Name: Puerto Rican Turkey Recipes Thanksgiving: 5 Flavorful Tricks
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds); 1 cup olive oil; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup vinegar; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons adobo seasoning; 1 tablespoon oregano; 1 tablespoon cumin; 1 tablespoon black pepper; 2 limes, juiced; 1 onion, quartered; 2 cups chicken broth

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Thanksgiving in Puerto Rico isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration filled with vibrant flavors and rich traditions! Growing up, my family always prepared a special turkey, marinated in a unique blend of spices that made it unforgettable. This Puerto Rican turkey recipe for Thanksgiving is a must-try—it’s juicy, flavorful, and truly captures our cultural heritage. I remember the aroma wafting through the house, drawing everyone to the kitchen in anticipation. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to keep it at the center of your holiday table for years to come. Let’s dive into making this delicious dish!

Ingredients

1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup vinegar
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons adobo seasoning
1 tablespoon oregano
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 limes, juiced
1 onion, quartered
2 cups chicken broth

How to Prepare Puerto Rican Turkey Recipes Thanksgiving

Prepping the Turkey

First things first, you’ll want to make sure your turkey is fully thawed if it was frozen—this usually takes about 24 hours in the fridge for every 4-5 pounds. Once thawed, rinse the turkey inside and out under cold water, and pat it dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting that crispy skin later on!

Making the Marinade

Now let’s whip up that flavorful marinade! In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, adobo seasoning, oregano, cumin, black pepper, and lime juice. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed and the ingredients are fully incorporated. You’ll be amazed at how fragrant it is!

Marinating the Turkey

Here comes the fun part—rubbing that marinade all over your turkey! I like to use my hands (just make sure to wash them afterward) to really get that flavor under the skin and into every crevice. If you can, let the turkey marinate overnight in the fridge; this allows the spices to penetrate deeply, making it even more delicious!

Roasting the Turkey

When you’re ready to roast, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your marinated turkey in a roasting pan and stuff the cavity with the onion quarters. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan—this keeps the turkey moist as it cooks. Cover it tightly with foil and roast for about 2 hours. After that, uncover the turkey and roast for an additional hour, basting every 20 minutes with the drippings. You’ll want to check the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast. Once it’s done, let it rest for 30 minutes before carving. This resting time is key for juicy meat, so don’t skip it!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a sneak peek at the estimated nutritional values for a serving of this Puerto Rican turkey: you’ll get about 350 calories, 20g of fat, 30g of protein, and just 2g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use!

Tips for Success

To truly elevate your Puerto Rican turkey, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to match your taste! If you love a bit more heat, add some cayenne pepper to the marinade. Remember, marinating overnight is a game-changer—it makes the turkey tender and flavorful, so plan ahead! Also, let your turkey rest for at least 30 minutes after roasting; this helps the juices redistribute for super moist slices. If you’re feeling adventurous, try substituting the lime juice with orange juice for a sweeter twist. Each little tweak can make this dish uniquely yours!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a frozen turkey for this recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before starting. It usually takes about 24 hours in the fridge for every 4-5 pounds, so plan ahead.

What if I don’t have adobo seasoning? No worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing equal parts garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika with a pinch of salt. It’ll still give your turkey that amazing flavor!

How do I adjust the cooking time for a larger turkey? For a turkey over 14 pounds, add about 15-30 minutes for every additional pound, but always check that internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked through.

Can I roast the turkey at a higher temperature? While you can roast it at a higher temperature, I recommend sticking to 350°F (175°C) for even cooking and that perfect golden-brown skin!

Is this Puerto Rican turkey recipe gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce, this recipe is perfect for your gluten-free guests!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with vibrant Puerto Rican flavors that will wow your guests
Simple preparation steps make it accessible for any cook
Perfect for family gatherings, adding a touch of tradition to your Thanksgiving
Juicy and tender turkey that will have everyone coming back for seconds
Customizable marinade to suit your taste preferences

Serving Suggestions

To create a delightful Thanksgiving spread, serve your Puerto Rican turkey alongside traditional sides like arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) and pastellón (plantain lasagna). A fresh avocado and mango salad will add a refreshing touch, while some crispy tostones (fried green plantains) provide the perfect crunch. Enjoy a feast that celebrates flavors and family!

Puerto Rican Turkey Recipes Thanksgiving: 5 Flavorful Tricks

Author: Julia marin
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A traditional Puerto Rican turkey recipe for Thanksgiving, featuring flavorful spices and a unique marinade.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, adobo, oregano, cumin, black pepper, and lime juice to create the marinade.
Rub the marinade all over the turkey, including under the skin.
Place the onion quarters inside the turkey cavity.
Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour chicken broth into the pan.
Cover the turkey with foil and roast for 2 hours.
Remove the foil and roast for an additional 1 hour, basting every 20 minutes.
Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes before carving.