Pavochon Puerto Rican Thanksgiving Turkey

Infuse your Thanksgiving feast with the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean by preparing Pavochon, a Puerto Rican twist on roast turkey! This recipe transforms a juicy whole turkey into a succulent masterpiece bursting with the bold seasonings of adobo, sazón with achiote, garlic, and citrus. The flavorful marinade is rubbed beneath the skin for maximum depth, then left to infuse overnight for an authentic, mouthwatering taste. Roasted to perfection, the turkey is basted in its own savory drippings for a moist, golden finish, with the optional use of banana leaves to lock in moisture and enhance the aroma. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this dish is a stunning centerpiece for festive gatherings and pairs beautifully with traditional Puerto Rican sides. Bring the warmth of the island to your holiday table with this delectable Pavochon!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:260 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 12 pounds Whole turkey
• 1 cup Olive oil
• 10 pieces Garlic cloves
• 3 tablespoons Adobo seasoning
• 1 packet Sazón with achiote
• 2 teaspoons Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
• 1 cup Fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons White vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 cup Water
• 2 pieces Banana leaves (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Clean the turkey thoroughly, removing the neck and giblets if included. Pat the turkey dry using paper towels.

Step 2

Blend the olive oil, garlic cloves, adobo seasoning, sazón with achiote, dried oregano, ground black pepper, kosher salt, lime juice, orange juice, white vinegar, and onion powder in a food processor until smooth to create the seasoning marinade.

Step 3

Using your hands, carefully loosen the skin of the turkey, particularly around the breast and drumsticks, without tearing it.

Step 4

Rub the marinade generously all over the turkey, making sure to get under the skin for maximum flavor.

Step 5

Cover and refrigerate the marinated turkey for at least 12 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to infuse.

Step 6

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan.

Step 7

Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the turkey moist. Optionally, lay banana leaves over the top of the turkey for added flavor and to help retain moisture.

Step 8

Roast the turkey in the oven for approximately 3.5 to 4 hours (about 15 minutes per pound) or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh and breast.

Step 9

Baste the turkey with the pan drippings every 30 to 45 minutes to enhance moisture and flavor.

Step 10

Remove the banana leaves (if used) during the final 30 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to crisp and brown.

Step 11

Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes after removing it from the oven to retain its juices before carving.

Step 12

Carve and serve your Pavochon with your favorite Puerto Rican sides!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(6733.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	9576.5

Total Fat 416.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 89.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 21.3g
Cholesterol 3810.2mg	0%
Sodium 5856.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 45.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.4g	0%
Total Sugars 20.6g
Protein 1311.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 737.8mg	0%
Iron 63.4mg	0%
Potassium 13707.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.8%

Protein: 57.2%

Carbs: 2.0%