are many benefits to cooking turkey with lemon under the skin. The lemon helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful, and it also adds a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness of the meat. Additionally, the lemon rind adds a nice visual element to the finished dish. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook turkey, be sure to try roasting it with lemon under the skin.