This rosemary garlic turkey breast is juicy and flavorful, making it perfect for any dinner. The mix of fresh rosemary and garlic brings a lovely aroma to your kitchen!
I love how simple it is to prepare. Just season, roast, and enjoy! You’ll feel like a kitchen pro when your family asks for seconds. Don’t forget the gravy! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Breast: A boneless turkey breast is perfect for this recipe. You could use bone-in turkey or even chicken breast if that’s what you have. Just adjust cooking times since bone-in may take longer.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds great flavor and helps keep the turkey moist. If you’re out, you can use melted butter or any neutral oil like canola or grapeseed oil.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that strong flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work as a substitute. Use about 1 teaspoon in place of 1 clove.
Rosemary: Fresh rosemary has a lovely fragrance, but if you can’t find it, dried rosemary works too. Just remember to use less (about 2 teaspoons) since dried herbs are more potent.
Lemon Zest: This is optional, but it brightens the flavors nicely. You can skip it or add a splash of lemon juice in the marinade for a similar effect.
How Do I Ensure My Turkey Breast Stays Juicy?
Keeping your turkey breast moist is all about cooking it correctly and letting it rest afterward. Here are some tips:
- Always pat the turkey dry before rubbing it with the marinade. This helps create a nice crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
- Tenting with aluminum foil after cooking allows the meat to rest, which helps juicy flavors redistribute.
These simple steps will help you serve a juicy turkey breast that everyone will love!
Rosemary Garlic Turkey Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey:
- 1 (3 to 4 lb) boneless turkey breast
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes for roasting, plus an additional 10-15 minutes for resting. So in total, you’re looking at around 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish. But trust me, it’s well worth the wait for the delicious outcome!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s crucial to have the oven ready when you’re set to roast your turkey!
2. Prepare the Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest (if you’re using it). Stir well until everything is combined into a delightful marinade.
3. Season the Turkey:
Take your boneless turkey breast and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick better! Now, rub the rosemary garlic mixture all over the turkey, making sure it gets into all the nooks and crannies for maximum flavor.
4. Set for Roasting:
Place the seasoned turkey breast in a roasting pan or an oven-safe skillet. This makes it super easy to transfer to the oven.
5. Roast the Turkey:
Put the roasting pan in the preheated oven. Roast the turkey for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures your turkey will be perfectly cooked and juicy!
6. Let it Rest:
Once done, remove the turkey breast from the oven and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes. This step is important as it helps the juices redistribute for a moist turkey breast.
7. Slice and Serve:
After resting, slice the turkey breast and arrange the slices on a serving platter. You can garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a beautiful presentation.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious rosemary garlic turkey breast warm! It’s sure to impress your family or guests with its vibrant flavor and aroma!
This recipe creates a moist, flavorful turkey breast that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy your meal! 🍽️
Can I Use Frozen Turkey Breast for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before using. This usually takes about 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. For quicker thawing, you can submerge the sealed turkey breast in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until fully thawed.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can use melted butter, canola oil, or grapeseed oil as a substitute. Each of these options will still provide moisture and enhance flavor during roasting.
How Do I Store Leftover Turkey?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature first before sealing. To reheat, use the oven or microwave and cover it to retain moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade and rub it on the turkey breast the day before. Just cover it and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting for even cooking.