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–+ servings
A Thanksgiving cajun turkey on a plate with a lemon half and garnish.
5 from 1 vote
Created by: Stefanie

Cajun Turkey Recipe


Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
8
Our cajun turkey is easy, flavorful, and the whole family will be reaching for more. The dry rub is a simple combination of spices that you already have on hand, producing a slightly spicy cajun butter turkey that is oozing with flavor.
8

Ingredients

  • 1 yellow onion cut into large chunks
  • 1 lemon cut into wedges
  • ½ cup butter softened or melted
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic salt
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 12-14 lb. turkey thawed *see note about brining

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325°F. Slice onion and lemon into wedges.
  • Rub softened butter all over the outside of the turkey and inside the cavities.
  • In a small bowl, combine all herbs and spices. Sprinkle evenly over the exterior and interior of the turkey, rubbing into the skin.
  • Stuff the onions and lemons inside the main cavity of the turkey and tie legs together. (Tying the legs together helps keep the turkey more balanced and it also helps to prevent the legs from drying out.)
  • Roast the turkey for about 3 hours, or until a thermometer inserted into the breast alongside the leg registers 165°F.

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Notes

If desired, baste the turkey every 15 -30 minutes in the final hour or two of baking to keep the seasonings and skin moist.
For crispy skin, let the turkey roast for 10-15 minutes more after the final basting. 
We recommend to brine the turkey beforehand for extra flavor and moisture. If you chose not to brine, add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt to your cajun seasoning mixture.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 1078kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 148g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 520mg | Sodium: 1727mg | Potassium: 1605mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1234IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 7mg

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