Garlic Butter Turkey Injection Recipe
Introduction
This Garlic Butter Turkey Injection recipe is a flavorful way to keep your turkey juicy and tender. Infused with garlic, lemon, and herbs, this injection adds a delicious depth of flavor that penetrates deep into the meat. It’s perfect for ensuring a moist, savory bird every time.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth (warmed; use no salt added if bringing turkey)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (use less if desired)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (omit if brining turkey)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried herb of choice, ground fine (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the chicken broth and butter into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1 minute until the butter is melted and the broth is warmed. Remove from the microwave and stir in the lemon juice. Add garlic powder, salt, black pepper, white pepper, and dried herbs if using. Stir well and let the mixture stand for 10 minutes, then stir again before using.
- Step 2: Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Fill a meat injector with the prepared marinade. Slowly inject the liquid into multiple spots of the turkey, especially focusing on the breast meat to keep it moist during cooking.
- Step 3: If you have leftover marinade and want to use it for basting, pour it into a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6–8 minutes on medium-low. Let it cool for 10 minutes before using to baste the turkey.
- Step 4: If you do not plan to use the leftover marinade as a baste, discard it. Do not refrigerate leftover marinade as it has been in contact with raw meat.
Tips & Variations
- For a herbaceous twist, try adding finely ground rosemary, thyme, or sage to the injection blend.
- If preferred, substitute garlic powder with fresh minced garlic, but reduce the amount to avoid overpowering flavors.
- Ensure slow and thorough injection in the breast to prevent dry meat, which is common in turkey cooking.
Storage
Do not store leftover injection marinade as it has been in contact with raw turkey. If boiled for basting, keep the cooked marinade covered in the refrigerator and use within 1–2 days. Reheat gently before applying to your turkey.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use this injection on other poultry or meats?
Yes, this garlic butter injection works well on chicken, duck, or pork as it adds moisture and flavor during cooking.
What is the purpose of injecting the turkey?
Injecting the turkey allows the flavored liquid to penetrate deep into the meat, which helps keep it juicy and imparts rich taste throughout rather than just on the surface.
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Garlic Butter Turkey Injection Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Enough injection liquid for one whole turkey (12-16 pounds)
Description
This Garlic Butter Turkey Injection recipe is designed to enhance the moisture and flavor of your turkey from the inside out. By injecting a savory blend of warm chicken broth, melted unsalted butter, lemon juice, and aromatic spices directly into the turkey breast, this technique helps keep the meat juicy and flavorful, preventing dryness during cooking. Perfect for roast or smoked turkey, this injection mixture can also be simmered down into a delicious baste to complement your bird.
Ingredients
Injection Mixture Ingredients
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth (warmed, use no salt added if bringing turkey)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (use less if desired)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (omit if brining turkey)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried herb of choice, ground fine (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Injection Mixture: Place the chicken broth and unsalted butter into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1 minute until the butter has completely melted and the broth is warm. Remove from the microwave, then stir in the lemon juice. Add garlic powder, salt, black pepper, white pepper, and optional dried herbs. Mix thoroughly, then let the mixture stand for 10 minutes before stirring again to ensure the flavors meld.
- Inject the Turkey: Pat your turkey dry with paper towels. Fill your meat injector with the prepared marinade. Slowly inject the mixture into multiple points within the turkey breast, being sure to target the breast thoroughly as it tends to dry out during cooking. Injecting in several places will ensure even distribution of moisture and flavor.
- Make a Basting Sauce (Optional): If you wish to use the leftover marinade as a baste, pour it into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer gently for 6 to 8 minutes on medium-low heat. Remove from heat and allow it to cool for 10 minutes before using it to baste your turkey during cooking, which will add additional moistness and flavor.
- Discard Remaining Mixture: If you do not plan to use the marinade as a baste, discard any leftover injection mixture. Do not refrigerate liquid that has been injected into raw meat to avoid contamination risks.
Notes
- Use low sodium or no salt chicken broth to control the salt content, especially if you are brining your turkey separately.
- Adjust garlic powder amount based on your personal preference for garlic intensity.
- Ensure the turkey is thoroughly dried before injection to allow better absorption of the marinade.
- Injection should be done slowly for the mixture to distribute well without leaking out.
- Do not reuse or refrigerate leftover marinade that has touched raw turkey to prevent foodborne illness.
- The optional dried herb can be thyme, rosemary, sage, or any preferred poultry herb.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes (for simmering baste, optional)
- Category: Injection Marinade
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Garlic Butter, Turkey Injection, Turkey Marinade, Moist Turkey, Holiday Turkey, Meat Injection, Turkey Baste, Garlic Turkey
