12to 14 pound thawed or fresh turkeyOptional: use a sharp knife to detach the drumsticks for more even cooking, giblets removed and reserved
2largeripe pears, quartered
4garlic clovesunpeeled
1bunch scallionswashed
1 2-inchpiece of fresh ginger rootsplit in half
2tablespoonsplus 2 tablespoons honeydivided
2teaspoonsplus 2 teaspoons kosher saltdivided
1/4cupcanola or peanut oil
2tablespoonsFive Spice PowderHomemade or purchased.,
Instructions
Preheat oven to 500°F with a rack positioned in the lower 1/3rd of the oven.
Spray a roasting rack generously with non-stick cooking spray and place in a roasting pan. Position the turkey, breast side up, on the rack in the roasting pan. If you've detached the drumsticks, lay them alongside the turkey in the rack. In a small mixing bowl, toss the quartered pears and garlic cloves with 2 tablespoons of the honey and 2 teaspoons of the kosher salt. Stuff it, the ginger, and the scallions into the cavity of the turkey. Pour the oil evenly over the turkey and sprinkle with the Five Spice Powder and remaining kosher salt. Use your hands to massage the turkey and evenly distribute the spices. Put the roasting pan in the oven and set a timer for 30 minutes.
When 30 minutes have elapsed, lower the heat to 350°F. Continue roasting until an instant read thermometer says the turkey breast measures 160°F and the thigh/drumstick meat measures 170°F. On a 12 to 14 pound bird, this should take about 2 hours. About 1/2 an hour before the turkey is done, drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of honey over the breasts and brush with a pastry brush. Return the pan to the oven until the honey has caramelized and become very sticky and brown.
Remove the turkey from the oven and lightly tent with foil. The temperature will continue to rise by as much as 10° as the meat rests.
Carve and serve!
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.