4scotch bonnet or habanero peppersstems removed and seeded
6garlic cloves
6sprigs fresh thyme
2-inchpiece ginger
2tablespoonskosher salt
2teaspoonscinnamon
1teaspoonblack pepper
1teaspoonground nutmeg
Turkey
1turkey10 to 12 lbs
3tablespoonsunsalted buttermelted
Instructions
Spatchcock The Turkey
Wash and remove turkey innards. Spatchcock your turkey by placing it chest-down. Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, remove the backbone . Flip the bird over, so it is lying chest up, and the cavity is flat to the surface. Use both hands to press down on the upper chest plate until you hear the bone fracture so that it lays flat (see notes for Spatchcock guide).
Pat turkey dry. Poke turkey all over with a fork on the front and back. Transfer the turkey to a large baking sheet.
Make Jerk Spice Blend
In a small skillet over medium heat toast allspice berries, black peppercorns, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, for 2 minutes, until aromatic. Add to a spice grinder and pulse until fine.
Make Jerk Marinade
In a food blender add all of the remaining jerk marinade ingredients and blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes, until smooth. Makes approximately 1 quart (4 cups).
Use 2 cups of jerk sauce to marinade the turkey. With the backside up, pour and massage ¼ of the jerk marinade into the back cavity.
Turn the turkey breast-side up. Use your hand to separate skin over the breast and thigh area from the meat. Use your hand or spoon to add marinade under the skin and spread it all over. Wrap the entire sheet pan in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight (at least 4 hours).
Make The Jerk Sauce
To a medium saucepan, add remaining 2 cups of jerk marinade over medium-low heat to thicken for 10-15 minutes until reduced at least by ¼. Remove from heat and set aside.
Temper The Turkey
Remove the turkey from the refrigerator, and sit at room temperature, takes approximately 1.5-2 hours
Roast The Jerk Turkey
Preheat the oven 450°F degrees. Transfer the turkey to a rack set inside a sheet pan or roasting pan. Tuck the wings behind the turkey. [OPTIONAL ]add seasoned root vegetables below the rack if you want.
Spoon half of the reduced jerk sauce evenly over the top of the turkey. Transfer the turkey to the oven, reduce heat to 425°F degrees, cook for 30 minutes. Baste turkey with remaining jerk sauce and cook for 15 more minutes.
Baste all over with the melted butter and cook for 15 minutes or until the breast reaches 150°F and the thigh reaches 165°F. When inserting the instant-read thermometer avoid touching the bone.
Remove from the oven and let the turkey rest from 30 to 60 minutes before carving.
Link To KC & Koko Holiday EbookSpatchcock Turkey Guide - Step by step spatchcocking instructionsWhen removing the turkey's tail bone, you can preserve it to make a turkey broth later.Marinate turkey for at least 4 hours to overnight to maximize flavor.Jerk Paste can be store-bought or homemade. For store-bought brands I reommend Walkerswood Jerk Seasoning.