Citrus & Spice Roasted Turkey with Orange Blossom Glaze
A succulent, golden-skinned turkey infused with fresh citrus, warm spice, and floral aromatics. The result is exotic yet familiar — perfect for a winter feast that honors both tradition and elegance.
Servings 12 (based on a 12–14 lb turkey)
Calories 310kcal
Ingredients
- Turkey & Aromatic Cavity Fill
- 1 whole turkey 12–14 lbs, giblets removed
- 1 orange quartered
- 1 lemon quartered
- 1 head of garlic halved crosswise
- 1 small bunch fresh thyme or rosemary
- 1 tbsp sea salt divided
- ½ tbsp cracked black pepper
- 🧈 Citrus Spice Rub
- ⅓ cup olive oil or melted ghee
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp turmeric optional for golden color
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 🍊 Orange Blossom Glaze
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tsp orange blossom water food grade
- 1 tbsp allulose syrup or raw honey
- Pinch clove or cardamom optional
Instructions
- Step 1: (Optional) Citrus Salt Brine
- For extra flavor and juiciness, dry-brine turkey overnight:
- Pat dry. Rub turkey all over with 1 tbsp salt and 1 tsp orange zest. Refrigerate uncovered for up to 24 hours, then pat dry before proceeding.
- Step 2: Season & Stuff
- Preheat oven to 325°F (adjusted for commercial convection).
- Combine all rub ingredients into a fragrant paste.
- Stuff cavity with orange, lemon, garlic, and herbs.
- Rub spice blend thoroughly over turkey, under the skin where possible.
- Step 3: Roast
- Place turkey breast-side up on rack in a roasting pan.
- Roast for 2.5–3.5 hours, depending on weight (roughly 13–15 min per lb), basting with pan juices every 45 mins.
- Use a meat thermometer: 165°F in thickest part of thigh = done.
- If skin darkens too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
- Step 4: Glaze Finish
- In the last 20 minutes of roasting, brush turkey with orange blossom glaze every 5–7 minutes.
- Let glaze caramelize slightly for shine and floral citrus depth.
- Step 5: Rest & Carve
- Remove turkey and tent with foil. Let rest 20–30 minutes before carving.
Notes
Nutrition Facts (per 6 oz serving, skin-on, glazed)
(FDA-compliant, estimated)- Calories: 310
- Total Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
- Sodium: 340 mg
-
Carbohydrate: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar Alcohol / Allulose: ~1 g
- Net Carbs: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
📦 Storage & Make-Ahead
- Cooked turkey: Keeps 3–4 days refrigerated
- Glaze: Can be made 3 days ahead
- Freezer: Turkey meat freezes well up to 1 month
✨ Culinary & Botanical Notes
- Coriander + citrus = bright, floral balance to turkey’s richness
- Orange blossom water gives Middle Eastern elegance — just a few drops transform the glaze
- Cumin and paprika provide earthy depth and color
- Cinnamon and clove subtly evoke holiday warmth without sweetness
🛡️ Consumer Safety Note
⚠️ Notice: This dish uses citrus oils and orange blossom water for aromatic flavoring. Ensure orange blossom is food-grade. Individuals with citrus or floral allergies should be advised. Always cook turkey to a safe internal temperature (165°F).
