Tips for this recipe
To ensure the perfect texture and flavor, be mindful of the marination time. The clementine-salted skin should be thoroughly absorbed by the turkey before cooking. Additionally, using fresh ingredients and proper equipment will greatly enhance your culinary experience. Remember to preheat the fryer for an even roasting temperature.
Why you will love this recipe
This unique twist on traditional turkey dishes elevates a classic holiday meal with its vibrant citrus flavor and delightful salt crust, resulting in succulent meat that’s both tender and bursting with zest. The redeye gravy adds an unconventional but delicious depth of taste to the roasted turkey.
Ingredients
1/3 cup coarse kosher salt
12 small clementines or tangerines (about); peel finely grated (3 tablespoons); fruit wrapped, chilled
1 20-to 22-pound turkey, rinsed, patted dry; neck, heart, and gizzard reserved for Turkey Stock
2 large onions, quartered
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 cups (or more) low-salt chicken broth, divided
Country ham, Serrano ham, or thick-cut smoked bacon, cut into 1/4-inch dice
6 tablespoons all purpose flour
Freshly brewed coffee
Adviced equipment
Chef’s Knife
Roasting Pan
Carving Knife
Meat Thermometer
Basting Brush
Turkey Fryer
Gravy Magnifier
Oven Thermometer
Carving Board
History of the recipe
The Clementine-Salted Turkey with Redeye Gravy is a modern culinary innovation that marries traditional Thanksgiving flavors with unique ingredients to create an unforgettable dining experience. While this combination may seem avant-garde, it’s rooted in the tradition of exploring new tastes and textures during festive occasions. The clementines bring a citrusy freshness that pairs wonderfully with the savory turkey, while the salt crust technique has been used since ancient times to enhance flavor and moisture retention in meats.
Fun facts about this recipe
Did you know? The term ‘Redeye’ for gravy originated from its dark color, which is reminiscent of a red eye. This unique twist on the classic redeye gravy not only offers an unexpected flavor profile but also provides an intriguing visual element to your Thanksgiving table. Furthermore, using freshly brewed coffee in the gravy can be traced back to old-world recipes where coffee was used as a natural tenderizer for meats due to its acidic properties.
