Moist and Tender Turkey (or Turkey Breast)
A girlfriend told me about the mayo trick when I was first married and I've never roasted a turkey or turkey breast without it since. The skin is crisp and flavorful and the meat is tender, moist, and delicious. If you don't use the butter and broth, you will not have enough pan drippings to make gravy, and you don't want to do that because this combo makes the best-tasting gravy I've ever had. I've also added 1/2 cup of beer or wine to the mixture before, and it was also spectacular. With slow roasting, the meat stays so juicy I've actually had it squirt out when I insert the thermometer! I've never had a better turkey or turkey breast. (I roast my 18-20 lbs. fresh turkey at 250°F in a convection oven. It takes about 4 hours to reach the correct temperature.)
A girlfriend told me about the mayo trick when I was first married and I've never roasted a turkey or turkey breast without it since. The skin is crisp and flavorful and the meat is tender, moist, and delicious. If you don't use the butter and broth, you will not have enough pan drippings to make gravy, and you don't want to do that because this combo makes the best-tasting gravy I've ever had. I've also added 1/2 cup of beer or wine to the mixture before, and it was also spectacular. With slow roasting, the meat stays so juicy I've actually had it squirt out when I insert the thermometer! I've never had a better turkey or turkey breast. (I roast my 18-20 lbs. fresh turkey at 250°F in a convection oven. It takes about 4 hours to reach the correct temperature.)
- Carbohydrate 0.0340500000433862 g
- Cholesterol 122.012500155467 mg
- Fat 46.029925058651 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0.482375000614638 g
- Saturated Fat 29.1513400371444 g
- Serving Size 1 1 turkey, 12 serving(s) (397g)
- Sodium 326.880000416508 mg
- Sugar 0.0340500000433862 g
- Trans Fat 3.22226500410578 g
- Calories 407 calories
Step-by-step
- Place turkey or turkey breast in a roasting pan. (I use a disposable roasting pan)
- Combine melted butter and chicken broth. Pour over turkey.
- Rub mayonnaise all over turkey's exterior.
- Salt and pepper lightly if desired.
- Roast at 300-325°F until internal temperature reaches 170°F on an instant-read thermometer. (I raise the temperature to 350°F for the last approximate 30-45 minutes to crisp skin).
- (I roast my 18-20 lbs. fresh turkey at 250°F in a convection oven. It takes about 4 hours to reach the correct temperature.)
- Remove from oven and let sit for about 30 minutes before slicing.
- Note: because the butter and broth are for making gravy, if you need to make a lot of gravy, double the amount of both.
- To make gravy: pour pan drippings into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add 1 tbsp. cornstarch per cup of broth/drippings to 1/4 cup cold water. (You'll usually need 2-3 tbsp)
- Mix well to dissolve.
- Stir cornstarch mixture into broth and stir until thickened.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- If too thin, dissolve more cornstarch in water and add until desired thickness.
- If too thick, add water or more broth to thin.
My Secret to the Juiciest, Most Flavorful Turkey
As a busy working mom, Thanksgiving is a whirlwind of activity. There’s the shopping, the prep work, and of course, the cooking. But one thing I never compromise on is the turkey. It’s the centerpiece of the meal, the star of the show, and it has to be perfect. Over the years, I’ve tried countless recipes, each promising the moistest, most flavorful turkey imaginable. But it wasn't until a friend shared her "mayo trick" that I finally found my go-to method. This isn't your grandma's dry, overcooked turkey; this is a game-changer.
The secret, you ask? Mayonnaise. Yes, really. I know it sounds strange, but trust me on this one. The mayonnaise adds incredible moisture and richness to the turkey, resulting in unbelievably tender, juicy meat. The skin? It crisps up beautifully, achieving that perfect golden-brown color and satisfying crunch. Combined with a simple basting liquid of melted butter and chicken broth, this method creates a flavorful foundation that's hard to beat. For an extra layer of deliciousness, I occasionally add a splash of beer or white wine to the basting liquid; the subtle notes of alcohol add a surprising depth of flavor that elevates the turkey to a whole new level. The result is a turkey so juicy that it practically squirts when you insert the meat thermometer – a testament to the effectiveness of this simple yet brilliant method!
Beyond the exceptional flavor and moisture, this recipe is also incredibly easy to execute. No complicated techniques or specialized equipment are required – just a roasting pan, a few simple ingredients, and your trusty oven. I typically use a disposable roasting pan for easy cleanup, but a regular roasting pan works just as well. The process itself is straightforward: you simply place the turkey in the pan, baste it with the butter and broth mixture, rub it generously with mayonnaise, and roast until it reaches the perfect internal temperature. I usually roast my 18-20 pound turkey at 250°F in a convection oven, which takes around 4 hours; a conventional oven might require a slightly higher temperature and longer cooking time. Remember to let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes after cooking before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in an even more tender and flavorful final product.
And let's not forget the gravy! The pan drippings from this recipe are absolutely divine. They’re rich, flavorful, and create the most delicious gravy I’ve ever tasted. The combination of butter, broth, and the rendered turkey fat results in a luscious gravy that perfectly complements the turkey. My simple cornstarch-thickened gravy recipe is a perfect partner to the moist turkey. I often double the amount of butter and broth to ensure I have plenty of pan drippings for gravy for all my guests; it’s worth it!
This recipe has become a Thanksgiving staple in my home, and it's consistently praised by family and friends. Its ease of preparation and incredible results make it perfect for busy cooks who don’t want to sacrifice flavor or quality. It's a recipe that has truly transformed my Thanksgiving experience, and I'm confident it will do the same for you. So, ditch the complicated recipes and embrace this simple, yet surprisingly effective method for a turkey that will be the star of your holiday feast. Your guests will be begging for seconds, and you'll be left feeling proud of your culinary achievement without spending all day in the kitchen.
So, this year, let’s make this Thanksgiving unforgettable with this moist and flavorful turkey. Happy cooking!
