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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Positioning: Transfer the spatchcocked turkey to a roasting pan breast-side up, arranging wings to partially cover the breast and legs extended outward.
- Aromatic Enhancement: Carefully tuck fresh rosemary sprigs and whole garlic cloves underneath the bird, nestling them between wings and legs to infuse deep flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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