Mojo‑Marinated Spatchcock Turkey: A Cuban Twist on Holiday Roast

This Cuban-style spatchcock turkey is marinated in a garlicky-citrusy mojo, then roasted flat for tangy, juicy meat in every bite. Spatchcocking cuts down on cook time and helps the bird roast evenly, making it a total win for Thanksgiving or any big gathering. It’s bold, savory, and packed with flavor that stands out on a holiday table.

📝 Ingredients

• 12-14 lbs whole turkey (thawed, neck & giblets removed)
• 6 cloves garlic (peeled)
• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for the skin)
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (plus more for the skin)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for the skin)
• 1/4 cup sour orange juice (store-bought or juice from 1 orange and 1/2 lemon)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1First things first, make sure you thaw your 14-pound turkey three days before in the fridge. You can't rush this part because a frozen turkey will just not defrost quick enough the day of. Make sure to add a reminder for yourself on your phone to transfer the turkey from the freezer to the fridge 3 days before serving (the Monday before Thanksgiving).
2. 2In a mortar and pestle, mash garlic, salt, oregano, cumin, and pepper together until you get a paste. Transfer to a bowl and combine the garlic mojo marinade with the oil and sour orange juice. Set aside.
3. 3To spatchcock (aka butterfly) the turkey, place the thawed turkey, breast-side down, on a cutting board or baking sheet. Make sure it's sturdy so you don't hurt yourself in this process. Run your hand along the center of the bird to find the backbone.
4. 4Using a pair of very sharp kitchen shears, cut as close to the spine as possible, one side at a time. You may have to use both your hands to cut through the ribs. Once the backbone is cut out, save it for homemade gravy.
5. 5Now, turn the turkey over, breast-side up, and using both hands, one on top of another, press down firmly on the breast until you hear a crack. Transfer the now flattened, spatchcocked turkey to a baking sheet with a wire rack.
6. 6Preheat the oven to 425ºF.
7. 7Rub the garlic mojo marinade inside and under the skin of the turkey. Pat the skin dry with a paper towel, brush it with olive oil and season with a bit of salt and pepper. Tuck the wing tips behind the turkey breast to prevent them from burning.
8. 8Place the turkey in the oven and roast for 1 1/2 hours (90 minutes) until browned and cooked through. The internal temp should be 165ºF using a food thermometer. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving. Enjoy!