If you're looking for a classic roast turkey recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends, then you need to try Chef John's Roast Turkey and Gravy. This recipe is easy to follow and results in a delicious, moist turkey that is perfect for any occasion. The gravy is also incredibly flavorful and will be a hit with everyone at the table.
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CHEF JOHN'S MAKE-AHEAD TURKEY GRAVY
This make-ahead turkey gravy frees up valuable kitchen time for Thanksgiving, plus it will look and taste even better than those frantic, last-minute versions.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Gravy Recipes Turkey Gravy Recipes
Time 4h15m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Combine onion, carrots, celery, and vegetable oil in a large roasting pan and toss to coat. Place turkey wings on top of vegetables
- Place roasting pan in the preheated oven and cook until the turkey wings are browned and vegetables are caramelized and softened, 45 to 60 minutes.
- Transfer turkey wings and vegetables to a large stockpot. Place the roasting pan over a stovetop burner on medium heat. Pour 2 tablespoons cold water into the pan and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits. Transfer mixture to the stockpot and add 10 cups cold water, thyme, and garlic.
- Bring turkey wing mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until meat falls off the bone, about 3 hours. Skim off turkey fat throughout the process and set aside 2 tablespoons.
- Strain turkey stock and reserve 6 cups of stock; discard all the solids.
- Heat butter and 2 tablespoons reserved turkey fat in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and cook, whisking continuously, until it begins to smell like cooked pie crust, 2 to 3 minutes. Slowly pour in turkey stock, whisking continuously. Increase heat to high and simmer until thick and warmed through, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 115.4 calories, Carbohydrate 10.2 g, Cholesterol 22.5 mg, Fat 6.6 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 4.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 92.4 mg, Sugar 1.9 g
CHEF JOHN'S ROAST TURKEY AND GRAVY
The biggest myth in all of American cookery is the belief that a juicy, perfectly cooked turkey is difficult for the novice cook to achieve. One of the secrets to a moist, delicious, and beautiful turkey is spreading butter under the skin. You can season the butter any way you want; the possibilities are endless.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Turkey Whole Turkey Recipes
Time 4h55m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
- Mix 2 tablespoons salt, and 1 tablespoon pepper, and poultry seasoning in a small bowl. Tuck turkey wings under the bird, and season cavity with about 1 tablespoon of the poultry seasoning mixture. Reserve remaining poultry seasoning mix.
- Toss the onion, celery, and carrots together in a bowl. Stuff about 1/2 cup of the vegetable mixture, rosemary sprigs, and 1/2 bunch sage into the cavity of the turkey. Tie legs together with kitchen string. Loosen the skin on top of the turkey breast using fingers or a small spatula. Place about 2 tablespoons butter under the skin and spread evenly. Spread the remaining butter (about 2 tablespoons) all over the outside of the skin. Sprinkle the outside of the turkey with the remaining poultry seasoning mix.
- Spread the remaining onion, celery, and carrots into a large roasting pan. Place the turkey on top of the vegetables. Fill the pan with about 1/2 inch of water. Arrange a sheet of aluminum foil over the breast of the turkey.
- Roast the turkey in the preheated oven until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 3 1/2 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone should read 165 degrees F (75 degrees C). Remove the foil during the last hour of cooking. Baste the turkey with the pan juices.
- While the turkey is roasting, make stock: place neck, heart, and gizzards in a saucepan with the bay leaf and water. Simmer over medium heat for 2 hours. Strain the turkey giblets from the stock, and discard giblets. There should be at least 4 cups of stock.
- Remove the turkey from the oven, cover with a doubled sheet of aluminum foil, and allow to rest in a warm area for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Pour the pan juices, about 3 cups, into a saucepan and set aside. Skim off the turkey fat from the pan juices, reserving about 2 tablespoons.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of the turkey fat and 1 tablespoon butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Transfer the onion from the roasting pan into the skillet. Cook and stir until the onion is browned, about 5 minutes, then stir in the flour. Continue to cook and stir for about 5 minutes more; whisk in 4 cups of the skimmed turkey stock and the reserved pan juices until smooth; skim off any foam. Stir in the balsamic vinegar. Simmer until the gravy is thickened, whisking constantly, about 10 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped sage, and season to taste with salt and black pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 942.1 calories, Carbohydrate 4.6 g, Cholesterol 256.3 mg, Fat 70.1 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 68.7 g, SaturatedFat 22.8 g, Sodium 949.8 mg, Sugar 1.2 g
CHEF JOHN'S ROAST TURKEY AND GRAVY
The biggest myth in all of American cookery is the belief that a juicy, perfectly cooked turkey is difficult for the novice cook to achieve. One of the secrets to a moist, delicious, and beautiful turkey is spreading butter under the skin. You can season the butter any way you want; the possibilities are endless.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Roast Turkey
Time 4h55m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
- Mix 2 tablespoons salt, and 1 tablespoon pepper, and poultry seasoning in a small bowl. Tuck turkey wings under the bird, and season cavity with about 1 tablespoon of the poultry seasoning mixture. Reserve remaining poultry seasoning mix.
- Toss the onion, celery, and carrots together in a bowl. Stuff about 1/2 cup of the vegetable mixture, rosemary sprigs, and 1/2 bunch sage into the cavity of the turkey. Tie legs together with kitchen string. Loosen the skin on top of the turkey breast using fingers or a small spatula. Place about 2 tablespoons butter under the skin and spread evenly. Spread the remaining butter (about 2 tablespoons) all over the outside of the skin. Sprinkle the outside of the turkey with the remaining poultry seasoning mix.
- Spread the remaining onion, celery, and carrots into a large roasting pan. Place the turkey on top of the vegetables. Fill the pan with about 1/2 inch of water. Arrange a sheet of aluminum foil over the breast of the turkey.
- Roast the turkey in the preheated oven until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 3 1/2 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone should read 165 degrees F (75 degrees C). Remove the foil during the last hour of cooking. Baste the turkey with the pan juices.
- While the turkey is roasting, make stock: place neck, heart, and gizzards in a saucepan with the bay leaf and water. Simmer over medium heat for 2 hours. Strain the turkey giblets from the stock, and discard giblets. There should be at least 4 cups of stock.
- Remove the turkey from the oven, cover with a doubled sheet of aluminum foil, and allow to rest in a warm area for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Pour the pan juices, about 3 cups, into a saucepan and set aside. Skim off the turkey fat from the pan juices, reserving about 2 tablespoons.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of the turkey fat and 1 tablespoon butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Transfer the onion from the roasting pan into the skillet. Cook and stir until the onion is browned, about 5 minutes, then stir in the flour. Continue to cook and stir for about 5 minutes more; whisk in 4 cups of the skimmed turkey stock and the reserved pan juices until smooth; skim off any foam. Stir in the balsamic vinegar. Simmer until the gravy is thickened, whisking constantly, about 10 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped sage, and season to taste with salt and black pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 942.1 calories, Carbohydrate 4.6 g, Cholesterol 256.3 mg, Fat 70.1 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 68.7 g, SaturatedFat 22.8 g, Sodium 949.8 mg, Sugar 1.2 g
Tips:
- Dry the Turkey Thoroughly: Before roasting, pat the turkey dry inside and out. This helps the skin crisp up and prevents the meat from steaming.
- Season the Turkey Generously: Season the turkey inside and out with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. This will help the turkey develop a flavorful crust.
- Roast the Turkey at High Temperature: Start by roasting the turkey at a high temperature (450°F) for 30 minutes to brown the skin. Then, reduce the temperature to 325°F and continue roasting until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the turkey is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the Turkey Rest: After roasting, let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful turkey.
- Make a Simple Gravy: While the turkey is resting, make a simple gravy using the pan drippings. This adds a delicious flavor to the turkey and makes a great accompaniment to the stuffing and mashed potatoes.
Conclusion:
Chef John's Roast Turkey and Gravy recipe is a classic for a reason. It's simple to follow, uses easily accessible ingredients, and results in a delicious and moist turkey that's perfect for any occasion. With the tips and tricks provided in this article, you can ensure that your turkey turns out perfect every time. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and memorable Thanksgiving dinner.
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