The Perfect Maple Glazed Turkey Recipe - Succulent and Tender!

The Perfect Maple Glazed Turkey Recipe - Succulent and Tender!

Turkey is a classic dish, with many different ways to prepare it. Today I am going to share with you my recipe for a Maple Butter Roasted Turkey. And yes, it is as delicious as it sounds!

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Recipe Ingredients

Prepare the Butter:

1 pound Butter, room temperature
2 to 3 ounces Maple Syrup
1 ounces Pure Vanilla Extra
1 pinch Salt

Prepare the Turkey:

1 x 14 pound Turkey
1 large Yellow Onion, cut into chunks
2 large Lemons, cut into chunks
2 or 3 Mandarin Orange

For the Maple Glaze:

¼ cup Maple Syrup
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extra
2 tablespoons Honey
Salt
1 dash Sriracha Hot Sauce

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Recipe Instructions

Preheat Oven to 325ºF /162ºC

Make the Butter:

Mix all ingredients in a glass bowl. Leave at room temperature

For the Turkey:

Pat turkey dry with paper towels. Season the inside with salt and pepper. Rub the entire turkey skin with butter. Stuff the inside of the bird with the lemons, onion and Mandarin. Tie the legs together to hold the shape of the turkey.
Place the turkey in a large roasting pan. Cover the turkey for the first two hours with aluminum. Roast until a meat thermometer inserted between the body and the leg into the thickest part of the inner thigh (without touching the bone) registers 145ºF to 150ºF.

Make the Glaze:

Mix all ingredients in a glass bowl.

Finish the Turkey:

Brush the glaze and return to the oven for about 10/15 minutes until dark golden brown. The temperature will reach 155ºF/160ºF.
Remove turkey from the oven and cover with aluminum foil. Wait 30 minutes before carving.
As a general rule, to covert conventional cooking to convection cooking, reduce the temperature by 25°F and the cooking time by approximately 10 to 15%.
Cooking in a Regular Oven at 325ºF
WEIGHT & COOKING TIME
6 - 7 POUNDS, 2 - 2 ½ HOURS
7 - 10 POUNDS, 2 ½ - 3 HOURS
10 - 18 POUNDS - 3 - 3 ½ HOURS
18 - 22 POUNDS - 3 ½ - 4 HOURS
22 - 24 POUNDS - 4 - 4 ½ HOURS
24 - 30 POUNDS - 4 ½ - 5 HOURS
Cooking in a Convection Oven at 325ºF
WEIGHT & COOKING TIME
6 - 7 POUNDS, 1 ½ - 2 HOURS
7 - 10 POUNDS, 2  -  2 ½ HOURS
10 - 18 POUNDS, 2 ½ - 3 HOURS
18 - 22 POUNDS, 3 – 3 ½ HOURS
22 - 24 POUNDS, 3 ½ - 4 HOURS
24 - 30 POUNDS, 4 – 4 ½ HOURS
No matter what the schedule above is displaying.  Be sure to check the temperature of your bird at least 1 hour before the final cooking time to make sure that you are at least 90% of the desired temperature.
For example if you are cooking a 20 lbs bird in a regular oven and the cooking time is expected to be 3 ½ to 4 hours.  After 2 ½ hours your turkey inside temperature should be about 135.  Another hour should bring to your desire 155 to 165.
DOUBLE CHECK YOUR TEMPERATURE AS MANY TIMES AS IT IS NECESSARY AND NEVER COOK THE TURKEY OVER 165

Pro-Tips

Maximize the Flavor

For an even more flavorful turkey, rub herb butter (made with sage, thyme, and rosemary) under the skin before glazing. This ensures the seasoning penetrates the meat, adding depth to every bite.

Bonus Pro-Tip: Turn Your Turkey Drippings Into A Luscious Gravey

Use the turkey drippings to make a luscious gravy. Strain the drippings, add some flour and stock, and simmer until thickened. Drizzle this over your turkey slices for an extra layer of flavor.