General Tso's Whole Turkey

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make General Tso's Whole Turkey.

1. Step 1

   To start, grab a small skillet and warm up 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.

2. Step 2

   Toss in the dried red chiles and let them toast in the hot oil for about 2 minutes, or until they turn a rich, dark red.

3. Step 3

   Once they’re beautifully toasted, take the skillet off the heat and mix in ground black pepper, chopped green onions, light sesame oil, and chopped shallot for a burst of flavor.

4. Step 4

   Next, it’s time to create a delicious glaze.

5. Step 5

   In a blender, combine cranberry sauce, turkey broth, soy sauce, orange juice, white vinegar, plum wine, chopped ginger, chopped garlic, and grated orange zest.

6. Step 6

   Blend everything together until it’s smooth and velvety, then transfer this delightful mixture to a bowl.

7. Step 7

   Stir in the toasted red pepper mixture, and divide the glaze in half for later use.

8. Step 8

   Now, let’s prepare the turkey.

9. Step 9

   Place it in a large basting bag and pour half of the glaze over it, making sure to coat the inside of the cavity as well.

10. Step 10

    Seal the bag tightly and let the turkey marinate in the refrigerator overnight, allowing those flavors to really soak in.

11. Step 11

    For the remaining glaze, dissolve some cornstarch in it and store it in a covered container in the fridge.

12. Step 12

    When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

13. Step 13

    Take the turkey out of the marinade and discard the used marinade.

14. Step 14

    Place the turkey on a rack inside a roasting pan, ready for roasting.

15. Step 15

    In a separate bowl, mix together white rice, wild rice, dried cranberries, walnuts, chopped green onions, chopped shallot, and a tablespoon of sesame oil.

16. Step 16

    This fragrant rice mixture will be your stuffing, so lightly fill the turkey cavity with it.

17. Step 17

    Now, combine 1/3 cup of vegetable oil with 1/3 cup of sesame oil in another bowl and set it aside.

18. Step 18

    It’s time to roast the turkey! Place it in the preheated oven and baste it with the vegetable and sesame oil mixture every 15 minutes.

19. Step 19

    Roast until the skin is golden brown and crispy, which should take about 2 hours.

20. Step 20

    After that, take the reserved glaze with cornstarch, give it a good stir, and start basting the turkey with it every 15 minutes.

21. Step 21

    Keep an eye on the turkey until the glaze sets and an instant-read meat thermometer shows 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

22. Step 22

    This final step will take an additional 1.

23. Step 23

    5 to 2 hours, but the mouthwatering aroma filling your kitchen will be well worth the wait.

24. Step 24

    Enjoy your beautifully roasted turkey, bursting with flavor and perfect for any gathering!.