Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
Try this Herb Roasted Turkey Breast recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Herb Roasted Turkey Breast recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup salt
- 8 cups water
- 4-5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh sage
- 3- ish pound turkey breast
- 4 tablespoons butter melted or very soft
- 1-2 teaspoons lemon zest (more if desired- i usually do most of
- 1-2 onions, cut into 3-4 thick slices each
- optional: small potatoes
- Carbohydrate 2.18808000505288 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 13.1220600004814 g
- Fiber 1.10910001051195 g
- Protein 0.400050000915312 g
- Saturated Fat 1.86967800018872 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1918g)
- Sodium 1286.90160006768 mg
- Sugar 1.07897999454093 g
- Trans Fat 0.386433000076596 g
- Calories 124 calories
Step-by-step
- For the brine: Combine water and salt in a large bowl or roasting pan (you'll want something deep enough to submerge turkey in water). Place turkey breast in brine and let sit for at least 1 hour, and up to several hours.
- For the herb rub: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a bowl, combine butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, herbs, salt and pepper.
- Remove turkey from brine and pat dry with paper towels.
- Place onions in baking dish that fits your turkey breast. If using potatoes, toss them in there as well.
- Place turkey breast on top of onions.
- Gently separate skin from turkey breast without tearing it off (the handle end of a spatula or wooden spoon often works well).
- Spread the butter-herb mixture all over the turkey, especially stuffing it under the skin and spreading it all around. If you have extra whole herbs, just place them around the turkey.
- Place turkey in preheated oven for 10 minutes and then reduce temperature to 350 without opening oven door.
- Continue baking until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
- Baste turkey a couple of times toward the end of baking to achieve nice golden skin. (This means use a baster, or simply a spoon, so grab juices from the bottom of the pan and pour them over the top of the turkey.) Time will vary depending on size of turkey, generally a 3-ish pound breast will take 1-1.5 hours.
- Use a digital thermometer and remove turkey as soon as it reaches temperature so you don't overcook.
- When done, remove pan from oven and tent with foil for 5-10 minutes to let juices redistribute.
- Carve meat off breast bone and then slice. Make sure to pick the meat off bones- it makes great sandwiches!
My Herb Roasted Turkey Breast: A Weeknight Wonder
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and impressive meal can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of homework, extracurricular activities, and the ever-present need to keep everyone (including myself!) fed and happy. That’s why I’ve developed a love for recipes that are both impressive and surprisingly easy. This Herb Roasted Turkey Breast fits the bill perfectly.
Forget the hours spent slaving over a complicated roast; this recipe is a game-changer. It leverages simple techniques and readily available ingredients to deliver a juicy, flavorful turkey breast that's perfect for a family dinner or even a special occasion. The herb rub adds a depth of flavor that elevates the dish far beyond basic roasted chicken. I often find myself modifying the herbs based on what I have on hand – sometimes I’ll add a little dried oregano or even a sprig of fresh tarragon. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility; it’s a canvas for your culinary creativity!
One of the smartest things I do is prepare the brine the night before. It's a simple mixture of water and salt, and letting the turkey breast soak in it overnight dramatically improves the juiciness and tenderness. This is a tip I learned from my grandmother – she swears by it, and I'm a convert! The extra time spent prepping the night before allows for a more relaxed cooking experience later on. I can focus on other tasks, knowing that dinner is practically ready to go into the oven. The aroma that fills the kitchen as the turkey roasts is another huge benefit; it acts as a wonderful countdown to a delicious meal.
The process itself is straightforward. The herb rub—a simple blend of butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and fresh herbs—is incredibly fragrant and easy to prepare. I love the way the lemon zest brightens up the flavor profile. I often make extra and use it for other dishes throughout the week, too. The onions and potatoes (optional, but highly recommended) in the baking dish become infused with the turkey's juices and herbs, creating a delightful side dish. The whole experience feels far more sophisticated than it actually is – perfect for impressing guests without the extra stress.
This Herb Roasted Turkey Breast recipe is a perfect example of how a little planning and a few simple techniques can deliver big results. It's become a weeknight staple in our house, a delicious and satisfying meal that's both easy to make and guaranteed to impress. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Tips and Variations:
- Brining is Key: Don't skip the brining step! It really makes a difference in the juiciness and flavor of the turkey.
- Herb Experimentation: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Dried herbs work well too, just adjust the amounts accordingly.
- Make it a Complete Meal: Serve with your favorite sides – roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad all complement this dish perfectly.
- Leftovers are Great: The leftover turkey breast is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or even added to pasta dishes.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your turkey breast. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
This recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious and impressive meals don't require hours of slaving in the kitchen. With a little planning and some readily available ingredients, even a busy weeknight can be transformed into a delightful culinary experience. So give this Herb Roasted Turkey Breast a try, and let me know what you think!
