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Spatchcock Turkey

Spatchcock Turkey


  • Author: Jonathan
  • Total Time: 1.5 to 2 hours (plus optional overnight marinating)
  • Yield: 8 to 10 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Impress your guests with this juicy and flavorful Spatchcock Turkey recipe. Using a technique that flattens the turkey for even cooking, this recipe delivers tender meat and crispy skin with simple, natural ingredients and easy steps. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or gatherings, it reduces cooking time while maximizing flavor and texture.


Ingredients

Turkey

  • Whole Turkey (10-12 lbs)

Herb Rub

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil (natural), 1/4 cup
  • Garlic Cloves, minced, 4 cloves
  • Fresh Rosemary, chopped, 1 tbsp
  • Fresh Thyme, chopped, 1 tbsp
  • Fresh Sage, chopped, 1 tbsp
  • Smoked Paprika, 1 tsp
  • Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce (natural), 1 tbsp
  • Lemon Juice (natural), 2 tbsp
  • Salt, 1 tsp
  • Black Pepper, 1/2 tsp

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Turkey: Remove the turkey from its packaging and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels. Using sharp kitchen shears, carefully cut along both sides of the backbone and remove it completely. Flip the turkey over and press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten it evenly.
  2. Make the Herb Rub: In a small bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil (natural), minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage, smoked paprika, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), lemon juice (natural), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a fragrant marinade.
  3. Apply the Rub: Generously brush the herb rub all over the turkey, ensuring to coat both the skin and the meat underneath. For maximum flavor, gently loosen the skin and spread some of the rub directly onto the meat.
  4. Let It Rest: Allow the turkey to marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
  5. Roast the Turkey: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the flattened turkey breast-side up on a large roasting pan or baking sheet. Roast for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, checking the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast.
  6. Rest Before Carving: Once cooked, tent the turkey with foil and let it rest for about 20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.

Notes

  • Use sharp kitchen shears for easier and safer backbone removal.
  • Pat the turkey dry thoroughly for crispy skin.
  • Invest in a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked, juicy meat.
  • Allow the turkey to rest after roasting to retain moisture.
  • Start roasting at a high temperature to lock in moisture and brown the skin, then reduce heat if needed to finish cooking.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus optional overnight marinating)
  • Cook Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 6 oz roasted turkey)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: spatchcock turkey, roasted turkey, holiday turkey, crispy turkey skin, juicy turkey, easy turkey recipe