Best 11 Dry Rubbed Roast Turkey Recipes

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"Dry rubbed roast turkey" is an American classic dish, popular for holiday gatherings and special occasions. It is renowned for its crispy skin, juicy meat, and a plethora of flavors achieved from a simple yet effective dry rub mixture, which typically includes salt, pepper, and herbs. The iconic brown color and succulent texture are the result of a combination of factors including careful seasoning, appropriate cooking time, and allowing the turkey to rest after cooking. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you master the art of creating a perfect "dry rubbed roast turkey" that will delight your family and friends.

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

DRY RUB FOR ROAST TURKEY



Dry Rub for Roast Turkey image

Make and share this Dry Rub for Roast Turkey recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Chocolatl

Categories     High Fiber

Time 5m

Yield 5 1/4 tablespoons, 1 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cayenne
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
2 tablespoons ground sage
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon file powder (optional)

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients.
  • Mix well.
  • Rub all over the outside of the turkey and inside the cavity before cooking bird.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 75.5, Fat 1.6, SaturatedFat 0.6, Sodium 6.4, Carbohydrate 15.9, Fiber 5.1, Sugar 2.9, Protein 3.2

DRY RUBBED TURKEY



Dry Rubbed Turkey image

The perfect seasoning blend is all you need to for an oven roasted dry rubbed turkey breast that's worthy of Thanksgiving dinner or any meal.

Provided by Paige Adams

Categories     Main Dishes

Number Of Ingredients 13

For dry rub
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
For turkey
1 8-pound bone-in turkey breast

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the rosemary, thyme, oregano, paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
  • Place the turkey breast skin side up on a rack inside a roasting pan. Rub the spice mixture on the entire turkey breast including underneath the skin. Let the turkey sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Roast the turkey for 30 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees F and continue roasting for 1 to 1-1/2 hours until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the breast is 165 degrees F. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 395 calories, Sugar 0.2 g, Sodium 852.5 mg, Fat 5.2 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 1.6 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 81.1 g, Cholesterol 194.9 mg

DRY RUB ROAST TURKEY



Dry Rub Roast Turkey image

Just season the turkey and pop it in the oven for a golden Dry Rub Roast Turkey a few hours later. No fuss. It really is that simple!

Provided by Linda Ooi

Categories     Main Dish

Time 3h15m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 fresh turkey ((not frozen) about 10 to 12 lbs in weight)
3 tbsp olive oil
1 onion
A few sprigs fresh thyme
1½ tbsp kosher salt
½ tsp ground pepper
1 tbsp rubbed sage
1 tsp fresh or dried rosemary
1 tsp dried thyme

Steps:

  • Take neck and giblets out of the turkey. Remove any excess fat and leftover pinfeathers. Wash the turkey inside out. Pat dry with paper towels.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine all dry rub ingredients in a small bowl.
  • Place turkey breast side up on a roasting rack inside a deep pan. Rub olive oil all over the turkey.
  • Stuff onion in the neck cavity and fold the neck skin flap over the onion. Stuff sprigs of thyme into the body cavity and sprinkle with some dry rub.
  • Pat the rest of the dry rub all over the body of the turkey.
  • Tug the wings under the body. Tie the legs together if turkey does not come with the plastic ties for cooking.
  • Transfer turkey to the preheated 375˚F (190˚C) oven and roast for 30 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to 325˚F (165˚C) and continue to roast for another 2 to 2½ hours.
  • According to the FDA, the turkey is safe when a food thermometer inserted into the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast reaches a temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Remove from oven and allow turkey to rest for 20 minutes before carving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 394 kcal, ServingSize 1 serving

THANKSGIVING TURKEY WITH HOLIDAY RUB



Thanksgiving Turkey with Holiday Rub image

Make this turkey rub from Food Network, which has thyme, rosemary, sage and garlic powder.

Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network

Time 3h45m

Yield 12 to 14 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 (14 to 16 pound) turkey, rinsed, patted dry inside and out (neck, heart, and gizzard reserved
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Turkey or chicken stock
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 shallots, finely chopped
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup sour cream
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Mix all of the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl.
  • Put the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan.
  • Generously season the turkey cavity with salt and pepper, to taste. Brush the turkey with olive oil, and rub it with the seasoning mixture. Tie the legs together loosely to hold their shape, and tuck the wing tips under.
  • Roast the turkey until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of thigh registers 165 to 170 degrees F, about 3 hours.
  • Transfer the turkey to a platter. Tent it very loosely with foil, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes (the internal temperature will rise 5 to 10 degrees). Reserve the juices in the pan.
  • Gravy: Scrape the juices and browned bits from the roasting pan into a large glass measuring cup. Spoon off the fat, reserving 2 tablespoons. If necessary, add enough stock to the juices to measure 1 2/3 cups.
  • Heat the reserved 2 tablespoons fat in a heavy, large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, and shallots, and saute for 2 minutes. Add the flour and whisk until golden, about 4 minutes. Add the degreased pan juices, and the 2 cups stock. Bring to a boil, whisking until smooth. Reduce the heat and simmer until the gravy is reduced to the desired consistency, about 4 minutes. Whisk in the lemon juice, and the sour cream. Season the gravy with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour the gravy into a serving bowl. Carve the turkey and arrange it on a serving platter. Serve the turkey with the gravy.

DRY-RUBBED ROAST TURKEY



Dry-Rubbed Roast Turkey image

Cooking the turkey on a rimmed baking sheet is great for all-over browning, but be very careful as you remove it from the oven so that the drippings don't slosh over the sides.

Provided by Andy Baraghani

Categories     Bon Appétit     Thanksgiving     Christmas     turkey     Vinegar     Rosemary     Garlic     Orange     Dinner     Holiday 2018

Yield 8-10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup Diamond Crystal or 1/4 cup plus 1 1/2 tsp. Morton kosher salt
1 Tbsp. light brown sugar
1 (12-14-lb.) turkey, neck reserved for gravy, giblets discarded, patted dry
12 Tbsp. (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, divided
1/4 cup sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. honey
4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
3 sprigs rosemary
3 garlic cloves, crushed
2 (2x1") strips orange zest

Steps:

  • Place salt and brown sugar in a medium bowl and work together with your fingers until incorporated. Place turkey on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. (If you don't have this setup, place your turkey on a V-shape rack set inside a large roasting pan.) Sprinkle dry brine all over outside and inside of turkey, patting to adhere and nudging some into crevices. You won't need all of the dry brine, but it's good to have extra since some of it will end up on the baking sheet as you season the turkey. Chill bird, uncovered, at least 12 hours and up to 2 days.
  • Remove turkey from wire rack and rinse baking sheet and rack if needed (turkey will most likely release some liquid onto pan). Line baking sheet with 3 layers of foil and set rack back inside. Place turkey, breast side up, on rack and tuck wings underneath. Let turkey sit at room temperature 2-3 hours.
  • Place an oven rack in middle of oven; preheat to 450°F. Using your fingers, loosen skin on breast. Work 4 Tbsp. butter under skin, spreading evenly over both breasts. Smear outside of turkey with another 4 Tbsp. butter.
  • Tie legs together with kitchen twine and pour 1 cup water into baking sheet. Roast turkey, rotating pan halfway through, until skin is mostly golden brown all over, about 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, garlic, orange zest, and remaining 4 Tbsp. butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until bubbling and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to lowest setting and keep glaze warm.
  • Reduce oven temperature to 300°F and continue to roast turkey, brushing with glaze every 30 minutes and adding more water by 1/2-cupfuls as needed to maintain some liquid in baking sheet, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of breast near the neck registers 150°F (don't worry; the temperature will continue to climb while the bird rests), 65-85 minutes longer. Skin should be deep golden brown, shiny, and crisp. Transfer turkey to a cutting board and let rest at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour before carving.

DRY-BRINED ROASTED TURKEY



Dry-Brined Roasted Turkey image

Rub a salt mixture all over the bird and leave it overnight, then rinse, dry and roast for a juicy and flavorful turkey.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 11h35m

Yield 8-10

Number Of Ingredients 9

One 8- to 10-pound fresh or defrosted frozen turkey, not kosher or self-basting
1/3 cup kosher salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Several sprigs fresh herbs, such as thyme, parsley, rosemary or sage
2 bay leaves
1 head garlic, halved
1 medium onion, quartered
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted

Steps:

  • The day before, remove the giblets from the turkey cavity and pat dry with paper towels.
  • Combine the salt, sugar and pepper in a medium bowl. Sprinkle the mixture inside the turkey cavity and all over the outside skin, using all of it. Put the turkey on a large baking sheet or platter and refrigerate uncovered overnight.
  • The next day, adjust a rack in the oven to the lowest position and remove the other racks. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Set a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
  • Rinse the turkey very well and pat dry thoroughly. Stuff the cavity with the herbs, bay leaves, garlic and onion. Put the turkey on the roasting rack, breast-side up, and brush with half of the butter. Tent with aluminum foil.
  • Roast the turkey for 2 hours, then remove the foil and brush with the remaining butter. Increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees F and continue to roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thigh registers 165 degrees F, about 45 minutes more. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes, then remove and discard the herbs, bay leaves, garlic and onion before carving.

ROASTED TURKEY BREAST WITH ZESTY DRY RUB



Roasted Turkey Breast With Zesty Dry Rub image

I wanted to try something different fot Thanksgiving this year and this recipe was a winner! The turkey breast was moist and the flavor was incredible and it make a really good gravy! Oh my. My 7lb. turkey breast was done in 2 hours and 15 minutes. I got this recipe from foodnetwork.com

Provided by lisar

Categories     Turkey Breasts

Time 2h15m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (6 lb) whole turkey breast, on the bone
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons onion salt
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can chicken broth

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Coat large roasting pan with nonstick vegetable-oil cooking spray.
  • Rub turkey on all sides and under skin with olive oil and lime juice.
  • Dry Rub: Mix onion salt, chili powder, dried oregano, cumin, garlic powder, allspice and cayenne in small bowl.
  • Rub 1 1/2 tablespoons mixture over turkey and under skin.
  • Roast turkey in the oven for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours or until the internal temperature registers 165 degrees F on instant-read thermometer.
  • Remove turkey to a warm place; let stand 10 minutes.
  • Gravy: Pour off all but 2 tablespoons drippings from roasting pan.
  • Sprinkle flour and 1/2 teaspoon of remaining dry rub over bottom of roasting pan; cook over medium-high heat, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of pan, for about 1 minute.
  • Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth; cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 2 minutes.
  • Strain gravy through sieve into gravy boat; keep warm.
  • Cut off each 1/2 of the turkey breast from the bone.
  • Wrap one 1/2 and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 4 months, for later use.
  • Slice other 1/2 of turkey breast and serve with the gravy, and mashed potatoes, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 586.8, Fat 27.8, SaturatedFat 7.1, Cholesterol 221.1, Sodium 382.2, Carbohydrate 3.2, Fiber 0.5, Sugar 0.3, Protein 76

DRY-RUBBED TURKEY BREAST



Dry-Rubbed Turkey Breast image

The breast goes into the oven at a relatively high temperature to take on some color, then finishes low and slow for extreme juiciness.

Provided by Andy Baraghani

Categories     Bon Appétit     Thanksgiving     turkey     Roast     Coriander     Fennel     Christmas     Dinner     Holiday 2018

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 Tbsp. coriander seeds
1 Tbsp. fennel seeds
1 Tbsp. black peppercorns
1/3 cup Diamond Crystal or 1/4 cup Morton kosher salt
2 tsp. light brown sugar
1 (6-lb.) skin-on, bone-in turkey breast, patted dry

Steps:

  • Coarsely grind coriander seeds, fennel seeds, and peppercorns in spice mill or with mortar and pestle. (If you don't have either, you can always chop with a chef's knife.) Place salt and brown sugar in a medium bowl and work together with your fingers until incorporated. Stir in ground spices.
  • Place turkey on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. (If you don't have this setup, place your turkey on a V-shape rack set inside a large roasting pan.) Sprinkle dry brine all over both sides of turkey breast, patting to adhere. You won't need all of the dry brine, but it's good to have extra since some of it will end up on the baking sheet as you season the turkey breast. Chill, uncovered, at least 12 hours and up to 2 days.
  • Remove turkey breast from wire rack and rinse baking sheet and rack if needed (turkey will most likely release some liquid onto pan). Line baking sheet with 3 layers of foil and set rack back inside. Place turkey breast back on rack and let sit at room temperature 2-3 hours.
  • Place an oven rack in middle of oven; preheat to 450°F. Pour 1 cup water into baking sheet and roast turkey breast, rotating pan halfway through, until skin is mostly golden brown all over, about 30 minutes.
  • Reduce oven temperature to 300°F and continue to roast turkey breast, adding more water by 12-cupfuls as needed to maintain some liquid in baking sheet, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of breast registers 150°F (don't worry; the temperature will continue to climb while the turkey breast rests), 50-70 minutes longer. Skin should be deep golden brown and crisp. Transfer turkey breast to a cutting board and let rest at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour before slicing.

DRY BRINE TURKEY



Dry Brine Turkey image

Dry brining is the easiest way to get a moist and flavorful turkey on the table for your Thanksgiving dinner. Plan ahead, you'll need a few days to get the most flavor. I found that salt and pepper was enough for me, but feel free to season with other aromatics before roasting.

Provided by hello angie

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Turkey     Brine

Time P3DT12h15m

Yield 15

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 (15 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
3 tablespoons kosher salt
black pepper to taste
1 onion, cut into wedges
4 stalks celery, halved

Steps:

  • Pat turkey dry with paper towels. Season the inside and outside of turkey with kosher salt, focusing on the breast and thighs. Place turkey, breast-side up, in the roasting pan and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate turkey for about 2 days.
  • Flip turkey breast-side down, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 1 more day.
  • Remove plastic wrap and place turkey on a rack over a baking sheet the night before you plan to roast. Allow turkey to air-dry in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours.
  • Bring turkey to room temperature, 1 to 2 hours; pat dry with paper towels. Season turkey with black pepper and place onion and celery in the cavity.
  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Place turkey, breast-side down, in a roasting pan.
  • Roast in the preheated oven until skin is golden, about 30 minutes. Remove turkey from oven and flip to breast-side up. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C); continue roasting until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 2 hours.
  • Transfer turkey to a large platter and loosely tent with aluminum foil; allow turkey to rest about 30 minutes before carving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 683.7 calories, Carbohydrate 1 g, Cholesterol 267.6 mg, Fat 31.8 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 91.9 g, SaturatedFat 9.3 g, Sodium 1382.8 mg, Sugar 0.5 g

MCCORMICK® SAVORY HERB RUB ROASTED TURKEY



McCormick® Savory Herb Rub Roasted Turkey image

The herb rub lends delicious savory flavor to the outside of your turkey, while basting keeps the meat juicy inside. Reserve the pan juices to make gravy or serve with the turkey.

Provided by McCormick Spice

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     McCormick®

Time 3h50m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons McCormick® Rubbed Sage or McCormick® Poultry Seasoning
1 tablespoon McCormick® Paprika
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
2 teaspoons McCormick® Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon McCormick® Black Pepper, Ground
¾ teaspoon McCormick® Ground Nutmeg
1 turkey (12 to 14 pounds), fresh or frozen, thawed
1 large onion, cut into wedges
6 McCormick® Bay Leaves
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Place oven rack in lowest position. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Place roasting rack in shallow roasting pan. Mix sage or poultry seasoning, paprika, seasoned salt, garlic powder, pepper and nutmeg in small bowl.
  • Rinse turkey; pat dry. Place turkey, breast-side up, in prepared pan. Sprinkle about half of the seasoning mixture inside of turkey. Stuff with onion and bay leaves. Brush turkey breast with oil. Spread remaining seasoning mixture over entire surface and under skin of turkey. Add 1/2 cup water to pan. Cover turkey loosely with heavy duty foil.
  • Roast 1 hour. Remove foil. Roast 2 to 2 1/2 hours longer or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (175 degrees F in thigh), basting occasionally with pan juices. Remove turkey from oven. Let stand 20 minutes. Transfer to platter or carving board to slice. Reserve pan juices to make gravy or to serve with turkey.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 815.2 calories, Carbohydrate 2.5 g, Cholesterol 312.7 mg, Fat 38.5 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 107.5 g, SaturatedFat 11.1 g, Sodium 489.7 mg, Sugar 0.7 g

ROASTED DRY-BRINED TURKEY



Roasted Dry-Brined Turkey image

A dry-brined turkey is so much easier to prepare than a wet-brined turkey-and the clean-up process is easier, too. For a beautiful, natural garnish, arrange fresh sage and bay leaves, cracked walnuts, and cranberries around the roasted turkey.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Turkey Recipes

Yield Serves 12 to 14

Number Of Ingredients 14

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
14 dried bay leaves, 10 crushed, 4 left whole
1 whole fresh turkey (22 to 24 pounds), giblets and neck reserved for Simple Giblet Stock
6 ounces (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for baking dish if needed
1 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
Leek-Celery Root Stuffing
1 cup water, plus more if needed
Pan drippings, reserved from turkey
1 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Simple Giblet Stock, or 4 cups homemade or store-bought low-sodium turkey or chicken stock
1 ounce (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Make the turkey: Combine 2/3 cup salt and crushed bay leaves in a small bowl. Rinse inside and outside of turkey, and pat dry with paper towels. Rub 2 tablespoons salt mixture evenly inside turkey cavity, 2 tablespoons on each leg portion, 1 1/2 teaspoons on each wing, and 2 tablespoons on each breast. Place turkey in a large oven bag and seal tightly, removing any trapped air. Place on a rimmed baking sheet, and refrigerate for 48 hours.
  • Remove turkey from bag, and let stand at room temperature for 1 hour. Combine 1 stick butter, the wine, and whole bay leaves in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat.
  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees with rack in lowest position. Rinse inside and outside of turkey, and pat dry with paper towels. Place turkey, breast side up, on a rack in a roasting pan. Tuck wings under turkey. Season cavity with salt and pepper, and loosely fill it with 4 cups stuffing. (To bake remaining stuffing, see Leek-Celery Root Stuffing). Tie legs together with kitchen string. Rub remaining 1/2 stick butter on turkey, and season with salt and pepper. Pour water into roasting pan.
  • Place turkey, legs first, into oven. Roast for 30 minutes, then baste with butter-wine mixture. Reduce temperature to 350 degrees, and roast, basting with butter-wine mixture every 30 minutes, for 2 1/2 hours. (Add more water to roasting pan if necessary to prevent pan drippings from burning.) Rotate pan, and roast until skin is golden brown and thickest part of thigh (avoiding bone) and center of stuffing register 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer 30 to 45 minutes more. (If turkey is done before the stuffing, remove turkey from oven, and spoon stuffing into a buttered baking dish, and continue to roast until golden and center registers 165 degrees.) Transfer turkey to a rimmed baking sheet, reserving pan juices and roasting pan, and let rest for 30 minutes before carving.
  • Make the pan gravy: Pour reserved pan juices into a glass measuring cup or a gravy separator, and let stand until fat rises to the surface, about 10 minutes. Pour or spoon off fat.
  • Place reserved roasting pan on 2 burners over medium heat. Add wine, and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping browned bits with a wooden spoon. Whisk flour and giblet stock in a large bowl until combined. Add defatted pan juices, whisking to combine, then pour into roasting pan. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and thickened, 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Remove pan from heat, and whisk in butter. Strain through a sieve, and discard solids. Stir in parsley. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
  • To carve the turkey: Place the turkey in front of you, breast side up, and use your hand to hold it steady. Cut through kitchen string, and discard. Remove drumsticks first by placing a knife against the thigh, cutting alongside body, and slicing through the skin to expose the joint. Apply pressure at the joint with the tip of the knife, then twist the knife, and cut through the joint to release the drumstick. Repeat on the other side. (For a video how-to, see How to Carve Turkey Like a Pro.)
  • Use a long-handled spoon to scoop out the stuffing, and transfer it to a serving bowl. Slice the thigh meat from the bone.
  • Place the knife horizontally at the bottom curve of the breast, and slice in toward the rib cage along the length of the breast to create a "guide cut." Then make a vertical slice from the top down alongside the rib cage to loosen the breast meat. Cut the breast vertically into 1/4-inch-thick slices, being careful to preserve some skin. Repeat on the other side. Insert the knife tip at wing joint closest to the turkey, and twist to release wing. Repeat on the other side.

Tips:

  • Dry-brining is key: Salting the turkey inside and out helps to evenly distribute the flavor and moisture throughout the bird.
  • Use a good quality rub: The rub is what gives the turkey its flavor, so make sure to use one that you like. There are many different recipes available online or in cookbooks.
  • Don't overcook the turkey: Overcooked turkey is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Let the turkey rest before carving: This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the bird, resulting in a more flavorful and moist turkey.
  • Serve with your favorite sides: Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and gravy are all classic Thanksgiving sides that pair well with roast turkey.

Conclusion:

Dry-rubbed roast turkey is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving or any other special occasion. By following these tips, you can ensure that your turkey turns out perfectly cooked and flavorful.

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