Description
Succulent maple butter glazed turkey brings festive Canadian culinary magic to your holiday table. Rich maple syrup and golden butter create a glossy, irresistible coating you cannot resist savoring with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12–14 pounds Turkey (neck and giblets removed)
- 2/3 cup Kosher salt (or 6 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon Morton salt)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted butter
Seasoning and Spices:
- 1 tablespoon Black peppercorns, coarsely ground
- 2 tablespoons Garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons Light brown sugar
- 2 sprigs Thyme
Glaze and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup Pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons Unseasoned rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
- Deconstruct the turkey by carefully removing legs, wings, and breast. Trim the backbone if desired. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry each turkey segment.
- Create a seasoning blend by coarsely grinding black peppercorns and mixing with kosher salt, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Generously coat turkey pieces with the mixture. Position pieces on a wire rack over a baking sheet and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to penetrate and skin to dry.
- Craft the maple glaze by combining unsalted butter, pure maple syrup, soy sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh thyme in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until the mixture reduces and thickens to a glossy consistency, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Heat the oven to 425F. Position turkey pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Pour one cup of water into the bottom of the pan to create moisture. Roast for 25-35 minutes until initial browning occurs.
- Lower oven temperature to 300F. Continue roasting for 55-75 minutes, periodically brushing turkey with prepared maple glaze every 20 minutes to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
- Remove turkey from oven and let rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat before carving and serving.
Notes
- Customize the dry brine by experimenting with different herbs and spices like rosemary, sage, or smoked paprika for unique flavor profiles.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption, preventing overcooking or undercooking.
- For a gluten-free version, replace traditional Worcestershire sauce with a gluten-free alternative or tamari sauce.
- Create a lighter version by using a reduced-fat butter or substituting part of the butter with olive oil to lower overall calorie content.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 14
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1,670 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 53 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg