Growing up, I remember holiday dinners with my family. The smell of roasting meats filling the house, especially the turkey, was a feeling I could never forget. But turkey can sometimes feel a little tricky to perfect, and I know I’m not alone in this. That’s where Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Crown recipe comes in. He’s made cooking turkey a whole lot more approachable, while still giving it that festive magic we all crave.
When I first came across his recipe, I was a little skeptical. A "crown" instead of a whole turkey? But after trying it, I was hooked. It’s easier, quicker, and so juicy. Plus, the way Jamie teaches you to roast it means you get a delicious, golden bird without all the stress.
Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Crown Recipe
Jamie’s Turkey Crown recipe is one of those dishes that makes you feel like a pro in the kitchen, even if you’re not. What I love about it is that it’s designed to make cooking simpler without sacrificing flavor. A turkey crown is just the breast portion of the bird, leaving out the legs and wings. This cut is perfect for smaller gatherings or when you want to make your life a little easier.
The key to this recipe is seasoning and timing. By using butter, fresh herbs, and a little patience, the turkey crown comes out perfectly roasted with crispy skin and juicy meat.
Ingredients Needed
This recipe is all about simple ingredients that come together to create something magical. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Turkey Crown (around 2.5 to 3 kg)
Jamie recommends a crown of about 2.5kg to feed about 6-8 people. It’s just the breast part, making it perfect for smaller gatherings.
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Butter
You’ll need unsalted butter. It helps create a rich and golden skin when it melts during roasting.
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Fresh Herbs
A mix of rosemary, sage, and thyme. The fresh herbs will infuse the turkey with amazing flavors.
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Garlic
A few cloves of garlic, smashed. Garlic pairs beautifully with the herbs and adds depth.
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Lemon
A couple of lemons for zesting and squeezing. The citrus gives the turkey a fresh, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of the meat.
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Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is best for roasting the crown. It helps crisp up the skin while keeping the meat moist.
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Salt & Pepper
You’ll want to use good-quality sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper for seasoning.
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Carrot, Onion, And Celery
These vegetables are used to create a flavorful base in the roasting pan and to help with the gravy later on.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Crown
Now that we’ve got the ingredients, let’s walk through the steps. When I first tried this recipe, I realized how simple it was. Here’s what you need to do:
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Prepare the turkey crown: Pat the turkey dry with kitchen paper. This will help the skin crisp up beautifully.
- Season the turkey: Rub softened butter all over the turkey, making sure to get into every nook and cranny. Next, stuff the cavity with garlic, lemon halves, and a couple of sprigs of herbs.
- Add the aromatics: Place the crown on a bed of roughly chopped carrots, onions, and celery in the roasting tray. Sprinkle some salt, pepper, and extra herbs over the top.
- Roast the turkey: Place the turkey in the oven. For a 2.5 kg turkey crown, roast for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Jamie’s tip is to baste the turkey every 30 minutes for extra juiciness.
- Rest before serving: Once the turkey is golden and cooked through (you can check with a meat thermometer; it should read 75°C or 165°F in the thickest part of the meat), remove it from the oven. Let it rest for 20 minutes before carving. This ensures all those delicious juices stay locked in.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Have you ever wondered why some meats turn out dry while others stay juicy? The secret lies in butter and olive oil. When these fats melt onto the turkey, they help lock in moisture, preventing the meat from drying out. Here’s how it works:
- Butter: Butter has a low water content compared to other fats. When it’s rubbed under the skin, it helps the turkey retain its moisture during roasting, giving it that crispy skin and tender meat.
- Olive Oil: This fat has a higher smoke point, which is why it’s often used for roasting. It helps crisp up the skin without burning, while still allowing the meat to stay juicy inside.
- Citrus and Garlic: The lemon adds acidity that balances out the rich flavors of the turkey, while the garlic works to infuse a deep, savory undertone. Both of these ingredients are perfect for enhancing the flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.
Expert Tips
As I started perfecting this recipe, I found a few key tips that made all the difference:
- Baste regularly: If you want that crispy golden skin and juicy meat, basting is a game-changer. Every 30 minutes or so, use a spoon to pour some of the melted butter and oil over the turkey. It keeps the meat moist and helps brown the skin.
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure your turkey crown is perfectly cooked, a meat thermometer is essential. It’s easy to overcook turkey, but this tool guarantees juicy results.
- Rest the meat: Don’t skip this step! Letting the turkey rest for about 20 minutes after roasting allows the juices to redistribute and prevents the meat from drying out when you carve it.
- Gravy is your friend: The vegetables at the bottom of the pan get wonderfully caramelized as the turkey roasts. Use them to make a simple gravy by adding some stock and reducing it. It’ll add that extra layer of flavor.
Recipe Variations
While Jamie’s turkey crown recipe is amazing on its own, there are a few ways to customize it:
- Stuffing: If you love stuffing, you can add some inside the turkey crown. A simple sage and onion stuffing works beautifully.
- Herb butter: Experiment with different herbs for the butter. Try rosemary, thyme, or even a touch of chili for some heat.
- Spices: For a twist, try adding a bit of cinnamon or smoked paprika to the butter for extra depth.
- Citrus variations: Swap out lemon for oranges or limes for a different citrusy kick.
Final Words
This Jamie Oliver Turkey Crown recipe has become a holiday favorite for me. It’s easy, flavorful, and lets you enjoy all the classic holiday tastes without the hassle. The combination of simple ingredients and the right cooking techniques really brings out the best in the turkey.
FAQs
How Do I Cook Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Crown?
Preheat your oven to 180°C. Season the turkey crown, then roast for about 70-90 minutes depending on size. Make sure to baste it every 30 minutes.
What Should I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Crown?
You can pair it with classic sides like roast potatoes, gravy, Brussels sprouts, or a cranberry sauce.
Can I Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Crown Ahead Of Time?
You can prep the turkey crown by seasoning it and refrigerating it overnight. Just roast it the next day when you’re ready to cook.