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Adobo Butter Turkey

This adobo butter turkey is PACKED full of flavor and is the perfect turkey for your Thanksgiving day celebration. First, the turkey is marinated in adobo overnight and then rubbed down with flavor-packed adobo butter. Then it’s roasted to perfection for a super juicy flavorful Thanksgiving turkey.

Adobo Butter Turkey sitting on a platter.

Are you looking for a Thanksgiving turkey recipe that is totally different from the average holiday turkey?

Well, this adobo butter turkey is just what you need!

I made a homemade Mexican style adobo sauce out of dried chiles, vinegar, orange juice, fresh herbs, and dried spices.

This sauce is PACKED with flavor and is mixed with butter and then slathered all over the turkey.

This whole turkey recipe would pair great with my Chorizo Sheet Pan Stuffing, Mexican Corn Salad, or my Grapefruit Paloma.

A cooked Adobo Butter Turkey served on a white platter.

INGREDIENTS FOR ADOBO BUTTER TURKEY

For adobo:

  • 4 dried pasilla chiles
  • 3 dried ancho chiles
  • 2 dried chipotle chiles
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 5 tablespoons orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves

For turkey:

  • 12-14 pound turkey, giblets removed
  • Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 heads garlic, halved
  • 6 clementines, halved

For adobo butter:

  • 1 cup butter, unsalted room temperature
  • 1/4 cup adobo sauce
Cut up Adobo Butter Turkey.

WHAT IS ADOBO?

“Adobo” is a term used in various cuisines, but its meaning can vary depending on the context.

Here are a few different interpretations of “adobo”:

  1. Spanish Adobo: In Spanish cuisine, “adobo” refers to a seasoning or marinade used for meats, typically made from a combination of spices, vinegar, and sometimes other ingredients like garlic, paprika, or herbs. It can be used to marinate meats before cooking or as a sauce to braise or stew meats.
  2. Filipino Adobo: When many people refer to “adobo” in the context of food, they are often talking about Filipino Adobo, one of the most popular and well-known Filipino dishes. Filipino Adobo typically consists of meat (commonly chicken or pork) that is marinated and simmered in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. The result is a savory and slightly tangy dish with a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s often served with rice.
  3. Mexican Adobo Sauce: In Mexican cuisine, “adobo” refers to a sauce made from various ingredients, which can include dried chilies, vinegar, spices, and sometimes tomato. It’s used to marinate or season meats, such as chicken or pork, and is a fundamental component of many Mexican dishes.
  4. Latin American and Caribbean Adobo: In various Latin American and Caribbean countries, “adobo” may refer to a seasoning mix or paste used to marinate meats or as a dry rub for grilling or roasting. The specific ingredients and flavor profiles can differ by region and even by household.

Adobo is a versatile term in the culinary world and can refer to a seasoning, marinade, sauce, or dish, depending on the context and the culinary tradition in which it is used.

For this adobo turkey recipe, we are using Mexican adobo.

A stuffed Adobo Butter Turkey on a serving platter.

TIPS FOR COOKING A WHOLE TURKEY

Cooking a whole turkey can be a rewarding experience, whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion like Thanksgiving or a family gathering. Here are some tips to help you cook a whole turkey to perfection:

1. Thawing:

  • If your turkey is frozen, plan ahead for proper thawing. Thaw it in the refrigerator, allowing 24 hours of thawing time for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. Alternatively, you can use the cold water method, changing the water every 30 minutes, which takes about 30 minutes per pound.

2. Prep and Season:

  • Before cooking, remove the giblets and neck from the turkey’s cavity. Rinse the turkey and pat it dry with paper towels.
  • Season the turkey with your preferred rub, seasoning, or marinade. Be sure to season both the inside and outside of the bird.

3. Trussing (optional):

  • Trussing involves tying the legs and wings of the turkey together to help it cook more evenly. While it’s optional, it can create a neater appearance.

4. Temperature:

  • Preheat your oven, grill, smoker, or deep-fryer to the recommended cooking temperature, which is typically around 325-350 degrees F. Use an oven thermometer or grill thermometer to ensure accurate temperatures.

5. Roasting Pan and Rack:

  • Place the turkey in a roasting pan with a rack to elevate it slightly. This helps the hot air circulate around the turkey and prevents it from sitting in its juices, ensuring even cooking and crispier skin.

6. Use a Meat Thermometer:

  • The most reliable way to determine when the turkey is done is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. The stuffing should also reach this temperature.

7. Resting:

  • After removing the turkey from the oven or grill, let it rest for about 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in juicier meat.

8. Carving:

  • Carve the turkey with a sharp knife, starting with the legs and thighs, then moving on to the breast meat. Be sure to carve against the grain for tender slices.

Remember that cooking time will vary based on the size of the turkey, the cooking method, and your equipment.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Enjoy your deliciously cooked whole turkey!

Adobo Butter Turkey cut up in a serving dish.

Love this adobo butter turkey?

Why not try a few of my other delicious Thanksgiving dishes?!

This adobo butter turkey is PACKED full of flavor and is the perfect turkey for your Thanksgiving day celebration. First, the turkey is marinated in adobo overnight and then rubbed down with flavor-packed adobo butter. Then it's roasted to perfection for a super juicy flavorful Thanksgiving turkey.

Adobo Butter Turkey

This adobo butter turkey is PACKED full of flavor and is the perfect turkey for your Thanksgiving day celebration. First, the turkey is marinated in adobo overnight and then rubbed down with flavor-packed adobo butter. Then it's roasted to perfection for a super juicy flavorful Thanksgiving turkey.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Marinating Time 12 hours
Total Time 16 hours
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

Ingredients

For adobo:

For turkey:

  • 12-14 pound whole turkey giblets removed
  • Kosher salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic halved
  • 6 clementines halved

For adobo butter:

  • 1 cup butter unsalted room temperature
  • 1/4 cup adobo sauce

Instructions

For adobo:

  • Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender (I used my Vitamix) and blend until smooth. The mixture should be smooth, slightly thick, and very aromatic.
  • Set aside 1/4 cup of the adobo sauce.

For turkey:

  • Remove your turkey from its packaging, rinse and remove the giblets.
  • Add turkey to your roasting pan and using your hands cover the whole turkey (inside and out) with the adobo.
  • Cover the turkey (either with your roasting pan lid or plastic wrap) and let side in the fridge overnight. I marinated my turkey for 12 hours.
  • After your 12 hours remove the turkey from the oven and let sit on the counter for 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Take your adobo butter and rub it all over the turkey, inside and out.
  • Stuff the cavity of the bird with garlic and clementines.
  • Season the outside of the bird with kosher salt and pepper.
  • Tie the legs of the bird if desired.
  • Roast for about 3-1/2 hours OR until the bird reaches an internal temperature (when checked near the thigh) of 160 degrees.
  • Let the bird rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.

For adobo butter:

  • In a mixer mix together butter and reserved 1/4 cup adobo sauce. Mix until smooth and combined.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 1041kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 108g | Fat: 57g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 409mg | Sodium: 2286mg | Potassium: 1582mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 5773IU | Vitamin C: 38mg | Calcium: 123mg | Iron: 6mg
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword adobe butter turkey, adobo butter, adobo marinade, adobo sauce, homemade turkey recipes, interesting thanksgiving turkey ideas, spicy turkey, thanksgiving turkey recipes, turkey recipes
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Brandy

About Brandy!

I am a food lover and recipe developer bringing you delicious recipes that taste great and are easy to make! My food is inspired by travels around the world and my love of flavorful food. A list of things that make me happy: cats, Coke Zero, houseplants, and travel. Read more...

Recipe Rating




Krista

Tuesday 8th of November 2016

I know what turkey recipe I will be making this Thanksgiving!

Miranda

Tuesday 8th of November 2016

What incredible flavors for a turkey! I want this at my Thanksgiving!

Dee

Tuesday 8th of November 2016

What a gorgeous turkey, and I love the flavors!

Ginny McMeans

Tuesday 8th of November 2016

That is so great that you made your own adobo sauce. it out of the jar and never thought to make my own. This recipes is being bookmarked and pinned. I don't wan't to loose it.

Renee - Kudos Kitchen

Tuesday 8th of November 2016

What a beautiful bird. It looks completely delicious!

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