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Asian Style Roasted Turkey: A Flavorful Twist on the Classic Roast

A beautifully golden and roasted Asian style turkey, surrounded by caramelized carrots, onions, and thyme, showcasing a deliciously crispy skin and tender, juicy meat.

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This Asian style roasted turkey is perfectly roasted to golden perfection with crispy skin, infused with savory and aromatic flavors. The dish is served with caramelized carrots, onions, and fresh thyme, creating a hearty and flavorful meal. This turkey is a unique twist on traditional roasted turkey recipes, offering an incredible blend of textures and taste.

Ingredients

For the Turkey:

  • Whole turkey: 1 (about 12–14 pounds)

  • Olive oil or sesame oil: 2 tablespoons (for rubbing the turkey)

  • Kosher salt: 2 teaspoons

  • Black pepper: 1 teaspoon

For the Marinade:

  • Soy sauce: 1/4 cup (use low-sodium for a healthier option)

  • Hoisin sauce: 3 tablespoons (adds sweetness and depth)

  • Rice vinegar: 2 tablespoons (for a bit of tang)

  • Honey: 1 tablespoon (to balance the acidity)

  • Ginger: 1-inch piece (grated or minced)

  • Garlic: 4 cloves (minced)

  • Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons (for added richness)

  • Five-spice powder: 1 teaspoon (for a warm, aromatic flavor)

  • Chili paste or Sriracha: 1 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat)

  • Lime zest: 1 tablespoon (for a fresh, citrusy note)

For the Glaze:

  • Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons

  • Hoisin sauce: 1 tablespoon

  • Honey: 2 tablespoons

  • Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon

  • Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon

  • Ginger: 1 teaspoon (grated)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

Begin by cleaning the turkey. Remove any giblets from the cavity and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up while roasting. Rub the entire turkey with olive oil or sesame oil, making sure to coat the skin evenly. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, five-spice powder, chili paste (if using), and lime zest. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.

Step 3: Marinate the Turkey

Place the turkey in a large resealable plastic bag or a deep baking dish. Pour the marinade over the turkey, making sure to coat it thoroughly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for more intense flavor.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, let the turkey sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting. This helps it cook more evenly.

Step 5: Roast the Turkey

Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan, breast-side up. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, basting it every 30 minutes with the marinade juices, for about 2.5–3 hours. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

While the turkey is roasting, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5–7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Set the glaze aside.

Step 7: Glaze the Turkey

In the final 20 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey with the prepared glaze every 5–10 minutes. This will create a beautiful, glossy finish on the turkey and enhance the flavor.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

 

Once the turkey is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat moist. Carve the turkey and serve with your favorite sides.