General Tso's Whole Turkey
General Tso's Whole Turkey is a unique and flavorful twist on the traditional Thanksgiving turkey. This dish takes inspiration from the popular Chinese-American dish, General Tso's chicken, and applies the same bold and spicy flavors to a whole roasted turkey, creating a fusion of two beloved cuisines. The result is a succulent and juicy turkey with a crispy, caramelized exterior and a rich, savory glaze that is sure to impress and delight your guests.
Prep Time:
1 hr
Cook Time:
3 hrs 30 mins
Additional Time:
8 hrs
Total Time:
12 hrs 30 mins
Servings:
15
Yield:
1 whole turkey
Ingredients
Directions
Step 1
Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Toast dried red chiles in the hot oil until they turn dark red, about 2 minutes. Toss black pepper, 2 chopped green onions, light sesame oil, and 1 small chopped shallot into the hot oil; remove from heat.
Step 2
Blend cranberry sauce, turkey broth, soy sauce, orange juice, white vinegar, plum wine, ginger, garlic, and orange zest in a blender until smooth. Transfer to a bowl. Stir toasted red pepper mixture into glaze. Divide glaze in half.
Step 3
Place turkey into a large basting bag and pour half the glaze over the turkey and into the cavity. Seal the bag and refrigerate turkey overnight.
Step 4
Dissolve cornstarch in the remaining half of the glaze and refrigerate in a covered container.
Step 5
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
Step 6
Remove turkey from marinade; discard the used marinade. Set turkey onto a rack inside a roasting pan.
Step 7
Mix white rice, wild rice, dried cranberries, walnuts, 2 small chopped green onions, 1 chopped shallot, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a bowl. Lightly stuff the turkey cavity with the rice mixture. Combine 1/3 cup vegetable oil with 1/3 cup sesame oil in a bowl and set aside.
Step 8
Roast turkey in the preheated oven, basting with vegetable and sesame oil mixture every 15 minutes, until skin is browned and crisp, about 2 hours. Stir reserved glaze containing cornstarch thoroughly and baste turkey every 15 minutes until glaze has baked onto turkey and an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh reads 165 degrees F (75 degrees C), 1 1/2 to 2 more hours.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
802
Calories
44g
Fat
23g
Carbs
75g
Protein
Complement
The General Tso's Whole Turkey is a perfect option for those looking to add an unexpected and exciting element to their holiday spread. It offers a departure from the classic roasted turkey while still maintaining the comforting and familiar flavors of Thanksgiving. The combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors in the glaze creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave your guests raving about this innovative and delicious dish. Whether you're hosting a small gathering or a large feast, General Tso's Whole Turkey is a fantastic choice for a memorable and impressive holiday meal.