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Rosemary Citrus Miso-Rubbed Turkey

This citrus and miso-rubbed turkey offers a sophisticated twist on the traditional roast, bringing a deep, savoury umami flavour to your dinner table. By using white or red miso paste combined with fragrant rosemary and fresh citrus, the meat remains incredibly succulent while the skin develops a beautiful colour. The addition of lemon slices and red pepper rings tucked under the skin not only adds a bright, zesty note but also creates a stunning visual centrepiece for any special occasion.

As a diabetes-friendly option, this recipe focuses on high-quality protein and vibrant aromatics rather than sugary glazes. Cooking the bird in a roasting bag ensures the turkey stays moist without the need for excessive fats, while the homemade gravy is thickened lightly with cornflour for a smooth, gluten-free finish. Serve this alongside a pile of steamed seasonal greens and roasted root vegetables for a balanced and nutritious feast that everyone can enjoy.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Rosemary Citrus Miso-Rubbed Turkey

  • 1 large onion, peeled and sliced 1-inch thick, separated into rings, and divided

  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary leaves (or 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary)

  • 1 clove garlic, chopped

  • 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

  • 120ml miso (white or red fermented soybean paste)

  • 1 stick (110g ) unsalted butter

  • 1 (15- to 20-lb) turkey with pop-up timer, any feathers or quills removed with tweezers or needle-nosed pliers, and neck and giblets reserved for another use if desired

  • 2 lemons, one sliced into 1/4-inch slices and one quartered, divided

  • 1 red pepper, sliced into 1/4-inch rings

  • 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt

  • 1 orange, quartered

  • 2 tablespoons oil

  • 1 tablespoon flour

  • 3 stalks celery and leaves chopped into 1-inch slices

  • 950ml turkey stock

  • 240ml water

  • 80ml cornflour

  • kitchen string, disposable foil roasting pan (15- to 20-lb size), oven roasting bag (24-lb turkey size)

How to make Rosemary Citrus Miso-Rubbed Turkey

Pulse about 1/4 of onion rings, plus rosemary and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. Add black pepper, poultry seasoning, and miso paste and purée until smooth. Add butter and purée — mixture will appear curdled.

Put oven rack in lowest position and preheat to 177°C. Rinse turkey inside and out, then pat dry. Working from large cavity end, gently run fingers between skin and meat of breast to loosen skin, being careful not to tear skin. Push miso butter under skin, including thighs and drumsticks, and massage from outside to spread evenly. Place a lemon slice inside of a pepper ring and slide under skin, positioning evenly over breast and drumsticks. Repeat with remaining pepper and lemon slices until a pleasing pattern results. Sprinkle cavity with seasoned salt. Stuff cavity with lemon and orange quarters, squeezing juice into cavity as you go, and fold neck skin and flap into the cavity. Tie drumsticks together with kitchen string and tuck wings under body.

Rub turkey with 2 tablespoons of oil. Shake 1 tablespoon flour in oven roasting bag, layer bottom of bag with onion and celery slices, and place bag into roasting pan. Place turkey on top of onions and celery in bag and close bag with tie included in the box. Cut six 1/2-inch slits in top of bag, as directed. Roast according to package directions, about 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until timer pops out. Remove from oven and let sit in the bag for 30 minutes. Remove turkey from bag.

Strain pan juices into a 3-quart saucepan and skim off excess fat, if desired. Add 950ml turkey stock to pan juices and bring to a boil. While stock is reaching boil, whisk together water and cornflour. Slowly pour cornflour mixture into boiling stock, whisking continuously. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes or until gravy is thickened and clear. Stir in any turkey juices accumulated on platter and season gravy with salt and pepper.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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