How To Roast A 15 Pound Turkey Alton Brown

Roasting a 15 Pound Turkey the Alton Brown Way

Roasting a 15-pound turkey can seem like a daunting task, but with the right technique, you can achieve a delicious and juicy bird that will impress your guests. Renowned chef Alton Brown has shared his method for roasting a turkey, and we’re here to break it down for you step by step.

Ingredients:

• 15-pound turkey
• 1 cup kosher salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 gallon vegetable stock
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1 1/2 teaspoons allspice berries
• 1 1/2 teaspoons candied ginger
• 1 gallon iced water

Instructions:

1. Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator if it's frozen.
2. Combine the kosher salt, brown sugar, vegetable stock, peppercorns, allspice berries, and candied ginger in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved.
3. Remove the brine from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
4. Once the brine has cooled, combine it with the iced water in a 5-gallon bucket or a clean cooler.
5. Remove the giblets from the turkey and submerge the bird in the brine. Make sure it is fully submerged. If not, weigh it down with a plate. Refrigerate for 8 to 16 hours.
6. Preheat the oven to 500°F.
7. Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse it inside and out. Pat it dry with paper towels.
8. Place the turkey on a roasting rack inside a half sheet pan and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
9. After 30 minutes, discard any excess brine and pat the turkey dry with paper towels again.
10. Truss the turkey legs with kitchen twine.
11. Roast the turkey on the lowest level of the oven at 500°F for 30 minutes to brown the skin.
12. After 30 minutes, insert a probe thermometer into the thickest part of the breast and reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.
13. Roast the turkey until the internal temperature reaches 155°F. This should take about 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
14. Once the turkey reaches 155°F, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving.

Following Alton Brown’s method for roasting a 15-pound turkey will result in a beautifully browned and flavorful bird that is sure to be the star of your holiday meal. Happy roasting!