Sizzle Up Michael Symon’s Juicy Spatchcock Turkey Recipe!

Michael Symon’s spatchcock turkey revolutionizes the classic holiday centerpiece with its ingenious culinary magic.

Cracking the code of perfect poultry requires nothing more than a simple yet transformative technique.

Chefs and home cooks alike adore this method for its foolproof approach to achieving golden, crackling skin.

By expertly removing the backbone, the turkey spreads out like a delectable canvas, promising even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

Every slice promises succulence that will make taste buds dance with delight.

This method strips away the intimidation of traditional roasting, turning complex cooking into an approachable art form.

Grab your kitchen shears and get ready to become the culinary hero of your next gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Michael Symon’s Spatchcock Turkey

• Turkey: Choose a fresh, plump bird with smooth, unblemished skin and minimal discoloration.

• Garlic, Rosemary: Select firm, fragrant garlic cloves and vibrant green rosemary sprigs without browning or wilting.
• Olive Oil: Pick a high-quality, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil for robust flavor.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground pepper and coarse kosher salt for enhanced seasoning depth.

• Kitchen Shears: Opt for sharp, stainless steel shears specifically designed for food preparation.
• Roasting Pan: Select a sturdy, heavy-duty pan with raised edges to catch delicious turkey drippings.
• Instant-Read Meat Thermometer: Choose a digital thermometer with precise temperature readings for accurate doneness.

Tools for Preparing Symon’s Spatchcock Turkey

• Cutting Board: Large, stable surface for turkey preparation.
• Kitchen Shears: Sharp tool for removing turkey backbone.
• Roasting Pan: Large, sturdy pan to hold and cook the turkey.
• Instant-Read Meat Thermometer: Essential for checking internal turkey temperature.
• Baster: Tool for spreading pan juices over the turkey during roasting.
• Mixing Bowl: Small container for mixing seasonings.
• Measuring Spoons: For precise salt and pepper amounts.
• Chef's Knife: For mincing garlic and preparing herbs.
• Oven Mitts: Protective gear for handling hot pans and turkey.

How to Cook Michael Symon’s Spatchcock Turkey

Unleash the Perfect Roast Turkey

Transform your kitchen into a culinary paradise with this foolproof spatchcock turkey technique that guarantees crispy skin and juicy meat.

• Prep like a Pro

Grab your turkey and remove the inner bits. Place the bird breast-side down on a sturdy cutting board. With sharp kitchen shears, slice along both sides of the backbone and remove it completely. Flip the turkey over and press down firmly to flatten it into a beautiful spatchcock style that ensures even cooking.

• Flavor Explosion

Massage the turkey with a heavenly blend of minced garlic, fresh rosemary, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Gently lift the skin and tuck aromatic herbs underneath. Drizzle olive oil generously and coat every inch with seasoning to create a mouthwatering exterior that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Oven Magic

Crank up the oven to a scorching 450°F. Position the turkey on a roasting pan with the breast facing up, wings slightly covering the breast and legs spread out. This strategic placement ensures gorgeous browning and consistent heat distribution.

• Roasting Rhythm

Start with a high-heat blast for 20 minutes, watching the skin turn a gorgeous golden brown. Then drop the temperature to 400°F and continue roasting. Periodically baste the turkey with its own delicious pan juices to keep the meat succulent and add depth of flavor.

• Temperature Triumph

Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Aim for 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. This guarantees perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat turkey that’ll impress even the pickiest food critics.

• Rest and Serve in Style

Once out of the oven, let the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes. This crucial step allows juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and tender. Carve with confidence and serve alongside those irresistible pan drippings and roasted garlic cloves.

Tips and Cooking Notes for Spatchcock Turkey

Mix dried herbs like thyme or sage into the seasoning blend for an extra flavor boost.

Pat the turkey completely dry before seasoning to help achieve that golden, crackling exterior everyone loves.

Create a compound butter with herbs and gently massage under the skin for rich, luxurious flavor throughout the meat.

Replace olive oil with a splash of dry white wine during seasoning to add depth and complexity to the turkey’s taste profile.

Ways to Serve Symon’s Spatchcock Turkey

• Pair with Festive Side Dishes: Complement the roasted turkey with classic holiday sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce for a complete seasonal feast.
• Create Gravy from Pan Drippings: Collect the flavorful pan juices, whisk with flour, and simmer to create a rich, aromatic gravy that enhances the turkey's herbal and garlic notes.
• Elevate the Presentation: Arrange carved turkey slices on a large platter, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, and surround with roasted garlic cloves for a stunning centerpiece that impresses guests.
• Serve with Warming Beverages: Offer robust red wines like Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon, or serve warm apple cider to perfectly match the turkey's savory herb-infused flavor profile.

Storage Suggestions for Spatchcock Turkey

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store leftover turkey in airtight containers within two hours of cooking, keeping portions under 4 cups to cool quickly and prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigerate and Enjoy: Seal cooked turkey in sealed containers, consuming within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture. Slice meat before storing to enhance reheating efficiency.
• Smart Freezing Strategy: Wrap turkey tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze portions for up to 4 months, labeling containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated turkey gently in microwave or oven, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F, stirring occasionally to distribute warmth evenly.

Crispy Michael Symon Spatchcock Turkey Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Michael Symon’s spatchcock turkey delivers crispy skin and juicy meat through strategic butterflying techniques. Herb-infused butter and careful roasting guarantee a memorable holiday centerpiece you’ll savor with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (8.2 to 5.4 kg) turkey
• 10 garlic cloves, peeled and lightly crushed
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) extra virgin olive oil or butter
• 1 branch fresh tarragon or thyme, separated into sprigs, or ½ tsp (2.5 ml) dried thyme or tarragon
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position the turkey breast-side down on a cutting board and remove the backbone using kitchen shears, creating a flat, even surface for roasting.
2. Positioning: Transfer the spatchcocked turkey to a roasting pan breast-side up, arranging wings to partially cover the breast and legs extended outward.
3. Aromatic Enhancement: Carefully tuck fresh rosemary sprigs and whole garlic cloves underneath the bird, nestling them between wings and legs to infuse deep flavor.
4. Seasoning: Generously coat the entire turkey with coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then drizzle extra virgin olive oil to promote crispy, golden skin.
5. Initial Roasting: Place the turkey in a preheated oven at 450°F (232°C) for 20 minutes, allowing the skin to develop a rich, bronze coloration.
6. Temperature Adjustment: Baste the turkey with pan juices, then reduce oven temperature to 400°F (204°C), monitoring cooking progress and adjusting heat if necessary.
7. Monitoring Doneness: Continue roasting, using an instant-read meat thermometer to check internal temperature, ensuring the leg meat reaches 165°F (74°C) in multiple locations.
8. Resting and Serving: Allow the turkey to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving, which helps redistribute juices and ensures a moist, succulent final dish. Serve with caramelized garlic and pan juices for a spectacular presentation.

Notes

• Flatten Completely: Pressing down firmly helps create an even cooking surface, ensuring consistent roasting and preventing uneven browning.
• Strategic Seasoning: Generously coat the entire turkey with salt and pepper, getting under the skin and into crevices for maximum flavor penetration.
• Temperature Precision: Monitor internal temperature carefully, checking multiple spots to guarantee the turkey reaches 165°F for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Resting Ritual: Allow the turkey to rest 10-15 minutes after cooking, which allows juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and succulent meat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg