General Tso's Whole Turkey - A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish

5 stars
4.55 (8)
General Tso's Whole Turkey - A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
40mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on February 14, 2024

Take your Thanksgiving dinner to the next level with this mouthwatering recipe for General Tso's Whole Turkey. Combining the flavors of traditional General Tso's chicken with a succulent roasted turkey, this dish is sure to impress your guests and become a new holiday favorite. The turkey is marinated in a tangy and spicy sauce, then roasted to perfection, resulting in deliciously crispy skin and tender meat. Serve it with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and garnish with sliced green onions for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
  • For the Marinade:
  • 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons minced ginger
  • 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
  • For the Glaze:
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • For Garnish:
  • Sliced green onions

Directions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and Sriracha sauce to make the marinade.
  2. Place the whole turkey in a large resealable bag or a deep baking dish. Pour the marinade over the turkey, making sure it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
  3. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove the turkey from the marinade and place it on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Reserve the marinade for later use.
  4. Roast the turkey for about 3 to 3 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste the turkey with the reserved marinade every 30 minutes for a flavorful glaze.
  5. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth, then add it to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the glaze thickens.
  6. Once the turkey is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and brush the glaze all over the turkey. Return the turkey to the oven and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze becomes sticky and caramelized.
  7. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for about 20 minutes before carving. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.
  8. Enjoy your General Tso's Whole Turkey!

Interesting Facts

  • General Tso's Chicken is a popular American Chinese dish that originated in New York City in the 1970s.
  • The flavors of General Tso's sauce, with its combination of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors, pair perfectly with roasted turkey.
  • Marinating the turkey in the sauce not only adds flavor but also helps keep it moist and juicy during the roasting process.
  • The glaze adds a sticky and caramelized coating to the turkey, giving it a beautiful presentation and additional flavor.
  • Leftover General Tso's Whole Turkey can be used in sandwiches or salads for a tasty twist on classic leftovers.