Tequila Turkey

Infuse your holiday feast with bold, zesty flavors by preparing this show-stopping Tequila Turkey! Perfectly seasoned with a marinade of silver tequila, fresh lime juice, garlic, smoked paprika, and vibrant cilantro, this roast turkey truly elevates your dinner table. Stuffed with fragrant oranges, herbs, and onions, and basted to golden perfection, each bite bursts with a citrusy, smoky allure. The tequila not only tenderizes the meat but also adds an unexpected yet delightful twist to the traditional roast. Serve this juicy, tender centerpiece alongside your favorite sides, and watch it become the star of the meal. Ideal for festive gatherings, this tequila-marinated turkey is as unique as it is unforgettable.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:270 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 12 lbs Whole turkey (fresh or thawed)
• 1 cup Tequila (silver or blanco)
• 4 Limes (zested and juiced)
• 6 cloves Fresh garlic (minced)
• 0.5 cup Olive oil
• 1 cup Fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 2 tsp Ground cumin
• 2 tsp Smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp Kosher salt
• 1 tbsp Black pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 cups Chicken or turkey stock
• 4 tbsp Unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 Onion (quartered)
• 1 Orange (quartered)
• 4 Fresh rosemary sprigs
• 4 Fresh thyme sprigs

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and position the oven rack in the lower third.

Step 2

Remove the turkey giblets and neck, rinse the turkey inside and out, and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 3

In a bowl, whisk together tequila, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.

Step 4

Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey by sliding your hand between the skin and the meat, being cautious not to tear the skin.

Step 5

Rub the marinade generously under the skin, over the skin, and inside the cavity of the turkey.

Step 6

Stuff the cavity with the onion quarters, orange quarters, rosemary sprigs, and thyme sprigs.

Step 7

Tie the legs of the turkey together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the body.

Step 8

Place the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan and pour the chicken or turkey stock into the bottom of the pan.

Step 9

Rub the softened butter over the skin of the turkey to aid in crisping and browning.

Step 10

Tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and place in the oven.

Step 11

Roast for about 15 minutes per pound, basting the turkey with pan juices every 30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 45 minutes to brown the skin.

Step 12

The turkey is done when the thickest part of the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the thighs reach 175°F (80°C).

Step 13

Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest, covered loosely with foil, for at least 20 minutes before carving.

Step 14

Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy the rich, citrusy, tequila-enhanced flavors!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	7070.2 grams (7070.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	9599

Total Fat 545.90g	700%
Saturated Fat 155.70g	778%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.60g
Cholesterol 3934mg	1311%
Sodium 9160mg	398%
Total Carbohydrate 65.10g	24%
Dietary Fiber 18.90g	68%
Total Sugars 16.90g
Protein 938.40g	1877%

Vitamin D 28IU	140%
Calcium 991mg	76%
Iron 72mg	398%
Potassium 12928mg	275%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.0%

Protein: 42.0%

Carbs: 2.9%