How to Prepare the Perfect Roasted Orange Turkey

Español The holiday season is here, and it’s time to start planning for the main event: your Thanksgiving turkey! If it’s your first time preparing a whole turkey, don’t worry—I’m here to guide you through every step to ensure you get a perfect Thanksgiving turkey.

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This step-by-step guide includes cooking times, tips, and tricks for making a flavorful orange-infused turkey that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

If you’re starting with a frozen turkey, allow it to thaw safely in the refrigerator for at least three days. For a quicker thaw, submerge the turkey in room-temperature water, changing the water every 30 minutes until it reaches room temperature. Once thawed, pat the turkey dry with paper towels—this helps the skin crisp up beautifully during cooking.

Don’t forget to remove the turkey neck and giblets from the cavity before seasoning and marinating! If you’re looking for more ways to thaw your turkey safely, check out this post.

Step 2: Marinate with Orange Brine

For this recipe, we’ll be using an orange marinade inspired by the rich flavors of duck à l’orange, adapted for turkey. In a blender combine the following:

• 2 cups orange juice concentrate with pulp for extra flavor
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup white wine 
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

Then, gently separate the turkey’s skin from the meat using a spoon, being careful not to tear the skin. 

Pour the marinade between the skin and the meat, pushing it as far as you can with the spoon to ensure even coverage. This step infuses the turkey with flavor from the inside out.

For marinating and roasting, I highly recommend using Reynolds Oven Bags, as I grew up watching my mom use them. These bags not only help the turkey cook faster but also make marinating more convenient. Using the bag saves space in the refrigerator, allowing you to marinate the turkey overnight, which makes a noticeable difference in flavor and tenderness.

If you’re using an oven bag, start by adding a tablespoon of flour to the bag, then shake it to distribute the flour evenly (this prevents the bag from bursting during roasting). Place the turkey inside, then pour the remaining marinade over it, ensuring it’s well-coated. 

If you are using aluminum foil, place the turkey in a container, follow the marinating steps, and then cover it with foil paper.

Here’s a secret I learned from my lovely elderly neighbor that works wonders for keeping turkey tender (and it’s fantastic for duck too!). Quarter an apple and place it inside the cavity of the turkey, along with half a head of garlic. The apple adds moisture, while the garlic infuses a wonderful aroma, giving the turkey an extra juicy and tender finish.

After adding the apple and garlic, seal the bag and refrigerate overnight. 

Flip the bag occasionally to ensure the marinade reaches every part of the turkey. This simple step will give you a deliciously moist and flavorful turkey!

Step 3: Prepare for Roasting

Take the turkey out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 365°F. Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.

Make a 1-inch cut at the top of the roasting bag to allow steam to escape, then set it in the oven to roast.

Step 4: Season and Roast

Cooking time depends on the weight of your turkey, so be sure to check its weight beforehand. For a 14–17 pound turkey, the roasting time is about 3 hours. To ensure it’s fully cooked, use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast should reach 165°F (74°C).

Every hour, use the small cut in the roasting bag to baste the turkey with its juices. This keeps the turkey beautifully moist and gives it a lovely color and tenderness that’s sure to impress!

If you are using the Reyold bags the skin looks amazing with out any further step but if using aluminium foil for added browning, uncover the turkey for the last 30 minutes of roasting to achieve a golden brown finish.

Step 5: Let it Rest and Serve

After removing the turkey from the oven, let it rest, for at least 20 minutes. This allows the pan juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy and flavorful. Use a sharp knife to carve, and serve with side dishes like cranberry sauce and gravy made from the delicious pan drippings.

Enjoy your flavorful, Orange juicy turkey as the star of your Thanksgiving meal!

Here are some other fantastic and easy turkey recipes for Christmas or thanksgiving

• Only 4 ingredients Juicy and Tender Roasted Turkey
• Pavo Enchilado Mexican Roasted Turkey
• Adobo Turkey Mexican Oven Roasted Turkey
• White wine brine Turkey