Port Turkey Recipe
Description:
Indulge in the succulent flavors of this exquisite Port Turkey recipe from lovewithrecipes.com. Perfect for any occasion, this dish promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests.
Recipe Category: Whole Turkey
Keywords: Poultry, Meat, Very Low Carbs, High Protein, Thanksgiving, Weeknight, Oven
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 458.3
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5.6g
- Cholesterol: 169.3mg
- Sodium: 281.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 5.2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 2.9g
- Protein: 50.9g
Cook Time: 5 hours
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
Yield: One 20 lb. bird
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 bottle | Port wine |
| 1 tsp | Peppercorns |
| 8 tsp | Salt |
| 1 | Bouquet garni |
| – | Butter |
| – | Bacon grease |
| 2 strips | Bacon |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Turkey:
- Rinse the turkey thoroughly and pat it dry using paper towels.
-
Optional: Stuff the Turkey:
- If desired, stuff the turkey with your favorite stuffing mixture.
-
Season the Turkey:
- Rub the turkey generously with either bacon grease or butter, ensuring an even coating.
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).
-
Prepare the Roasting Pan:
- In a large roaster or stainless steel bowl, lay out the bacon strips at the bottom of the pan.
-
Place the Turkey in the Pan:
- Carefully place the turkey in the roaster, breast side down, on top of the bacon strips.
-
Initial Roasting:
- Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast the turkey at 500°F (260°C) for 20 minutes.
-
Lower the Oven Temperature:
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
-
Add Flavors:
- Pour the entire bottle of port wine over the turkey in the roaster. Add the bouquet garni, salt, and peppercorns. Optionally, you can wrap the herbs and seasonings in cheesecloth for easier removal later.
-
Continue Roasting:
- Roast the turkey at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 15 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 165°F (74°C).
-
Flip the Turkey:
- About 1 hour before the turkey is done, carefully flip it over so that the breast side is facing up.
-
Resting Time:
- Once the turkey is cooked through, remove it from the oven and loosely cover it with foil. Let it rest on a carving board for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful turkey.
-
Note:
- Keep an eye on the turkey during roasting, especially since the sugars in the port wine can caramelize and cause the turkey to brown quickly. If necessary, cover the turkey with foil to prevent it from becoming too dark or burning. You can remove the foil intermittently to baste the turkey and then replace it for further cooking.
-
Additional Tips:
- For a different twist, you can skip the bacon and instead brine the turkey with a homemade apple brine before proceeding with the port wine and herbs. This variation yields an equally delicious and beautifully flavored bird, perfect for any festive occasion.
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of this Port Turkey recipe, and elevate your dining experience to new heights. Whether it’s for a special holiday gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds and leave a lasting impression on your guests. Enjoy the process of creating this masterpiece in your kitchen, and savor every delicious bite! 🍗✨
