Best 2 Juicy Two Stage Thanksgiving Turkey Marinade Recipes

## Thanksgiving Turkey Marinade: A Two-Stage Journey to Flavorful Perfection ##

As Thanksgiving approaches, the quest for the perfect turkey marinade begins. This two-stage marinade, a symphony of flavors and aromas, will elevate your Thanksgiving feast to new heights. This carefully crafted marinade features a unique two-step process that infuses the turkey with an explosion of herbs, spices, and citrus.

The first stage, a flavorful brine, bathes the turkey in a savory blend of salt, sugar, and aromatic spices, creating a moist and succulent base for the second stage. This brine not only enhances the turkey's natural flavors but also helps to prevent it from drying out during the roasting process.

Following the brine, the second stage of the marinade introduces a vibrant blend of herbs, citrus, and garlic. This aromatic marinade penetrates deep into the turkey's flesh, imparting layers of flavor and complexity. The result is a perfectly seasoned turkey that will be the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table.

This article presents three distinct marinade recipes, each offering a unique flavor profile to suit various palates. The **Classic Herb Marinade** combines fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage with citrus and garlic for a timeless and elegant flavor. The **Citrus and Spice Marinade** tantalizes with a vibrant blend of orange, lemon, and lime, complemented by warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. For those who crave a bolder taste, the **Spicy Chile Marinade** delivers a fiery kick with a combination of chipotle peppers, cumin, and chili powder.

No matter your taste preference, this two-stage marinade is the key to unlocking a juicy, flavorful turkey that will leave your guests craving more. So, prepare to embark on this culinary journey and create a Thanksgiving turkey that will be the talk of the town.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

TURKEY MARINADE

Turkey Marinade image

This turkey marinade is a combination of olive oil, fresh herbs, spices and citrus, all blended together to make the most tender and juicy turkey ever! A quick and easy way to infuse flavor into your holiday turkey with minimal effort.

Provided by Sara Welch

Categories Main

Time 12h12m

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 cup olive oil
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/2 cup parsley leaves (finely chopped)
1/4 cup chives (thinly sliced)
1/4 cup sage leaves (finely chopped)
2 tablespoons rosemary leaves (finely chopped)
1/4 cup thyme leaves (chopped)
1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

Place all of the ingredients in a medium bowl. Whisk until well combined.
Pour the marinade over a whole thawed turkey. Rub the marinade to coat all over the outside, then loosen the skin and rub some of the marinade under the skin.
Let the turkey sit in the marinade for 12-24 hours.
Scrape any large pieces of herbs and garlic off the marinated turkey so that they won't burn when cooked.
Roast, smoke or grill the turkey as desired, then serve and enjoy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 175 kcal, Carbohydrate 3 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 18 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 750 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving

MARINATED THANKSGIVING TURKEY

Marinated Thanksgiving Turkey image

My family enjoys this Thanksgiving turkey because it cooks up tender, tasty and golden brown. Build up flavor by marinating the meat, then grill it to add a tempting barbecued flavor. -Ken Churches, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 2h40m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

2 cups water
1-1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
2/3 cup lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon pepper
2 turkey-size oven roasting bags
1 turkey (12 to 14 pounds)

Steps:

Combine the first 7 ingredients; set aside and refrigerate 1 cup for basting. Place 1 oven roasting bag inside the other. Place turkey inside inner bag; pour in remaining marinade. Seal bags, pressing out as much air as possible; turn to coat turkey. Place in a shallow roasting pan. Refrigerate overnight, turning several times., Remove turkey; drain and discard marinade. , Prepare grill for indirect medium heat. Tuck wings under turkey and arrange breast side down on grill rack. Grill, covered, for 1 hour. , If using a charcoal grill, add 10 briquettes to coals; turn the turkey. Baste with reserved marinade. Cook, covered, for 1-1/2 to 2 hours, adding 10 briquettes to maintain heat and brushing with marinade every 30 minutes until thermometer inserted in thigh reads 170°. Remove turkey from grill; tent with foil. Let stand 20 minutes before carving. , Conventional roasting method: Follow steps for marinating turkey overnight. Preheat oven to 325°. Place turkey on a rack in a large roaster. Bake, uncovered, 3 to 3-1/2 hours or until a thermometer inserted in a thigh reads 170°. Baste frequently with reserved marinade. When turkey begins to brown, cover lightly with a tent of aluminum foil. Remove turkey from oven; tent with foil. Let stand 20 minutes before carving. If desired, skim fat and thicken pan drippings for gravy; serve with turkey.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 407 calories, Fat 12g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 171mg cholesterol, Sodium 383mg sodium, Carbohydrate 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 67g protein.

Tips:

Brining is Key: Soaking the turkey in a flavorful brine solution before cooking helps infuse it with moisture and enhances its taste. Use a combination of water, salt, sugar, and herbs for an optimal brine.
Two-Stage Marinade: This unique approach involves marinating the turkey in a flavorful liquid for 24 hours, then transferring it to a dry rub for another 24 hours. This technique ensures a deeply seasoned and flavorful bird.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage add a burst of flavor to the marinade. If using dried herbs, adjust the quantity accordingly.
Don't Overcrowd the Turkey: Avoid overcrowding the turkey in the roasting pan. Give it enough space to allow for even cooking and crispy skin.
Baste Regularly: Basting the turkey with its own juices or melted butter during roasting helps keep it moist and prevents dryness.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the turkey is cooked thoroughly, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Let the Turkey Rest: After roasting, let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.

Conclusion:

With careful preparation, attention to detail, and the right techniques, you can create a juicy and flavorful Thanksgiving turkey that will impress your family and friends. Remember to brine the turkey, use a two-stage marinade, and roast it to perfection, following the tips mentioned above. Don't forget to let the turkey rest before carving, as this final step contributes to its overall tenderness and juiciness. Enjoy your delicious Thanksgiving feast with this unforgettable turkey as the centerpiece.