Marinated turkey thigh, baked

Marinated Turkey Thigh in the Oven: A Delicious Recipe for Sunday Meals

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 5-6 hours
Baking Time: 1 hour
Total: 6 hours and 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people

Roasted turkey is a perfect choice for family meals as well as special occasions. The turkey thigh is tender and juicy meat that wonderfully blends with various flavors. Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a marinated turkey thigh that will turn any meal into a true celebration.

Ingredients needed:

- 1 upper turkey thigh (preferably larger, about 1.5-2 kg)
- 1 glass of dry white wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary, to add an unmistakable fragrance

For the marinade:

- 2 tablespoons honey (choose a quality honey for a more intense flavor)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for an umami flavor and a salty touch)
- 2 tablespoons chili sauce (for a hint of spice)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (to add a layer of flavor)
- Juice of half a lemon (for acidity and freshness)
- 2 bay leaves (to enhance the flavors)
- A few peppercorns (for a peppery taste)

Preparing the turkey thigh:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by deboning the turkey thigh if it is not already deboned. Remove the skin and wash the meat well under cold running water. Pat the thigh dry with a paper towel. This step is essential to ensure the marinade adheres well to the meat.

2. Seasoning: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the entire surface of the thigh, ensuring it is evenly seasoned.

3. Preparing the marinade: In a bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, chili sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Mix the ingredients well to obtain a homogeneous marinade. This marinade is the key to flavorful meat.

4. Marinating: Place the turkey thigh in a deep dish and pour the marinade over it. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and leave it in the refrigerator for 5-6 hours. It is ideal to turn the meat occasionally so that the marinade penetrates evenly on all sides.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Remove the thigh from the marinade and place it in a baking tray. Season it with fresh rosemary and pour the marinade over it. Add a glass of white wine to the tray to add moisture and flavor during baking. Cover the tray with aluminum foil and bake for 30-40 minutes.

6. Browning: After 40 minutes, carefully remove the aluminum foil and let the thigh continue baking until it becomes golden brown and well done. It is important to baste the meat occasionally with the juices from the tray to keep it moist and flavorful.

7. Serving: Once the thigh is ready, remove the tray from the oven and let it cool slightly. Place the thigh on a platter and slice it into suitable pieces. You can serve it alongside potato dumplings, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables. This is a meal that will delight everyone!

Practical tips:

- Choosing the wine: Opt for a quality dry white wine, but it doesn’t have to be an expensive one. A good wine will add beautiful flavors to your dish.
- Spicy version: If you like spicy food, you can add more chili sauce to the marinade or sprinkle some dried chili flakes on top of the thigh before baking.
- Alternative sides: Instead of potato dumplings, you can opt for mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
- Delicious leftovers: If there are leftover slices of turkey, you can use them for sandwiches or salads the next day. The marinated meat keeps well in the refrigerator and can be reheated without issues.

Nutritional benefits:

Turkey thigh is an excellent source of lean protein, rich in B vitamins that contribute to energy metabolism. It also contains essential minerals such as zinc and iron, important for immune system health and oxygen transport in the body.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another part of the turkey?
Of course! This recipe also works well with turkey breast, but the baking time will vary. Make sure the breast is well cooked without drying out.

2. Can the marinade be made in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to combine perfectly.

3. What type of salad pairs best?
A fresh green salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers will provide a pleasant contrast to the turkey thigh.

Personal suggestion:

For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a few slices of lemon and some sprigs of rosemary to the tray alongside the turkey thigh during baking. This way, the meat will acquire an even fresher and more aromatic scent.

I invite you to enjoy this simple and delicious recipe for marinated turkey thigh in the oven. Get ready to impress your loved ones with a truly special meal! Enjoy your meal!