Jamie Oliver Roast Turkey

Jamie Oliver’s Roast Turkey recipe is the ultimate show-stopper for your festive table. With juicy meat, crispy golden skin, and infused with rich flavors of herbs and citrus, this turkey guarantees a memorable holiday feast.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

• Classic centerpiece: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion.
• Tender and juicy: Herb butter and proper roasting techniques ensure moist meat.
• Simple and flavorful: A straightforward recipe with bold, fresh ingredients.
• Crispy golden skin: Basting and high heat give the skin a beautiful golden finish.
• Versatile leftovers: Great for sandwiches, soups, and salads.

Other Recipes

• Jamie Oliver Turkey Sandwich
• Jamie Oliver Sprouts and Greens
• Jamie Oliver Curry Sauce

What Is Jamie Oliver Roast Turkey?

Jamie Oliver’s Roast Turkey is a classic holiday recipe featuring a whole turkey roasted with herb butter, citrus, and aromatic vegetables. The result is a succulent, flavorful turkey with crispy skin.

Jamie Oliver Roast Turkey Ingredients

For the Turkey:

• 1 whole turkey (5-6kg or 11-13 lbs), thawed if frozen
• 200g (7 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Roasting Tray:

• 2 onions, quartered
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 celery sticks, roughly chopped
• 1 bulb of garlic, halved horizontally
• 1 lemon, halved
• 500ml (2 cups) chicken or turkey stock

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Roast Turkey

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) for fan ovens.
• Remove the turkey from the fridge 1-2 hours before cooking to bring it to room temperature.

Step 2: Make the Herb Butter

• In a bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, lemon zest, chopped rosemary, and thyme. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Prepare the Turkey

• Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Gently loosen the skin over the breast using your fingers or a spoon. Spread half of the herb butter under the skin and rub the remaining butter over the turkey.

Step 4: Arrange the Roasting Tray

• Place the onions, carrots, celery, garlic bulb, and lemon halves in a large roasting tray. Lay the turkey on top of the vegetables. Pour the chicken or turkey stock into the tray.

Step 5: Roast the Turkey

• Cover the turkey loosely with foil and roast in the preheated oven. Roast for approximately 3-4 hours (20 minutes per pound or 40 minutes per kg), depending on the size.
• Remove the foil during the last 30-40 minutes to crisp up the skin. Baste the turkey with pan juices every 30 minutes for extra flavor.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

• Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast and thigh. The internal temperature should read 74°C (165°F).

Step 7: Rest the Turkey

• Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes, loosely covered with foil. Resting allows the juices to be redistributed, keeping the meat tender.

Step 8: Carve and Serve

• Carve the turkey and serve with your favorite sides. Use the pan drippings to make a rich gravy.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Roast Turkey

• Roast potatoes: Crispy, golden roasties are a must-have.
• Stuffing: Savory stuffing complements the juicy turkey.
• Cranberry sauce: A tangy contrast to the rich meat.
• Gravy: Use pan drippings for a flavorful gravy.
• Roasted vegetables: Brussels sprouts, parsnips, and carrots make perfect sides.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Roast Turkey

• Use a meat thermometer: This ensures the turkey is cooked to perfection without drying out.
• Baste regularly: Basting keeps the turkey moist and enhances the flavor.
• Don’t skip resting: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat tender.
• Keep the skin intact: Intact skin locks in moisture and crisps beautifully.
• Add fresh herbs: Experiment with sage, parsley, or bay leaves for extra flavor.

Variations of Jamie Oliver Roast Turkey

• Citrus-glazed turkey: Brush with a honey and orange glaze during the last 20 minutes of roasting.
• Spiced turkey: Add smoked paprika or chili powder to the herb butter for a smoky twist.
• Butterfly the turkey: Spatchcock the turkey for faster, more even cooking.
• Stuffed turkey: Add stuffing inside the cavity for a more traditional roast.
• Garlic-rosemary crust: Use finely chopped garlic and rosemary mixed with breadcrumbs for a crusty finish.

How to Store Leftovers Jamie Oliver Roast Turkey?

• Refrigerate properly: Store slices of turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for later: Wrap leftover turkey tightly in foil or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Roast Turkey?

• Reheat in the oven: Cover slices with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes.
• Use the microwave: Heat in short intervals on medium power to avoid drying out.
• Add stock: Drizzle with stock or gravy while reheating to keep it moist.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 50g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 2g

FAQs

How do I keep the roast turkey moist while cooking?

To keep the turkey moist, spread herb butter under the skin, baste it every 30 minutes with pan juices, and cover it loosely with foil for most of the cooking time. Remove the foil in the last 30 minutes to crisp the skin.

What temperature should the turkey be cooked to?

The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the breast and thigh. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness.

Can I prepare the turkey the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the turkey by seasoning it and applying the herb butter the night before. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature for 1-2 hours before roasting.

How do I use the pan drippings for gravy?

To make gravy, pour the pan drippings into a saucepan, skim off excess fat, and whisk in a slurry of flour and water or cornstarch until thickened. Add stock if needed to adjust the consistency.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Roast Turkey is a timeless recipe that brings everyone together at the dinner table. With its juicy meat, crispy skin, and bold herb flavors, this dish is perfect for any celebration. Pair it with classic sides and enjoy a festive feast that will leave your guests raving!

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