Roasted Jerk Turkey Recipe - Sauces By Jrk!

Looking for a new way to enjoy new foods? Check out our delicious roasted jerk turkey recipe! The spicy jerk flavor will give your meal a fun and delicious twist. Plus, our easy-to-follow instructions make this dish perfect for novice cooks. So get cooking and wow your guests with this unique take on the traditional roast turkey!

What Is A Jerk Turkey?

A jerk turkey is a holiday bird that has been seasoned with a blend of spices known as Jamaican jerk seasoning. This flavorful mix typically includes allspice, thyme, chili pepper, and ginger. The result is a juicy and tender turkey with a bit of heat.

When it comes to cooking a jerk turkey, there are two methods: wet and dry. The wet method involves marinating the turkey in a jerk sauce before cooking. This gives the meat plenty of time to absorb all of the flavors. The dry method is simpler and just involves rubbing the seasoning mix all over the bird before cooking.

Ingredients Needed For Making Roasted Jerk Turkey  

To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon chopped Scotch Bonnet pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground allspice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger
• ¾ cup chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon garlic
• 1 ½ cups chopped scallions
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 8 boneless skinless turkey thighs

Equipment Needed For Roasted Jerk Turkey 

In addition to the ingredients, you will need the following equipment:

Food Processor

The food processor is used to chop the onion, garlic, and scallions. With this appliance, you can achieve the perfect consistency for the marinade.

Roasting Pan With Rack

You will need a roasting pan to cook the turkey in. Be sure to choose a pan that is large enough to fit all of the turkey thighs. A rack is also necessary so that the juices can drip down and baste the bird as it cooks.

Paper Towel

You will need paper towels to blot the turkey dry before cooking. This step is important so that the skin can crisp up in the oven.

Kitchen Twine

You will need kitchen twine to tie the legs of the turkey together. This helps the bird retain its shape while cooking.

Instant-Read Thermometer

An instant-read thermometer is the best way to check if the turkey is cooked all the way through. We recommend investing in a good quality meat thermometer so that you can avoid under or overcooking your meat.

Steps On Making Roasted Jerk Turkey 

For something different this holiday season, give our jerk turkey recipe a try. Your guests will be impressed with your culinary skills, and you'll get to enjoy a delicious and exotic meal. So what are you waiting for? It's cooking time!

Step 1: Clean Turkey Thighs

The first step is to clean the turkey thighs. You'll want to remove the turkey excess fat or skin that is on the meat. Use a sharp knife to make precise cuts of the thickest part and avoid tearing the flesh. Also, be sure to rinse the thighs under cold water.

Step 2: Smoke Marinade  

Next, it's time to make the marinade. In a blender or food processor, combine all of the wet ingredients: Scotch bonnet pepper, brown sugar, thyme, allspice, ginger, onion, garlic, scallions, black pepper, soy sauce, and vegetable or olive oil. Blend until the mixture is smooth. This smooth marinade is what gives the turkey its distinctive flavor.

If you don't have a blender or food processor, you can also chop the ingredients by hand. Just be sure to chop them very finely so that they blend well.

Step 3: Preheat Oven 

For this recipe, you will need to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the temperature of your oven to not to overheat it. Ovens that are too hot will cause the skin of the turkey to burn.

Once the oven is preheated, it's time to prepare the whole turkey for cooking. First, blot the thighs dry with paper towels. This step is important because it will help the skin crisp up in the oven. Next, tie the legs of the turkey together with kitchen twine. This will help the bird retain its shape while cooking.

Step 5: Seasoning 

To season the turkey, you can either use the dry or wet method. If you are using the dry method, simply rub the seasoning blend all over the meat. If you are using the wet method, place the turkey in a large resealable bag and pour it into the marinade. Be sure to massage the bag so that the turkey is evenly coated.

Step 6: Stuffing 

You can use your favorite stuffing recipe or a store-bought mix. Be sure to not overstuff the turkey so that it cooks evenly. With a spoon, fill the turkey cavity loosely with stuffing.

Step 7: Jerk Sauce 

If you want to add some extra flavor to your Jamaican jerk turkey, you can brush it with a jerk sauce. The jerk marinade sauce gives the skin nice crispiness and adds a bit of heat.

Step 8: Bake It And Let It Rest  

Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan and bake it for about 2 hours. Baste the turkey every 20 minutes or half the time with the juices that have accumulated in the bottom of the pan.

The internal oven temperature of the meat should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. When the turkey is done cooking, let it rest for about 20 minutes at room temperature before carving. After cooking, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. 

Enjoy your delicious roasted jerk turkey!

How To Make A Jerk Gravy 

Jerk gravy is the perfect finishing touch to this dish. It is simple to make and only requires a few ingredients. To make jerk gravy, you need to follow these steps:

Scrape Any Drippings

You need to scrape any drippings from the pan. These drippings will be used to make the gravy. You will add flour to the pan and whisk it together with the drippings. Be sure to cook the flour for a minute so that it doesn't taste raw.

Reserve Strained Gravy

Once the gravy has thickened, you will need to strain it. Be sure to reserve any solids that are left behind. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook for a minute or two. Slowly add the reserved gravy, whisking as you pour it in. Continue to whisk until the gravy is smooth.

Pour Gravy Over Turkey 

When the gravy is finished, pour it over the turkey. You can also serve it on the side.

Get Jerk Or Marinade Sauces

The roasted jerk turkey recipe is a great way to enjoy the holidays with family and friends. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to make. Check out our Sauces By Jrk! which will add that extra bit of flavor to your turkey. We know you and your guests will love them!

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