Pavo Adobado│Juicy Mexican-Style Adobo Oven-Roasted Turkey

ESPAÑOL Bring Authentic Mexican Flavor to Your Holiday Table with This Pavo Adobado! Take your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast to the next level with this delicious Pavo Adobado Mexican Recipe.

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Marinated in a rich blend of chiles, orange juice, and achiote, this turkey is full of deep, vibrant flavors. For the best results, let the turkey soak up this flavorful marinade overnight, and prepare for an unforgettable dining experience! Wondering what it tastes like?

Imagine the savory, bold flavor of carnitas transformed into a mouthwatering turkey dish—yes, it’s that good!

What is Pavo Adobado?

This Mexican-style turkey, often known as adobo turkey, is a fantastic way to infuse your holiday meal with smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors. With a marinade of guajillo, pasilla, and morita chiles, this recipe creates a rich, reddish color and a uniquely aromatic experience. Not into spice? Don’t worry—the combination of chiles here enhances the turkey without adding heat. Want a touch of spiciness? Toss in a few arbol chiles to give it that extra kick.

Ingredients and Substitutions for the Perfect Adobo Marinade

• Chiles: Guajillo, pasilla, and morita chiles are ideal, but if you’re unable to find them, try using ancho chiles or mirasol chiles instead. They provide a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
• Achiote Paste: This essential ingredient gives the turkey its beautiful color and earthy undertones. If achiote paste is unavailable, use Goya’s achiote and culantro seasoning for a similar result, though the color will be less intense.
• Orange Soda or Juice: Orange soda works wonderfully here, adding a slight sweetness and helping caramelize the turkey’s skin. However, orange juice is also a great alternative if you prefer a more natural option.

How to Prepare and Marinate the Turkey

1. Toast the Chiles: Heat a skillet, and toast the chiles briefly on each side until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. Roast the garlic and onion as well.

1. Blend the Marinade: In a blender, combine the chiles, achiote paste, orange soda, and other ingredients until smooth. Strain the mixture to remove any bits.

1. Marinate the Turkey: Gently separate the turkey skin from the meat to create a pocket for the marinade. Pour the adobo between the skin and meat, spreading it as evenly as possible. Place the turkey in a roasting bag or cover it with foil, adding any leftover marinade, and refrigerate overnight.

Roasting the Turkey

1. Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (180°C).
2. Prepare to Roast: If using a roasting bag, make a small cut at the top to allow steam to escape. Otherwise, cover tightly with foil to retain moisture.
3. Cooking Time: Roast the turkey according to its weight (a 17-pound turkey typically requires about 3.5 hours). Baste the turkey every hour for a juicy and golden result.
4. Check Temperature: For perfect doneness, ensure the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, and the thigh reaches 175°F.

Serving and Side Dish Suggestions

Once out of the oven, let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving to keep the juices in. Serve with Mexican-inspired sides like creamy mashed potatoes, espagueti blanco con jamón, or your favorite holiday dishes.

This Pavo Adobado will impress your guests and add a touch of Mexico to your holiday table. Enjoy the flavors of tradition and celebration in every bite!

Looking for some other Mexican Turkey Recipes?

• Roasted Orange Turkey
• Chipotle Turkey
• Pavo Enchilado