Dinner

Herb Buttermilk Marinated Turkey Breast

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The Herb Buttermilk Marinated Turkey Breast is a show-stopping holiday dish that delivers on both texture and flavor. The buttermilk marinade works wonders, keeping the turkey incredibly juicy while adding a slight tang. The carefully balanced Scarborough Fair Dry Rub enhances the depth of flavor, creating a beautifully seasoned, aromatic, and crispy-skinned turkey breast. Whether you’re preparing a festive Thanksgiving meal or simply craving a delicious, comforting roast, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Paired with classic sides like homemade cornbread dressing, roasted potatoes, and cranberry sauce, this turkey breast will become a new favorite tradition at your table!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Scarborough Fair Dry Rub:
  • 2 Tablespoons Dried Parsley
  • 2 Tablespoons Dried Sage
  • 2 Tablespoons Dried Rosemary
  • 2 Tablespoons Dried Thyme
  • 2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon Black Pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 Tablespoon Dried Basil
For Roasting:
  • 2 Red Onions, cut into eighths
  • 1 Lemon, cut into eighths
  • 3 Sprigs Fresh Rosemary
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
For Marinating:
  • 1 Turkey Breast (around 6 pounds)
  • 2 Cups Buttermilk
  • 1 Tablespoon Salt
  • 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large sealable plastic bag, combine buttermilk, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Add the turkey breast and seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 325°F (163°C).
  3. Prepare the Roasting Dish: Line the bottom of a casserole dish with onion slices, lemon wedges, and rosemary sprigs. Drizzle with olive oil.
  4. Season the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the marinade, pat it dry with paper towels, and discard the marinade. Generously coat the turkey with the Scarborough Fair Dry Rub.
  5. Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey in the prepared dish and roast for about 2 to 2 ½ hours, rotating the dish every 30 minutes. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (75°C).
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven, cover with foil, and let rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. Serve with your favorite sides.

Prep Time: 20 minutes Marinating Time: 12 hours Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes Total Time: 14 hours 50 minutes Kcal: 301 kcal per serving Servings: 8

Herb Buttermilk Marinated Turkey Breast: The Secret to a Juicy, Flavorful Roast

When it comes to preparing turkey breast, many home cooks struggle with achieving the perfect balance of moisture and flavor. Turkey breast is naturally lean, which makes it prone to drying out during roasting. However, with the right technique, you can create a turkey breast that is juicy, tender, and packed with delicious flavors. One of the best ways to achieve this is by using a buttermilk marinade infused with herbs and spices. This method not only keeps the meat moist but also enhances its overall taste, making it an excellent choice for holiday dinners, special occasions, or even a satisfying weeknight meal.

In this article, we’ll explore the science behind buttermilk marination, the role of herbs and spices, the benefits of dry rub seasoning, roasting techniques, and serving suggestions. By the end, you’ll have a deep understanding of why this Herb Buttermilk Marinated Turkey Breast is a game-changer for anyone looking to prepare a restaurant-quality turkey at home.

Why Use Buttermilk for Marinating Turkey Breast?

Buttermilk has long been a staple ingredient in Southern cooking, often used to tenderize proteins such as fried chicken. But its benefits extend far beyond fried foods. The reason buttermilk is such a powerful marinade lies in its acidity and enzymatic properties. The lactic acid in buttermilk helps break down muscle fibers in the turkey breast, making it more tender and easier to chew. Additionally, buttermilk contains natural sugars that enhance browning, giving the turkey a beautiful golden color when roasted.

Beyond tenderness, buttermilk also acts as a carrier for herbs and spices, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat. Unlike water-based brines, which can sometimes dilute flavor, buttermilk enhances the turkey’s natural taste while adding a subtle tanginess. The result is a juicy, well-seasoned turkey breast with a crisp, flavorful skin.

The Power of Herbs and Spices in the Dry Rub

To further elevate the flavors of the turkey breast, this recipe incorporates a Scarborough Fair Dry Rub, inspired by the famous song “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme.” These herbs are not just poetic—they each bring unique characteristics to the dish:

  • Parsley: Adds a mild, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the turkey.
  • Sage: Known for its earthy, slightly peppery taste, sage is a classic pairing for poultry.
  • Rosemary: This aromatic herb contributes a piney, slightly woody note that complements roasted meats.
  • Thyme: Offers a subtle, slightly lemony flavor that enhances the brightness of the marinade.

In addition to these herbs, other spices like black pepper, oregano, basil, and a touch of sugar round out the seasoning, creating a depth of flavor that ensures every bite of the turkey is well-seasoned and aromatic. The dry rub is applied after marination to create a flavorful crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat inside.

How to Achieve the Perfect Roast Turkey Breast

Roasting a turkey breast is different from roasting a whole turkey. Since the breast is leaner and smaller, it requires a different approach to ensure even cooking without drying out. Here are some key techniques used in this recipe to get the best results:

  1. Preheating the Oven to the Right Temperature:
    Roasting at 325°F (163°C) is the ideal balance between achieving a golden, crispy skin and cooking the meat evenly. Higher temperatures can cause the exterior to burn before the inside is fully cooked, while lower temperatures can lead to a lack of browning.
  2. Using a Roasting Base:
    Instead of placing the turkey breast directly on the pan, this recipe uses a base of onions, lemons, and fresh rosemary sprigs. This serves two purposes:

    • It prevents the turkey from sticking to the pan.
    • It infuses the turkey with additional aroma as it roasts.
  3. Rotating the Dish Every 30 Minutes:
    This step ensures that all sides of the turkey breast cook evenly. It also helps with even browning, preventing any single area from becoming too dark.
  4. Using a Meat Thermometer for Accuracy:
    The most crucial step in roasting turkey breast is using an instant-read thermometer. The turkey is done when the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (75°C). Overcooking is the main reason turkey breast becomes dry, so checking the temperature is essential.
  5. Resting Before Carving:
    After roasting, the turkey breast should be covered with foil and allowed to rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, preventing them from running out when sliced. The result is a significantly juicier and more flavorful turkey.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

A perfectly roasted turkey breast deserves equally delicious side dishes. Here are some classic pairings that complement the flavors of this Herb Buttermilk Marinated Turkey Breast:

  • Cornbread Dressing: A Southern favorite made with crumbled cornbread, celery, onions, and sage. This dish absorbs the turkey’s juices beautifully, making it a must-have on any Thanksgiving table.
  • Pommes Anna: A stunning French potato dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes layered with butter and roasted to golden perfection. The crisp edges and soft interior contrast wonderfully with the juicy turkey.
  • Glazed Carrots: Sweet and buttery, these carrots add a touch of natural sweetness to balance the savory turkey.
  • Homemade Cranberry Sauce: The tangy, slightly tart flavor of cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the turkey and its herbs.
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: The smoky, crispy bacon pairs perfectly with the slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts, creating a side dish that enhances the overall meal.

These side dishes, along with the flavorful turkey, create a well-rounded, comforting meal that is perfect for holidays and special gatherings.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

There are many ways to prepare turkey breast, but this Herb Buttermilk Marinated Turkey Breast stands out for several reasons:

Guaranteed Moisture: The buttermilk marinade acts as a brine, locking in moisture and preventing the meat from drying out.
Flavor-Infused from Inside Out: Unlike traditional roasting, where seasoning stays on the surface, this recipe allows flavors to penetrate deep into the meat.
Crispy, Aromatic Skin: The combination of a dry rub and proper roasting techniques ensures a beautifully golden and crispy skin.
Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this recipe is accessible for both novice and experienced cooks.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a simple family dinner, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion:

If you’ve ever struggled with dry, flavorless turkey breast, this Herb Buttermilk Marinated Turkey Breast will change the way you cook turkey forever. The combination of a tangy buttermilk marinade, a well-balanced herb rub, and a precise roasting method creates a succulent, flavorful, and visually stunning dish. Perfect for the holidays or an impressive weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Pair it with classic side dishes, and you have a meal that is delicious, comforting, and worthy of a special occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a big holiday feast or simply looking for a better way to prepare turkey breast, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Try it once, and it just might become your go-to method for cooking turkey every time. 🦃✨

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