Roasting a turkey can feel like a culinary rite of passage, especially when the festive season rolls around. Gordon Ramsay’s roast turkey recipe elevates this classic dish with the perfect blend of flavors and textures, promising tender meat and a crispy skin that is sure to impress your guests. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or an autumn dinner, this recipe is your ticket to a show-stopping bird that showcases your cooking skills.

What Makes This Recipe Special

At the heart of this recipe is a harmonious blend of ingredients that keep the turkey moist while infusing it with rich flavors. Using free-range turkey elevates the dish, ensuring a better taste and texture. The smoked streaky bacon adds an irresistible savory depth, while the herb butter, infused with garlic, lemon, and parsley, ensures a beautifully fragrant and deliciously juicy turkey. Suitable for any holiday feast or special occasion, this recipe promises an impressive centerpiece that family and friends will talk about for years to come.

"I tried this recipe for last Thanksgiving, and my family raved about how juicy and flavorful the turkey turned out! The herb butter is a game changer!"

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making Gordon Ramsay’s roast turkey is simpler than it sounds. This flavorful dish requires a few straightforward steps to ensure a perfectly roasted turkey. From creating the herb-infused butter to basting the bird for that golden finish, follow this guide to ensure success. You can feel confident that your efforts will yield a mouthwatering turkey that looks as good as it tastes.

Gather Your Ingredients

To create this masterful roast turkey, you’ll need:

1 free-range turkey (about 5 kg)
2 onions (peeled, halved)
8 rashers of smoked streaky bacon
1 lemon (halved)
1 head of garlic (halved horizontally)
6 bay leaves
Olive oil (to drizzle)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
375 g butter (softened)
3 cloves of garlic (peeled, crushed)
2 small lemons (juice and grated zest)
A small bunch of flat-leaf parsley leaves (chopped)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before diving into cooking; it makes the process much smoother!

New Ebook

🍰 30 Easy No-Bake Desserts

A delicious collection of no-bake treats you can make anytime, including:

✨ Chocolate lovers’ dreams – fudgy bars, truffles & mousse
🍓 Fruity delights – creamy parfaits, lemon & mango desserts
🥜 Nutty & indulgent – peanut butter & pistachio bites
🍋 Citrus & refreshing – lemon, orange creamsicle & key lime
🍪 Classic favorites – icebox cakes & cookie dough cups

👉 Get the Ebook

Instant digital download • Secure checkout via Gumroad

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Mix well.
Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and crushed garlic to the butter, stirring until fully blended.
Carefully hollow out the turkey, seasoning the cavity with salt and pepper. Fill it with the halved onions, lemon, and garlic, along with 2 bay leaves.
Loosen the turkey skin gently with your hands and spread the herb butter underneath, ensuring even coverage. Tuck the remaining 4 bay leaves under the skin.
Place the turkey breast side up on a roasting tray. Rub more butter over the skin and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Rub it in for even distribution.
Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (356°F) and roast the turkey for 2 ½ hours, basting every 30 minutes.
Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for about 45 minutes. Don’t forget to take out the bay leaves before carving!
Serve with your favorite gravy, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

Best Way to Serve

Presentation is key! Carve the turkey beautifully, and serve it on a large platter surrounded by seasonal vegetables and stuffing. For sides, consider pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh cranberry sauce. For an added festive touch, garnish the platter with fresh herbs for color and fragrance.

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (and let’s face it, who doesn’t love turkey sandwiches?), follow these storage guidelines:

Refrigerate: Keep the leftover turkey in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze leftover turkey for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: Always reheat turkey to a minimum internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) for food safety.

Pro Chef Tips

Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to check the turkey’s internal temperature. The breast should read 75°C (165°F) and the thigh ideally 80°C (175°F).
Basting Magic: Basting the turkey every 30 minutes helps keep it moist and adds additional flavor to the skin.
Let it Rest: Resting the turkey is essential! It allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent meat when carved.

Creative Twists

Feel free to put your spin on this classic recipe! You could:

Swap out fresh herbs for rosemary or thyme.
Add a hint of spice with a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the herb butter.
Use a fruit juice glaze instead of lemon for a tropical twist, such as orange or pomegranate.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to roast a 5 kg turkey?
Typically, it will take about 2 ½ hours at 180°C.

Can I use frozen turkey?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw it in the fridge beforehand. This can take 24 hours for every 2.5 kg.

What can I use instead of fresh parsley?
You can use dried parsley, but reduce the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh thyme also works well for a different flavor profile.

Now, you’re equipped with everything you need to impress your guests with Gordon Ramsay’s roast turkey. Happy cooking!

Gordon Ramsay’s Roast Turkey

Total Time: 195 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Carnivore

Description

Elevate your festive celebrations with this roast turkey recipe that promises tender meat and crispy skin.

Ingredients

Scale

1 free-range turkey (about 5 kg)
2 onions (peeled, halved)
8 rashers of smoked streaky bacon
1 lemon (halved)
1 head of garlic (halved horizontally)
6 bay leaves
Olive oil (to drizzle)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
375 g butter (softened)
3 cloves of garlic (peeled, crushed)
2 small lemons (juice and grated zest)
A small bunch of flat-leaf parsley leaves (chopped)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Mix well.
Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and crushed garlic to the butter, stirring until fully blended.
Carefully hollow out the turkey, seasoning the cavity with salt and pepper. Fill it with the halved onions, lemon, and garlic, along with 2 bay leaves.
Loosen the turkey skin gently with your hands and spread the herb butter underneath, ensuring even coverage. Tuck the remaining 4 bay leaves under the skin.
Place the turkey breast side up on a roasting tray. Rub more butter over the skin and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Rub it in for even distribution.
Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (356°F) and roast the turkey for 150 minutes, basting every 30 minutes.
Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for about 45 minutes. Don’t forget to take out the bay leaves before carving!
Serve with your favorite gravy, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

Notes

For best results, use a meat thermometer to check if the turkey is cooked through. Remember to let the turkey rest before carving.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 150 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 60g
Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: roast turkey, Thanksgiving recipe, holiday meal, Gordon Ramsay turkey

Gordon Ramsay Roast Turkey Recipe