Savory Asian-Style Roasted Turkey Breast
Nutritional value per serving
Calories320kcal
Carbs8gram
Fat6gram
Protein55gram
Ingredients
- Boneless skin-on turkey breast1 kg
- Soy sauce (low sodium recommended)60 ml
- Honey2 tbsp
- Fresh ginger, grated (choose firm and smooth ginger)1 tbsp
- Garlic cloves, minced (use fresh garlic for best flavor)3 cloves
- Sesame oil1 tbsp
- Rice vinegar1 tbsp
- Ground black pepper1 tsp
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)2 stalks
- Sesame seeds, toasted (for garnish)1 tbsp
This Asian-style roasted turkey breast recipe combines aromatic flavors like soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to create a juicy and flavorful main dish perfect for any occasion. With a modest ingredient list and straightforward preparation, it's ideal for home cooks of all skill levels. The total estimated cost of ingredients is approximately 12 USD / 11 EUR / 9 GBP / 900 INR, and the dish contains about 320 calories per serving. This recipe caters to a balanced diet, is medium in cooking complexity, and takes around 1 hour 15 minutes, including preparation and roasting. Follow the safety guidelines to ensure the turkey is cooked perfectly and safely.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the marinade
1In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and ground black pepper. Stir well to blend the flavors. This marinade will tenderize and infuse the turkey with authentic Asian flavors.
Marinate the turkey breast
2Place the turkey breast in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the turkey, ensuring it is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This step allows the flavors to penetrate deeply.
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking tray
3Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking tray with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup and place a rack on top if you have one. The rack helps the turkey cook evenly by allowing air circulation.
Roast the turkey breast
4Remove the turkey from the marinade, placing it on the prepared rack or tray skin side up. Reserve the marinade for basting. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. Baste the turkey every 15 minutes with the reserved marinade to keep it moist and flavorful. Use a food-safe brush or spoon for basting to avoid cross-contamination.
Check internal temperature and finish cooking
5Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey breast. The safe internal temperature for turkey breast is 74°C (165°F). Continue roasting if the temperature is below this, checking every 5-10 minutes. This ensures the turkey is safe to eat and perfectly cooked.
Rest and garnish
6Once the turkey reaches the safe temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicy when carved. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving for a flavorful finish.
Cooking Tips
1If you can't find rice vinegar, substitute with apple cider vinegar for a similar tangy flavor.
2Allow turkey to marinate in the refrigerator; do not marinate at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
3Use a digital instant-read thermometer for accurate and quick temperature readings to ensure food safety.
4Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and plates for raw and cooked turkey.
5For a spicier version, add 1 teaspoon of chili flakes to the marinade.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Grater (for ginger)
- Garlic press or knife
- Measuring spoons and cup
- Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
- Oven
- Baking tray and rack
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Meat thermometer
- Basting brush or spoon
- Cutting board and knife
- Serving plate
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Boneless skin-on turkey breast (1 kg, approx. $8) - Choose fresh, firm turkey breast with no discoloration.
- [ ] Soy sauce, preferably low sodium (60 ml, approx. $0.50) - Dark soy gives richer flavor.
- [ ] Honey (2 tbsp, approx. $0.30) - Use pure honey for best taste.
- [ ] Fresh ginger (1 tbsp grated, approx. $0.20) - Look for firm, smooth skin ginger.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (3, approx. $0.10) - Fresh garlic offers robust flavor.
- [ ] Sesame oil (1 tbsp, approx. $0.60) - Toasted sesame oil is recommended.
- [ ] Rice vinegar (1 tbsp, approx. $0.30) - Mild and slightly sweet vinegar.
- [ ] Ground black pepper (1 tsp, approx. $0.05) - Freshly ground if possible.
- [ ] Green onions (2 stalks, approx. $0.40) - For fresh garnish.
- [ ] Sesame seeds (1 tbsp, approx. $0.20) - Toasted for extra aroma.
Total estimated cost: $10.65
FAQ
How do I know when the turkey breast is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey breast reaches 74°C (165°F). This ensures it is safe to eat.
Can I use frozen turkey breast for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the turkey completely in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
Can I marinate the turkey for less than 2 hours?
While 2 hours is recommended for flavor penetration, marinating for at least 30 minutes can still add taste if you're short on time.
Is the skin necessary for this recipe?
The skin helps keep the turkey moist during roasting and adds flavor and texture, but you can remove it afterward if you prefer.