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+ servings
A large dark oval platter with a Cajun turkey that has been roasted and cut up arranged on it, garnished with fresh orange slices, cranberries and herb sprigs.

Cajun Style Turkey

Cajun Turkey has just the right amount of heat without being overwhelmingly hot. It also has a FAST cooking method, taking just 2 hours or so!
5 from 7 ratings

Ingredients

For the Cajun Turkey Rub:

  • ¼ cup kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon ground oregano
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground thyme

For the Cajun Turkey:

  • 1 14 to 16 pound turkey, thawed if frozen
  • 4 sprigs thyme
  • 3 sprigs oregano
  • ½ large white onion sliced
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil

For the Orange-Oregano Gravy:

  • Drippings from turkey roasting pan separated with a fat separator
  • Up to 4 tablespoons unsalted butter as needed
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Up to 2 cups broth or stock as needed, plus additional if needed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano leaves

For Serving:

  • Orange slices, fresh herbs and cranberries, to garnish platter (optional)
  • Finely chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Make the Cajun Turkey rub:

  • In small bowl, stir together salt, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper and thyme until well combined.

Make the Cajun Turkey:

  • Preheat oven to 500 degrees F with a rack set at the lowest level. Pat turkey completely dry with paper towels, and place turkey on rack inside roasting pan.
  • Sprinkle 1/4 cup of Cajun Turkey Rub into turkey's cavity. Place thyme, oregano and onion in cavity. Tuck turkey wings underneath the turkey. Liberally brush oil all over turkey.
  • Transfer turkey to oven and cook 30 minutes. Remove turkey from oven and carefully sprinkle with all of the remaining Cajun Turkey Rub, using a wooden spoon or basting brush to press the rub onto the skin if needed.
  • Transfer turkey back to oven, reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F and continue roasting about 1-1/2 to 2 hours (although it could be a little less!), until a probe thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the breast reaches 161 degrees F.
  • When turkey is finished cooking, remove from oven, Transfer turkey to large cutting board and loosely tent with foil. Let rest 30 minutes.

Make the Orange-Oregano Gravy:

  • Use a fat separator to separate the fat from the non-fatty drippings from the roasting pan. You will need 4 tablespoons fat total for this gravy. If you don't have 4 tablespoons of turkey fat, add unsalted butter until you get to 4 tablespoons. You will also need 2 cups of non-fatty drippings. Add chicken or turkey broth or stock until you get to 2 cups.
  • In large skillet, place turkey fat and/or butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook 4 to 6 minutes or until mixture becomes light to medium golden brown, whisking constantly.
  • While whisking, slowly add turkey drippings and/or broth or stock until all liquid is incorporated. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat and cook 1 to 2 minutes or until gravy is thickened.
  • If gravy is too thick, whisk in a bit more broth or water. If gravy is too thin, cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until desired consistency is achieved.
  • Reduce heat to low. Add orange juice, orange zest and oregano and whisk until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as necessary.
  • Carve turkey and arrange on a large platter with garnishes like orange slices, herbs and cranberries, if desired. Sprinkle turkey with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve with Orange-Oregano Gravy.

Notes

Calories: 524kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 95g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.04g, Cholesterol: 279mg, Sodium: 2852mg, Potassium: 1066mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 810IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 75mg, Iron: 5mg
This website provides estimated nutrition information as a courtesy only. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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