Cajun Butter Roasted Turkey Recipe

Nothing captures the heart of Cajun cuisine like a perfectly roasted, flavorful turkey. This Cajun Turkey recipe is designed for those who love that classic blend of spices and tender, juicy meat—perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or just a hearty family meal. With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and our recommendation for quality cookware, you can bring this authentic Cajun experience to your home kitchen.

Ingredients

• Turkey and Flavor Base
• 18 lb Turkey
• 1 cup Water
• 1 small Onion, sliced
• 8 Garlic Cloves, peeled

Cajun Seasoning Mix

• 1/4 cup Paprika
• 2 tsp Salt
• 1 Tbsp Thyme
• 1 Tbsp Oregano
• 2 tsp Bay Leaf powder or 4 Whole Bay leaves
• 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
• 1 Tbsp Celery Salt
• 1 Tbsp Black Pepper
• 1 Tbsp Onion Powder

Injection Marinade

• 1 cup White Wine, dry
• 1/4 cup Olive Oil
• 2 Tbsp Louisiana Hot Sauce
• 1 Tbsp Cajun Seasoning

Cajun Butter Rub

• 1/2 cup Butter, softened
• 3 Tbsp Cajun Seasoning

Thawing Your Turkey: The First Step to a Perfect Cajun Roast

If you’re like many of us, you probably choose the budget-friendly frozen turkey over a fresh one. No worries, with the right thawing method, your turkey will be ready for roasting in no time. There are two main ways to thaw your bird: in the refrigerator or in cold water. Here’s a breakdown of both methods and how long they take, depending on the size of your turkey:

Refrigerator Thawing:

• 4 lbs: 1 day to defrost
• 8 lbs: 2 days to defrost
• 12 lbs: 3 days to defrost
• 16 lbs: 4 days to defrost

Pro Tip: Don’t just toss the turkey in the fridge! Place it in a large bowl to catch any leaks and prevent a mess. The turkey can release some liquid as it thaws, and you’ll want to keep your fridge clean and dry.

Cold Water Thawing:

• 4 lbs: 1 hour to defrost
• 8 lbs: 4 hours to defrost
• 12 lbs: 6 hours to defrost
• 16 lbs: 8 hours to defrost

As a rule of thumb, allow about 30 minutes of cold water to soak time per pound of turkey. This method is a lifesaver if you’ve forgotten to thaw out your turkey ahead of time. 

Once your turkey is fully thawed and ready to go, we’re all set to start cooking!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Turkey

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the turkey by removing the neck, giblets, and gizzards from the cavity.
3. Rinse and pat dry, ensuring the turkey is ready for seasoning.

Step 2: Cajun Seasoning Blend

In a spice grinder, combine paprika, salt, thyme, oregano, bay leaves, garlic powder, celery salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Blend well for a robust Cajun seasoning.

Step 3: Prepare the Marinade and Butter Rub

1. In a bowl, whisk together white wine, olive oil, hot sauce, and Cajun seasoning for the marinade.
2. In a separate dish, combine softened butter with Cajun seasoning for the butter rub.

Step 4: Inject and Coat the Turkey

1. Place the turkey breast-side down and inject the marinade into the back and drumsticks.
2. Flip it over, placing the turkey in a roasting pan, and inject remaining marinade into the cavity.
3. Gently separate the skin from the breast, rubbing the Cajun butter underneath for maximum flavor.
4. Season the turkey all over with the remaining Cajun seasoning, coating evenly.

Step 5: Stuff, Roast, and Rest

1. Place sliced onion and garlic cloves into the cavity for added aroma and flavor.
2. Roast the turkey in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for one hour, then reduce heat to 325°F (163°C). Continue roasting for an additional 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Once done, let the turkey rest for 20-25 minutes before carving. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute, creating a juicy, flavorful bite with each slice.

Watch Our Step-by-Step Video! Need a little extra guidance to nail that perfect Cajun turkey? Check out the video tutorial below for a visual walkthrough. From blending Cajun spices to achieving that golden, crispy skin, this tutorial covers all the essentials to make your turkey unforgettable.

Tips for the Perfect Cajun Turkey

• If you notice the turkey browning too quickly, cover it with a sturdy roasting lid to control the crispiness.
• Letting the turkey rest before carving ensures maximum juiciness—a must for this Cajun recipe!

With its classic spices, juicy interior, and golden-brown skin, this Cajun Turkey will be the star of any meal. Using Magnalite-style cookware, like the Magnaware collection, brings out the authentic flavors of Cajun cooking, making every bite a rich, traditional experience.

Happy cooking, and enjoy the Cajun flavors that bring people together!