Go Back
–+ servings
perfect roasted turkeys for thanksgiving dinner

Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

The most easy and perfect roasted turkey recipe. Loaded with flavors, soft, moist are all you'll find in this recipe
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Marinating time: 1 day
Total Time: 1 day 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 1 turkey
Author: Tu

Equipment

  • Roasting pan with rack
  • Aluminum foil (optional)
  • A deep hotel pan or a bucket
  • Basting brush

Ingredients 

  • 1 young turkey 12-15lb, giblets removed

Brine liquid

  • 2 gallon water
  • 1 c Kosher salt
  • ¼ c light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp black peppercorn
  • 2 medium carrot quartered
  • 2 medium white onion quartered
  • 4 sprig thyme
  • 2 sprig rosemary
  • 2 medium apples quartered

Stuffing

  • 1 medium carrot quartered
  • 1 medium white onion quartered
  • 1 medium apple quartered
  • 2 sprig thyme
  • 2 sprig rosemary

Instructions

  • 2 days before Thanksgiving dinner: combine water, sugar, salt, and peppercorn in a large stock pot. Bring to boil. Then let it cool down to room temperature and refrigerate.
    2 gallon water, 1 c Kosher salt, ¼ c light brown sugar, 2 tbsp black peppercorn
  • 1 day before Thanksgiving dinner: Add the rest of brine ingredients to the chilled brine liquid. Then submerge the turkey completely under the brine, breast side down. Let the turkey marinade for 1 day. Maximum 2 days.
    2 medium carrot, 2 medium white onion, 4 sprig thyme, 2 sprig rosemary, 2 medium apples, 1 young turkey
  • A day of the dinner. Pre-heat oven to 400*F.
  • Take turkey out of the brine and place on the roasting pan with rack included. Stuff turkey loosely with stuffing ingredients. Throw the any left over on the pan. You can also put them under the turkey (if no rack is available) to prevent uneven cooking.
    1 medium carrot, 1 medium white onion, 1 medium apple, 2 sprig thyme, 2 sprig rosemary
  • Roast at 400*F for 30 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 325*F and continue cooking until the internal of the thigh reaches 165*F. Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
  • Remember to baste every 45 minutes with the juice in the pan. And lightly cover turkey breast area with aluminum foil half way during the cooking process.
  • When the turkey is done, remove it from the roasting pan. Discard the stuffing and left over vegetables on the pan. Let the turkey rest for 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Carve the turkey following procedure above. Served with your pick of sides dish (References above).
  • Enjoy!