Name: 5-Star Soy Glazed Braised Turkey You'll Love
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 (2 – 2.5 lb.) turkey breast, boneless, skin-on; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 tablespoon salt; 1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper; 1 + 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar; 3 cloves garlic, crushed; 1 tablespoon ginger, thinly sliced; 5 bay leaves; 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce; 1 cup water (or enough to cover the skillet by 1-inch); 1 stick of cinnamon; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 1 teaspoon yellow curry powder; 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns; 4 star anise; Pan drippings from the turkey; 1/2 cup water; 2 tablespoons cornstarch or all-purpose flour

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Soy Glazed Braised Turkey is a delightful dish that brings an Asian flair to your dinner table. This recipe showcases a boneless, skin-on turkey breast that is seared to crispy perfection and then braised in a fragrant soy and five-spice sauce. The result is a tender, juicy turkey with beautifully caramelized skin that melts in your mouth. Perfect for celebrations or cozy family dinners, this dish combines rich flavors with the comforting essence of roasted turkey.

Why You’ll Love This Soy Glazed Braised Turkey

This braised turkey recipe is not only delicious but also offers numerous benefits. First, it’s straightforward and uses easily accessible ingredients—no fancy techniques required. You’ll impress your guests with a dish that looks and tastes gourmet, yet it’s simple enough for a weeknight meal. The rich soy glaze enhances the turkey’s natural flavors, making it a flavorful braised turkey dish. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce Asian-inspired flavors into your cooking repertoire while still being gluten-free. If you’re considering how to make soy glazed turkey, this recipe is the best soy glazed turkey preparation you can try!

Ingredients for Soy Glazed Braised Turkey

Gather these items:

1 (2 – 2.5 lb.) turkey breast, boneless, skin-on
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 + 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon ginger, thinly sliced
5 bay leaves
2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
1 cup water (or enough to cover the skillet by 1-inch)
1 stick of cinnamon
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon yellow curry powder
1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
4 star anise
Pan drippings from the turkey
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons cornstarch or all-purpose flour

How to Make Soy Glazed Braised Turkey Step-by-Step

Step 1: Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps well during cooking. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture generously all over the turkey breast. Let it rest uncovered on a clean plate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Heat an iron skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes until very hot. Place the turkey breast skin-side down in the skillet and sear for about 5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the turkey breast from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until the sugar dissolves and starts to caramelize. Return the turkey to the skillet, skin side down, and cook an additional 3 minutes to deepen the caramelization for a rich dark brown color.
Step 4: Flip the turkey breast so the skin side is up. Add the crushed garlic, sliced ginger, bay leaves, and all five-spice seasoning ingredients (cinnamon stick, cumin seeds, yellow curry powder, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise) into the skillet around the turkey. Stir the spices briefly until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Pour in the dark soy sauce and enough water to cover the skillet liquid by about 1 inch—roughly 1 cup. Bring the liquid to a simmer on the stovetop.
Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake at 425°F for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C). During baking, baste the turkey every 10 minutes with the pan juices to infuse flavor and keep it moist.
Step 6: Remove the turkey breast from the oven and transfer it to a serving plate. Let it rest uncovered for 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and the meat to become tender.
Step 7: Strain the remaining liquid from the skillet through a fine-mesh sieve to remove all solid spices and bits. Return the strained liquid to the skillet over medium heat. In a separate bowl, mix the water and cornstarch (or flour) until smooth, then whisk this slurry into the skillet liquid. Stir continuously as the mixture gently simmers until thickened, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the gravy cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Step 8: Slice the rested turkey breast and drizzle with the prepared gravy. Serve alongside classic sides such as mashed potatoes and stuffing for a full meal experience.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Soy Glazed Braised Turkey

Keep these in mind:

For a richer flavor, use low-sodium soy sauce to control sodium levels in your dish.
Let the turkey rest for optimal tenderness; this helps in redistributing the juices.
Adjust spices according to your taste preferences to enhance the flavor.
Consider marinating the turkey overnight for even deeper flavor absorption.

Best Ways to Serve Soy Glazed Braised Turkey

Pair this soy sauce turkey dish with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with jasmine rice to soak up the delicious gravy, making for a delightful Asian-inspired meal. For a twist, consider adding a soy glaze for turkey breast to your favorite stir-fried noodles!

5-Star Soy Glazed Braised Turkey You'll Love - Soy Glazed Braised Turkey - main visual representation

How to Store and Reheat Soy Glazed Braised Turkey

To store leftovers, refrigerate the sliced turkey along with the gravy in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For reheating, place the turkey in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave if you’re in a hurry. Meal prepping this dish makes for easy and flavorful lunches throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Soy Glazed Braised Turkey

What’s the secret to perfect Soy Glazed Braised Turkey?

The secret lies in the searing! Ensure the skin is dry for optimal crispiness and baste every 10 minutes during baking to keep the meat moist. This technique enhances the flavors of the soy glazed turkey.

Can I make Soy Glazed Braised Turkey ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the turkey a day in advance and reheat it just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the dish even more flavorful.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Soy Glazed Braised Turkey?

One common mistake is not allowing the turkey to rest after cooking. This step is crucial for juicy, tender meat. Also, avoid skipping the basting process, as it prevents drying out.

Variations of Soy Glazed Braised Turkey You Can Try

Consider experimenting with different marinades or spices. Try a soy and ginger braised turkey for a zesty kick. Alternatively, you can make a low-sodium soy glazed turkey by using less soy sauce and adding more herbs. Each variation offers a fresh take on this delicious dish!

5-Star Soy Glazed Braised Turkey You'll Love - Soy Glazed Braised Turkey - additional detail

For more cooking tips, check out this guide on ciabatta bread or learn how to make homemade tomato sauce for a delicious side. You can also explore spaghetti with garlic and oil for a quick meal option.

5-Star Soy Glazed Braised Turkey You’ll Love

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Author: Margaret
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Soy Glazed Braised Turkey Breast with Five-Spice is a flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring a boneless, skin-on turkey breast seared to crispy perfection, then braised in a fragrant soy and five-spice infused liquid.

Ingredients

Scale

1 (2 – 2.5 lb.) turkey breast, boneless, skin-on
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 + 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon ginger, thinly sliced
5 bay leaves
2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
1 cup water (or enough to cover the skillet by 1-inch)
1 stick of cinnamon
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon yellow curry powder
1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
4 star anise
Pan drippings from the turkey
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons cornstarch or all-purpose flour

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Instructions

Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps well during cooking. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture generously all over the turkey breast. Let it rest uncovered on a clean plate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Heat an iron skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes until very hot. Place the turkey breast skin-side down in the skillet and sear for about 5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the turkey breast from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until the sugar dissolves and starts to caramelize. Return the turkey to the skillet, skin side down, and cook an additional 3 minutes to deepen the caramelization for a rich dark brown color.
Flip the turkey breast so the skin side is up. Add the crushed garlic, sliced ginger, bay leaves, and all five-spice seasoning ingredients (cinnamon stick, cumin seeds, yellow curry powder, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise) into the skillet around the turkey. Stir the spices briefly until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Pour in the dark soy sauce and enough water to cover the skillet liquid by about 1 inch — roughly 1 cup. Bring the liquid to a simmer on the stovetop.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake at 425°F for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C). During baking, baste the turkey every 10 minutes with the pan juices to infuse flavor and keep it moist.
Remove the turkey breast from the oven and transfer it to a serving plate. Let it rest uncovered for 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and the meat to become tender.
Strain the remaining liquid from the skillet through a fine-mesh sieve to remove all solid spices and bits. Return the strained liquid to the skillet over medium heat. In a separate bowl, mix the water and cornstarch (or flour) until smooth, then whisk this slurry into the skillet liquid. Stir continuously as the mixture gently simmers until thickened, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the gravy cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Slice the rested turkey breast and drizzle with the prepared gravy. Serve alongside classic sides such as mashed potatoes and stuffing for a full meal experience.