Juicy Puerto Rican Roasted Turkey Recipe: Island-Style Magic

When the holidays roll around, a Puerto Rican roasted turkey becomes the star of festive gatherings, filling kitchens with mouthwatering aromas that spark memories of warm celebrations.

Juicy and packed with vibrant island flavors, this recipe brings a Caribbean twist to traditional roasting techniques.

Marinated in a zesty blend of herbs and spices, the turkey promises a delectable centerpiece that goes beyond ordinary poultry preparations.

Generations of Puerto Rican home cooks have perfected this culinary art, infusing each bite with rich cultural heritage.

The carefully selected seasonings and slow-roasting method ensure a tender, succulent result that will impress everyone at the table.

Each slice promises a journey through Puerto Rican culinary traditions, beckoning you to savor every delicious moment.

Get ready to elevate your holiday meal with this irresistible Puerto Rican roasted turkey that captures the essence of island cuisine.

Serving That Turkey with Traditional Sides

• Festive Family Feast: Serve this Puerto Rican roasted turkey as the centerpiece of a holiday meal, surrounded by traditional sides like rice, beans, and plantains to create an authentic Caribbean dining experience.
• Slice and Share Style: Cut the turkey into thin, juicy slices and arrange on a large platter, garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to add a pop of color and extra flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the turkey a day in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing the rich sofrito marinade to deeply infuse the meat for an even more intense and delicious taste profile.
• Leftover Love: Transform remaining turkey into delectable sandwiches, stuffed empanadas, or shred for a hearty turkey picadillo that keeps the Puerto Rican culinary spirit alive for days after the initial meal.

Keeping Turkey Moist for the Next Day

• Store Turkey Safely: Refrigerate leftover roasted turkey in airtight containers within two hours of cooking, keeping the meat at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth.
• Maximize Freshness: Keep sliced turkey in shallow containers, which help cool the meat quickly and maintain optimal moisture, lasting 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap turkey tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen turkey remains delicious for up to 4 months.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated turkey in the oven at 325°F, covering with foil to retain moisture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption, preventing dryness and maintaining flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 13

What’s in Savory Puerto Rican Roasted Turkey

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
• Black Pepper: Adds a warm, spicy kick to complement the turkey's richness.
• Rosemary: Brings an aromatic, woodsy note that pairs beautifully with poultry.
• Oregano: Introduces a slightly bitter, earthy undertone typical in Puerto Rican cuisine.
• Garlic Cloves: Provides a pungent, bold flavor that deepens the dish's complexity.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base that helps distribute seasonings and keeps the turkey moist.
• Sofrito: Traditional Puerto Rican blend that infuses authentic Caribbean flavor profile.
• Adobo: Classic seasoning mix that adds depth and traditional Puerto Rican character.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the overall taste and helps tenderize the meat with its acidity.

• Whole Turkey: Select a fresh, high-quality bird with smooth, unblemished skin for best results.

Roasting Tools to Get That Puerto Rican Flavor Right

• Roasting Pan: Large, sturdy pan perfect for roasting a whole turkey with deep sides to catch drippings.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for making precise slits in turkey's skin and preparing ingredients.
• Mixing Bowls: Several sizes needed for preparing sofrito mixture and seasoning blends.
• Measuring Spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring herbs, spices, and seasonings.
• Paper Towels: Helps dry turkey surface and clean work areas during preparation.
• Garlic Press: Optional but helpful for quickly mincing garlic cloves.
• Basting Brush: Useful for spreading sofrito mixture evenly over turkey's skin.

How to Roast Puerto Rican Turkey with Juicy Results

• Turkey Selection

Find a fresh, high-quality turkey that looks plump and has smooth, unblemished skin. Choose a bird that will comfortably feed your gathering with potential leftovers.

• Flavor Infusion

Create a zesty Puerto Rican seasoning blend using traditional herbs like oregano, rosemary, and fresh garlic. Crush these ingredients to release their vibrant aromatics and develop a deep, rich flavor profile.

• Skin Preparation

Gently separate the turkey’s skin from the meat, creating small pockets that will allow the seasoning to penetrate deeply. This technique ensures maximum flavor absorption and helps the meat stay incredibly moist during roasting.

• Aromatic Coating

Massage the seasoning mixture generously over and under the turkey’s skin, making sure every surface is covered. The combination of sofrito, herbs, and spices will transform the turkey into a mouthwatering centerpiece that captures the essence of Puerto Rican cuisine.

Marinade & Mojo Tips for Flavor You’ll Love

• Adjust the herb and spice blend to match your family's taste preferences, adding more or less of each ingredient for a personalized flavor profile.
• Gently separate the skin from the meat using your fingers or a spoon to create pockets that allow the sofrito mixture to penetrate deeply, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.
• Soak the turkey in a saltwater solution for 12-24 hours before cooking to guarantee a juicier, more tender meat that locks in all the delicious Puerto Rican flavors.
• Experiment with smoking, grilling, or using a rotisserie to add different depth and character to the traditional roasted turkey, while maintaining the authentic sofrito seasoning.
• Prepare the sofrito mixture and season the turkey the night before cooking, allowing the flavors to marinate overnight and intensify the overall taste experience.

Bold Puerto Rican Roasted Turkey Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Succulent roasted turkey with Puerto Rican seasoning delivers bold island flavors through traditional family techniques. Herb-infused marinades and expert roasting methods promise a memorable centerpiece for holiday gatherings you’ll savor with pride.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 turkey (15-17 lbs / 6.8-7.7 kg, thawed)
• 3 tbsps sofrito (homemade or store-bought)
• 7 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp adobo (adjust as needed)
• 1 packet sazon
• 2 tsps pepper
• 2 tsps rosemary
• 3 tsps oregano
• Salt (to taste)
• 1 stick butter (melted)
• 3 tbsps lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Rinse turkey under cool water and thoroughly pat dry with clean paper towels, creating a pristine surface for seasoning.
2. Internal Seasoning: Craft a robust spice blend by mixing ground black pepper, dried rosemary, crumbled oregano, kosher salt, and minced garlic, thoroughly massaging the mixture into the turkey’s inner cavity.
3. Sofrito Infusion: Whisk melted unsalted butter with sofrito sauce, incorporating ground black pepper, adobo seasoning, lemon juice, and crushed garlic to create a vibrant flavor base.
4. Strategic Seasoning: Gently separate skin from breast meat and create strategic incisions along thighs and legs, enabling deep flavor penetration and maximum taste absorption.
5. Final Coating: Meticulously inject the prepared sofrito mixture into created slits, then massage the remaining sauce across the entire turkey exterior, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage for a rich, authentic Puerto Rican roasted turkey experience.

Notes

• Sanitize Thoroughly: Wash turkey meticulously under cool water and pat completely dry to prevent bacterial growth and ensure crisp skin during roasting.
• Season Strategically: Create an internal herb blend that penetrates deep into meat, enhancing flavor complexity and ensuring every bite is richly seasoned.
• Butter Technique: Softened butter helps herbs adhere better to skin, creating a golden, crispy exterior while locking in moisture during cooking.
• Flavor Injection Method: Making precise incisions allows sofrito and seasoning to penetrate deeper into muscle tissue, transforming an ordinary turkey into a Puerto Rican culinary masterpiece.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Puerto Rican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg