Chef Ramsay’s Roast Turkey Recipe: Flavorful Holiday Magic

Turkeys can be tricky, but this gordon ramsay roast turkey recipe delivers crispy, golden perfection every single time.

The secret lies in carefully selected techniques that guarantee a mouthwatering main course.

Ramsay’s method transforms an ordinary bird into an extraordinary centerpiece that will impress even the most discerning dinner guests.

Each step is designed to lock in flavor and create that coveted crisp skin we all love.

The combination of herbs, precise seasoning, and expert roasting technique ensures a juicy, tender interior with a beautifully bronzed exterior.

Prepare to elevate your holiday meal with this foolproof approach that turns traditional roasting into a culinary masterpiece.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this show-stopping turkey.

How to Make Gordon Ramsay’s Roast Turkey

• Prepare the Bird

Get your turkey totally dry with paper towels. Jazz up the inside with salt, pepper, onions, lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs for maximum flavor.

• Create Magic Butter

Whip together softened butter with olive oil, crushed garlic, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until it’s a delicious herbal blend.

• Massage the Turkey

Carefully slip your hands under the skin and spread half the herbal butter directly onto the breast meat. Lovingly rub the remaining butter all over the outside.

• Blast with High Heat

Crank your oven to 425F. Position the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan and blast it for 20 minutes to create a gorgeous golden exterior.

• Slow and Nurture

Drop the temperature to 350F. Keep the turkey moist by basting with broth and wine every half hour. Tent with foil if it’s browning too quickly.

• Check for Perfection

Roast until the thickest part of the thigh hits 165F, which typically takes 2½ to 3½ hours.

• Let It Rest

Give your turkey a 20-30 minute break before carving. Serve with those amazing pan juices or a killer homemade gravy.

Tips from Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen

• Herb Butter Magic: Gently massage the herb butter under the skin for maximum flavor infusion and incredibly moist meat throughout the turkey.
• Basting Brilliance: Use a turkey baster or large spoon to continuously moisten the turkey, preventing dry spots and creating a stunning golden-brown exterior.
• Make-Ahead Prep: Prepare the herb butter and season the turkey the night before cooking to allow flavors to deeply penetrate the meat and simplify holiday cooking.
• Dietary Swaps: For gluten-free guests, replace wine with additional broth and use gluten-free herb butter. Vegetarian friends can enjoy the herb butter technique with roasted vegetables or plant-based protein alternatives.
• Temperature Tricks: Use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness, avoiding overcooking while guaranteeing food safety and juicy meat that will impress every dinner guest.

Serving Gordon Ramsay’s Roast Turkey

• Festive Family Feast: Gather loved ones around the table and create lasting memories with this golden, herb-infused turkey centerpiece.
• Elegant Holiday Plating: Arrange carved turkey slices on a large platter, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and roasted citrus wedges for a stunning presentation.
• Perfect Side Companions: Pair with classic roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, crispy roasted potatoes, and a rich cranberry sauce to complement the turkey's rich, herbal flavors.
• Gravy Lover's Dream: Drizzle the pan drippings and homemade gravy generously over the turkey slices, allowing each bite to be moist and packed with deep, savory goodness.

Keep Leftovers Fresh: Turkey Edition

• Refrigeration Strategy: Keep leftover turkey in airtight containers, separating white and dark meat. Store within 2 hours of cooking to maintain food safety and freshness.
• Quick Slicing Technique: Cut turkey into thin, manageable portions before refrigerating. This method helps cool meat faster and creates convenient serving sizes for future meals.
• Freezing Wisdom: Freeze turkey meat for up to 4 months. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.
• Meal Transformation Ideas: Repurpose leftover turkey into sandwiches, salads, soups, or casseroles. Shred meat for tacos, dice for pasta dishes, or create hearty turkey pot pie for exciting next-day meals.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 9

What’s in Gordon Ramsay’s Roast Turkey

• Turkey: Select a fresh, high-quality bird with plump, firm flesh and no discoloration; organic or free-range options provide richer flavor profile.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Creates rich, golden skin and helps herbs penetrate meat; choose unsalted butter for precise seasoning control.
• Salt, Pepper: Fundamental seasoning that amplifies natural turkey flavors; use sea salt or kosher salt for deeper taste.

• Garlic: Adds robust, earthy undertones that complement poultry's mild taste; select firm, compact bulbs without sprouts.
• Thyme, Rosemary: Fresh herbs provide woodsy, Mediterranean-inspired fragrance; choose bright green sprigs with intense aroma.
• Onions: Contribute sweet, caramelized undertones during roasting; select firm, heavy bulbs without soft spots.
• Lemon: Introduces bright, citrusy notes that cut through richness; pick heavy fruits with smooth, vibrant skin.

• Broth: Helps maintain moisture and deepens overall flavor complexity; choose low-sodium versions for better control.
• Wine (Optional): Enhances depth and provides subtle acidic balance; select dry white varieties.

Gear for Cooking the Perfect Roast Turkey

• Roasting Pan: Large, sturdy pan with a rack to elevate the turkey and catch drippings.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for preparing herbs and cutting turkey after roasting.
• Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized bowl for creating herb butter mixture.
• Cutting Board: Wooden or plastic surface for ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: For precise seasoning and herb measurements.
• Meat Thermometer: Essential for checking turkey's internal temperature.
• Basting Brush: To apply herb butter and baste turkey during roasting.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover turkey if browning too quickly.
• Paper Towels: For patting turkey dry before seasoning.

Crispy Gordon Ramsays Roast Turkey Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Gordon Ramsay’s roast turkey brings festive flavors to holiday tables with classic British precision. Crispy golden skin and juicy meat promise a memorable centerpiece that delights guests and elevates traditional celebrations.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs / 5.4–6.3 kg), giblets removed
• 2 onions, peeled & halved
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 head garlic, halved
• ½ cup (1 stick / 113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup white wine (optional)
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter, melted

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat turkey dry with paper towels to promote crisp skin and enhance seasoning absorption, ensuring optimal flavor penetration.
2. Herb Butter Creation: Blend softened butter with garlic, thyme, rosemary, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth and uniformly combined.
3. Seasoning Application: Gently separate turkey skin from meat and massage half of the herb butter directly onto breast meat, then coat the entire exterior, focusing on legs and wings for consistent flavor and golden appearance.
4. Aromatic Cavity Filling: Strategically place onions, lemon, whole garlic cloves, and fresh herbs inside the turkey cavity to infuse deep, complex flavors during roasting.
5. Initial Roasting: Preheat oven to 425F and roast turkey for 20 minutes to develop a crisp, golden exterior, then reduce temperature to 350F for continued cooking.
6. Moisture Maintenance: Periodically baste with broth and optional wine, loosely tent with aluminum foil if skin darkens too quickly, and continue roasting until internal thigh temperature reaches 165F.
7. Resting and Serving: Remove turkey from oven and let rest undisturbed for 25-30 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute, then carve precisely and serve with aromatic pan juices or homemade gravy.

Notes

• Select Fresh Herbs: Choose vibrant, fragrant herbs like thyme and rosemary for maximum flavor infusion and aromatic intensity.
• Dry Turkey Thoroughly: Pat the turkey completely dry to guarantee crispy, golden skin and ensure perfect seasoning absorption.
• Temperature Control Matters: Start roasting at high heat (425F) to create a beautiful golden exterior, then reduce to 350F for even, gentle cooking.
• Rest Turkey Properly: Allow the turkey to rest for 25-30 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and guarantees incredibly tender meat.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg