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How to Marinate a Turkey

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  • Prep 5 min
  • Total 24 hr 5 min
  • Ingredients 15
  • Servings 1
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As I’ve mentioned before, my family is not a big fan of turkey. They eat it but it wouldn’t be their first option if they had a choice. As the years have passed, I’ve realized that the reason they don’t like turkey is its lack of flavor. But I’ve found a solution! It was my fault for not letting the turkey marinate long enough. The secret to a juicy and delicious turkey is to let it soak in brine for 24 hours, then marinate it for another 24 hours. Today I’d like to share with you my favorite marinade recipe, but you can use your family’s favorite. Remember, 24 hours! The last time I cooked a turkey, I followed these steps and everyone loved the result.
Oriana Romero
Updated Sep 8, 2023
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Ingredients

  • 10 garlic cloves
  • 1 3/4 cups vegetable oil
  • 3/4 cup natural orange juice
  • 1/4 cup apple vinegar
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon coriander powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 2 tablespoons yellow pepper paste
  • 1 whole turkey (15 lb)
  • 4 – 6 orange slices
  • 4 sage leaves, finely chopped

Directions

  •  
    1
    If you soaked the turkey in brine, remove it from the liquid, dry it with a few paper towels and place it on a large baking tray.
  •  
    2
    In a blender, combine garlic, oil, orange juice, vinegar, salt, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, coriander, onion, chipotle peppers and yellow pepper paste. Process until everything is well mixed. Spread marinade on the inside and outside of turkey. Place orange slices over turkey and sprinkle with sage. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours.
  •  
    3
    The following day you are ready to bake the turkey.

Expert Tips

  • tip 1
    If you like it a little spicy, add 1/2 tablespoon of cayenne pepper.

Nutrition Information

No nutrition information available for this recipe

More About This Recipe

  • As I’ve mentioned before, my family is not a big fan of turkey. They eat it but it wouldn’t be their first option if they had a choice. As the years have passed, I’ve realized that the reason they don’t like turkey is its lack of flavor. But I’ve found a solution! It was my fault for not letting the turkey marinate long enough. The secret to a juicy and delicious turkey is to let it soak in brine for 24 hours, then marinate it for another 24 hours. Today I’d like to share with you my favorite marinade recipe, but you can use your family’s favorite. Remember, 24 hours! The last time I cooked a turkey, I followed these steps and everyone loved the result.
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