Pavo Navideño (Mexican Christmas Turkey)
Serves 14
20 mins prep
210 mins cook
30 mins
260 mins total
This Pavo Navideño recipe is an easy and foolproof method to cook a whole turkey. The Mexican Christmas Turkey roasts until the skin is crispy and the meat is succulent and juicy. So good, your guests will be asking for seconds!
For Compound Butter:
Also Need:
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To Make Compound Butter:
Mix softened butter with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, rosemary, parsley, and cilantro.
Set aside until ready to use.
For the Turkey:
Remove the giblets and neck from inside the turkey.
Rinse the turkey well. Then pat dry the skin with a paper towel.
Lift the skin gently above the turkey breasts and thighs. Do not remove completely.
You're creating a hole to add the compound butter.
Add spoonfuls of compound butter in between the meat and skin.
Stuff the cavity of the turkey with onion, garlic, parsley, rosemary, and cilantro.
Take more softened butter (not compound butter) and smear it all over the outside skin of the turkey.
Season the skin with salt and pepper.
Tuck the wings underneath the turkey. Tie the legs with a cooking string.
How To Cook A Turkey:
Cooking time depends on whether it is stuffed or unstuffed.
Unstuffed Turkey: 13 minutes per pound. Stuffed Turkey: 15 minutes per pound
We're working with a 14 pound turkey. (See below for more cooking times).
For a stuffed turkey cooked at 325 degrees F:
14 to 16 pounds: 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours
The thermometer in the thigh should read 180 degrees F. In the breast, 170 degrees F. In the stuffing, 165 degrees F.
Allow the turkey to rest for 30 minutes before carving.
Serve and enjoy!