Gordon Ramsay Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

Gordon Ramsay’s Thanksgiving Turkey is a flavorful, show-stopping centerpiece that brings restaurant-level finesse to your holiday table. Known for its golden, crisp skin and juicy, tender meat, this recipe combines fresh herbs, butter, lemon, and garlic to create a turkey that’s both aromatic and deeply satisfying.

The key lies in Ramsay’s signature method of infusing flavor under the skin and basting regularly — ensuring the bird stays moist and flavorful from the first slice to the last.

What is Gordon Ramsay’s Thanksgiving Turkey?

Gordon Ramsay’s Thanksgiving Turkey is his famous version of a traditional holiday roast, elevated with a luxurious herb butter and a citrusy kick of lemon. The turkey is roasted with a bed of aromatic vegetables and basted in rich pan juices for ultimate succulence. Unlike many standard recipes, Ramsay’s method focuses on layering butter under the skin, stuffing the cavity with herbs and fruit, and basting regularly to achieve a moist, perfectly roasted bird every time.

Other Gordon Ramsay Popular Recipes

• Gordon Ramsay Christmas Turkey with Gravy
• Gordon Ramsay Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs with Bacon Gravy
• Gordon Ramsay Turkey with Bacon
• Gordon Ramsay Pan-Seared Scallops with Butternut Squash Purée
• Gordon Ramsay Miso-Maple Braised Leeks

Reasons to Try Gordon Ramsay Thanksgiving Turkey

• Perfectly Moist Meat – Butter under the skin prevents dryness.
• Golden Crispy Skin – Achieved by high-heat roasting and frequent basting.
• Restaurant-Worthy Flavor – Infused with herbs, lemon, and garlic.
• Simple Yet Impressive – Step-by-step process is easy to follow.
• Rich Pan Gravy – Made from the flavorful drippings for a silky finish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dish – Perfect centerpiece for any festive gathering.

Ingredients Needed to Make Gordon Ramsay Thanksgiving Turkey

• 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), cleaned and patted dry
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 lemons (zested and halved)
• 1 garlic bulb, halved horizontally
• 1 bunch fresh thyme
• 1 bunch fresh rosemary
• 1 bunch fresh sage
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Olive oil (for drizzling)
• 2 onions, roughly chopped
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 celery sticks, roughly chopped
• 2 cups chicken stock (for roasting and gravy)
• Optional: ½ cup white wine or sherry for deglazing

Equipment Needed

• Large roasting tray
• Roasting rack
• Basting spoon or brush
• Meat thermometer
• Sharp carving knife
• Aluminum foil

Instructions to Prepare Gordon Ramsay Thanksgiving Turkey

• Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
• Make the herb butter by mixing softened butter with lemon zest, salt, pepper, and chopped thyme or rosemary.
• Loosen the turkey skin gently with your fingers and spread half the butter mixture under the skin, covering as much of the breast as possible. Spread the rest over the top.
• Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, garlic, and fresh herbs.
• Place chopped vegetables (onion, carrot, celery) in the roasting pan to create a base.
• Set the turkey on top of the vegetables, drizzle with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper.
• Roast at high heat for 20 minutes to brown the skin, then reduce oven temperature to 180°C (350°F).
• Baste regularly every 30 minutes with pan juices for extra moisture and flavor.
• Check doneness by inserting a thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh — it should read 75°C (165°F).
• Remove from oven and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for 30–45 minutes before carving.
• Make the gravy using the pan drippings: strain the juices, deglaze with wine (optional), add flour to thicken, and whisk in chicken stock until smooth and glossy.

What Goes Well With Gordon Ramsay Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and rich, perfect for the gravy.
• Honey-Roasted Carrots – Adds sweetness and color to your table.
• Cranberry Sauce – A tangy balance to the savory turkey.
• Stuffing or Dressing – Complements the herby and buttery flavors.
• Buttery Green Beans – A light, fresh contrast to the hearty roast.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Adds a crispy, earthy texture to your spread.

Key Tips for Making Gordon Ramsay’s Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

• Bring the turkey to room temperature before roasting for even cooking.
• Butter generously under the skin to lock in moisture.
• Start with high heat to crisp the skin, then lower it for slow roasting.
• Don’t skip basting – it enhances flavor and prevents dryness.
• Let it rest before carving to keep juices inside the meat.
• Use fresh herbs for the most aromatic result.
• Make gravy from drippings – it carries all the turkey’s best flavors.

Creative Variations of Gordon Ramsay Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

• Bacon-Wrapped Turkey – Layer bacon over the breast for smoky flavor.
• Maple-Glazed Version – Brush with maple syrup in the last 15 minutes for sweetness.
• Garlic and Thyme Infused Butter – Adds stronger aroma and depth.
• Citrus Blend – Use orange zest and juice for a bright, festive twist.
• Spiced Holiday Version – Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for warm undertones.
• Herb-Butter Injection – Inject seasoned butter for extra juiciness.

Storage Guidelines for Gordon Ramsay Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

• Cool completely before storing to avoid condensation.
• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for longer storage – Slice meat and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Store gravy separately to preserve its texture.
• Label and date containers for safety and freshness.

Reheating Tips for Gordon Ramsay Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

• Oven method: Preheat to 160°C (320°F), cover turkey with foil, and heat for 20 minutes.
• Stovetop method: Simmer turkey slices in gravy or broth until warmed through.
• Microwave method: Reheat in short intervals, covered, to keep the meat tender.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

• Calories: 395
• Protein: 49g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 340mg

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FAQs

How do you keep the turkey juicy like Gordon Ramsay’s version?

To keep the turkey juicy, spread butter under the skin and baste it every 30 minutes with its own pan juices. Resting the turkey for at least 30 minutes after roasting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist, tender meat in every bite.

Should you cover the turkey with foil while cooking?

Yes, loosely cover the turkey with foil after the first 20 minutes to prevent over-browning. Remove the foil during the final 30–45 minutes of roasting to crisp the skin and develop a beautiful golden color.

What’s the secret behind Gordon Ramsay’s flavorful gravy?

The secret is using the turkey drippings as the base. After roasting, deglaze the pan with white wine or stock, whisk in flour, and simmer until thickened. This creates a rich, silky gravy that captures all the roasted flavor from the turkey and vegetables.

How do you know when the turkey is perfectly cooked?

Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh — it should read 75°C (165°F). The juices should run clear, not pink. Letting the bird rest before carving ensures it stays moist and full of flavor.

Final Words

Gordon Ramsay’s Thanksgiving Turkey recipe delivers a flawless balance of crispy skin, tender meat, and deep, buttery flavor. With its simple preparation, aromatic herbs, and rich gravy, it’s the kind of dish that transforms your holiday meal into a fine dining experience.

Follow this recipe closely, and you’ll have a perfectly roasted turkey that your guests will remember for years to come.