How to Stuff a Turkey With Oranges, Lemons & Limes
Change the way you stuff a turkey by using oranges, lemon and limes for a moist, delicately flavored bird. You will save calories and fat grams by not using traditional stuffing, which is loaded with butter that soaks into the meat.
Change the way you stuff a turkey by using oranges, lemon and limes for a moist, delicately flavored bird. You will save calories and fat grams by not using traditional stuffing, which is loaded with butter that soaks into the meat. The fresh citrus creates a porous area inside the cavity and provides moisture that steams and seasons the meat. Adding herbs that complement the citrus and turkey is a simple way to stuff the bird, and creates a fresh, flavorful meat.
Step 1
Rinse the inside and outside of the turkey with cold water. Pat the surfaces dry with a paper towel.
Step 2
Wash the outside of an orange, lemon and lime with water. Cut the citrus into quarter-sized wedges with a sharp knife and cutting board.
Step 3
Rinse three or four sprigs of fresh herbs with water. Herbs that complement turkey are rosemary, thyme or marjoram.
Step 4
Stuff the orange, lemon and lime wedges into the turkey cavity with your hands, and then stuff in the herbs. Any unused citrus wedges can be used as a garnish on the turkey platter later.
Step 5
Tie the legs together with cooking string to keep moisture and heat inside the turkey for steaming the citrus.
Step 6
Cook the turkey in a 400-degree Fahrenheit oven until the internal temperature in the thigh and breast is 165 F or higher.
Step 7
Leave the citrus in the turkey as it cools for additional moisture. Discard the citrus when done carving.
Tip
Cut an onion and a garlic clove into wedges and insert them into the turkey cavity with the citrus wedges for additional flavor. Wash your hands before and after handling a raw turkey.