Cajun Turkey
User Reviews
5.0
57 reviews
Excellent
-
Prep Time
20 mins
-
Cook Time
4 hrs
-
Additional Time
1 d
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Total Time
1 d 4 hrs 20 mins
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Servings
15
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Calories
352 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cajun Turkey
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This Cajun turkey recipe is a whole turkey coated in butter and homemade seasoning mix, then roasted to golden brown perfection. A fabulous holiday main course offering that is packed with flavor and simple to make.
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Ingredients
For the Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the turkey
- 1 recipe Turkey brine optional but highly recommended
- 15 lb turkey
- 10 tablespoons butter softened
- 1 small onion quartered
- 1 talk celery cut into 2 inch pieces
- 1/2 green bell pepper seeded and cored
- Fresh herbs and fruit for garnish optional
Instructions
For the Cajun seasoning
- Place all the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine.
For the turkey
- Prepare the brine according to recipe directions. Brine the turkey for 18-24 hours before cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Remove the turkey from the brine; rinse and pat dry. Let the turkey stand at room temperature for 20 minutes. Tuck the turkey wings under the body.
- Place the onion, celery and bell pepper into the cavity of the turkey. Tie the turkey legs together with kitchen twine.
- Place the Cajun seasoning and butter in a bowl and stir until well combined.
- Rub the Cajun spice butter all over the outside of the turkey and under the skin of the breast.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan and bake for 30 minutes.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F and continue roasting, basting the turkey every 30 minutes with pan drippings, until the turkey is done.
- This process will take approximately 3 1/2 hours and you'll know that the turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the turkey thigh or breast registers at least 165 degrees F.
- If the turkey seems like it's getting overly browned during the cooking process, cover it with foil.
- Remove the turkey from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes. Slice, then serve.
- Garnish with fruit and herbs if desired.
Notes
- You can make this recipe with a turkey larger than 15 pounds, simply add 15 minutes more to the cooking time per pound.
- If you don't have time to make your own Cajun seasoning, use 1/4 cup of store bought seasoning instead.
- It's best to cook your turkey on a rack to help keep it from sitting in all the juices in the bottom of the pan.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
352kcal
(18%)
Carbohydrates
1g
(0%)
Protein
66g
(132%)
Fat
16g
(25%)
Saturated Fat
8g
(40%)
Cholesterol
236mg
(79%)
Sodium
514mg
(21%)
Potassium
733mg
(21%)
Vitamin A
390IU
(8%)
Vitamin C
4.1mg
(5%)
Calcium
40mg
(4%)
Iron
2.7mg
(15%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 15Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 352 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 352kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 66g | 132% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 236mg | 79% |
| Sodium | 514mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 733mg | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 390IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 4.1mg | 5% |
| Calcium | 40mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2.7mg | 15% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
57 reviews
Excellent
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