Citrus-infused Mojo Turkey: A Flavorful Caribbean Twist 🍊🦃

Mojo Cubano Brine Recipe

Overview:

This sensational Mojo Cubano Brine recipe has become a Thanksgiving staple in many households, including mine, where the turkey disappears within days of serving. Inspired by “Lacey’s Mom” review and personal experience, I’ve tweaked the cooking method to ensure a juicy and flavorful bird every time. With a zesty Caribbean flair, this dish guarantees a feast to remember, with no worries about leftovers.

• Preparation Time: 1 hour
• Cooking Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours
• Serving: Serves 8-10

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey (18-20 pounds)
• 3 limes
• 3 oranges
• 1 onion
• 4 sprigs of cilantro
• 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 cup of lime juice
• 1 cup of grapefruit juice
• 1 cup of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons of black pepper

Instructions:

1. Thaw Turkey:
   Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator for 3 days to ensure it’s fully defrosted.

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2. Prep Work:

   • Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey cavity.
   • Place the turkey in an extra-large cooking bag for easy marination.

3. Marinate:

   • In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, grapefruit juice, soy sauce, cider vinegar, ground cumin, minced garlic, and black pepper to create the marinade.
   • Rub the marinade all over the turkey, making sure to coat it thoroughly inside and out. Stuff the cavity with half of the limes, oranges, onion, cilantro, and thyme.
   • Seal the cooking bag tightly with a twist tie and let the turkey marinate in the refrigerator for at least one day, allowing the flavors to infuse.

4. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) to achieve a high initial heat for caramelization.

5. Prepare Turkey for Roasting:

   • Remove the turkey from the marinade, reserving the excess marinade.
   • Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan.
   • Fill the turkey cavity with the remaining limes, oranges, onion, cilantro, and thyme.

6. Initial Roasting:

   • Place the turkey in the hot oven and roast until the exterior is caramelized, creating a flavorful crust while leaving the interior slightly undone.

7. Reduce Heat:

   • Pour the reserved marinade over the turkey.
   • Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) to slow-roast the turkey to perfection.

8. Slow Roasting:

   • Roast the turkey slowly for up to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), ensuring a juicy and tender result.

9. Rest and Serve:

   • Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and cover it loosely with foil to rest.
   • Ensure the meat stays warm until ready to carve.
   • Slice the turkey into 1/4-inch medallions and drizzle with the reserved marinade for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes:

• Cooking Tips:

  • Use a meat thermometer to monitor the turkey’s internal temperature for precise cooking.
  • Cooking time may vary depending on the turkey’s weight, so adjust accordingly.
  • Ensure the turkey is fully thawed before marinating to allow the flavors to penetrate evenly.

• Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve the Mojo Cubano Brined turkey alongside your favorite Thanksgiving sides, such as mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables.
  • This dish is perfect for any special occasion, not just Thanksgiving, and will leave your guests coming back for seconds.

With its vibrant citrus flavors and succulent meat, this Mojo Cubano Brine recipe is sure to become a new family favorite, creating cherished memories around the dinner table. 🦃🍊✨