Turkish Style Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
Juicy Turkish style roasted turkey breast seasoned with olive oil, butter, garlic, paprika, oregano, thyme, lemon, and optional Turkish red pepper paste. A flavorful main dish for holidays, family dinners, and Turkish-inspired tables..
Ingredients
- 2 kg turkey breast, bone-in or boneless, bone-in or boneless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed or finely grated
- 1 tablespoon Turkish red pepper paste, optional
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 small onion, thickly sliced
- 120 ml chicken stock or water
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, melted butter, crushed garlic, red pepper paste, salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano.
- Rub the marinade all over the turkey breast. If the turkey has skin, gently spread some marinade under the skin as well.
- Place onion and lemon slices in the bottom of a roasting pan.
- Place the turkey breast on top of the onion and lemon slices.
- Pour chicken stock or water into the pan without washing the marinade off the turkey.
- Roast for 90–120 minutes, basting every 25–30 minutes with pan juices.
- If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Cook until the thickest part reaches 74°C / 165°F.
- Remove from the oven and rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing.
- Slice against the grain and serve with warm pan juices.
Notes
- Bone-in turkey breast usually stays juicier than boneless turkey breast.
- Use a meat thermometer for the best result.
- Do not slice immediately after roasting.
- For a spicier Turkish flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon pul biber.
- If red pepper paste is unavailable, use 1 teaspoon tomato paste plus 1 teaspoon sweet paprika.