Easy ways to master a more flavorful turkey recipe

With the turkey defrosting in the refrigerator and the anticipation growing for a terrific holiday meal, the quest to impress with a more flavorful turkey recipe is heightened. Before the turkey can be cooked, the effort needs to be made prior to opening the oven door. Creating that delicious flavor does not require a chef’s coat. Instead, it just takes a little thoughtfulness.

Even though many people are turning to meal kits and even restaurants to prepare that turkey meal, a home cook is capable of making that poultry perfect. Beyond understanding cooking times, temperatures, and eventually how to carve the bird, the truth is that a flavorful turkey starts before it hits the pan.

As any cook appreciates, seasoning is vital to creating delicious food. It is said by professional chefs, food television shows, and even grandma to season, taste, and season again. There is no amount of salt and pepper that can save a bland bird at the table.

Here are flavorful turkey recipe ideas that anyone can master.

Brine it

Often a popular choice, brining helps to keep the poultry moist. While the brine concept is relatively simple, it does not have to be just a giant salt bath.

For example, Kikkoman soy sauce added to the mix is a great idea. Not only does the soy impart some umami to any recipe, it can help add color which eventually leads to a golden brown skin.

But, remember, soy sauce needs to be added judiciously to a brining solution. It might be better to cut back on a little salt while balancing the soy. After all, no one wants a salt lick arriving at the table.

Inject that turkey

As many barbecue enthusiasts appreciate, injecting food with a marinade offers a big boost of flavor. Frank’s RedHot, which goes on anything and everything, has a wonderful option. Frank’s RedHot Injector Marinade has a nod to that infamous flavor which transformed those chicken wings decades ago.

By adding that bold Frank’s RedHot directly into the turkey, it ensures that every bite is tasty. Even if some people are spicy adverse, the flavor is approachable enough that everyone will be happy. But, remember to sensor that tag line for grandma because she doesn’t allow swearing at the table.

Compound butter

Long before butter boards became a food trend, a compound butter is an easy way to bring the flavor. First, start with a great butter, like French Butter, Taste of Europe, Butter of France, has a variety of options. The higher fat content lends itself to a more robust flavor.

From there, combine flavors to make a compound butter. From herbs to even a little citrus, the options are many.

One great example would be this recipe for Lemon Rosemary Butter.

Lemon Rosemary Butter

• 4 ounces unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon marmalade (store bought)
• ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary, chopped fine

1. Blend ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
2. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks or you may freeze.

These simple ideas can lead any home cook to a more flavorful turkey recipe. With a little planning that holiday meal will be scrumptious.