Cooking With Beer, Whiskey and Spirits

Tequila-Marinated Turkey with Elote Corn Salad

This Tequila-Marinated Turkey with Elote Corn Salad is a fusion of flavors that elevates a classic turkey roast with a vibrant Mexican twist. Marinating the turkey in tequila, lime juice, and spices creates a tender, flavorful meat that’s both aromatic and juicy, while the Elote Corn Salad adds a creamy, spicy element. Together, these dishes make for an unforgettable holiday meal. Let’s dive into each component, from the marinade to the perfect accompaniments, with tips to make this turkey a star on your table.

Ingredients (Serves 8-10)

For the Tequila-Marinated Turkey
Each ingredient in the tequila marinade plays an important role in enhancing the flavor of the turkey, infusing it with subtle hints of smokiness, citrus, and warmth.

• 1 whole turkey (10-12 lbs, thawed if frozen): A turkey of this size is perfect for roasting, with enough meat to serve a group of people. Make sure it’s completely thawed if previously frozen.
• 1/2 cup tequila (preferably blanco or reposado for a smooth flavor): Tequila brings a unique flavor to the marinade. Blanco tequila is unaged, giving a smooth, slightly herbal flavor, while reposado has a hint of oakiness from being aged in barrels.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: Olive oil helps the marinade stick to the turkey and also adds richness, ensuring a golden-brown color when roasted.
• Juice of 3 limes: Lime juice adds acidity, helping to tenderize the turkey and infuse it with a fresh, citrusy flavor that complements the tequila.
• 4 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic adds a savory, aromatic element to the marinade, blending well with the tequila and lime.
• 2 tsp chili powder: Chili powder brings warmth and a hint of spice to the marinade, balancing the acidity of the lime.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness that complements the tequila, giving the turkey a depth of flavor that’s unique and robust.
• 1 tsp cumin: Cumin provides an earthy, slightly nutty flavor that enhances the Mexican-inspired theme of the dish.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper: Black pepper adds a bit of heat and rounds out the flavors in the marinade.
• 1 tsp salt: Salt is essential for seasoning the turkey and bringing out all the flavors in the marinade.
• 2 sprigs cilantro (optional, for garnish): Fresh cilantro adds a touch of color and freshness to the finished dish, enhancing the flavors of the tequila and lime.

For the Elote Corn Salad
This elote-style corn salad brings creaminess, tanginess, and a hint of spice, perfectly complementing the tequila-marinated turkey.

• 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed): Corn is the main ingredient in elote, or Mexican street corn, providing sweetness and a bit of crunch. Fresh corn is ideal, but frozen works well when fresh isn’t available.
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (vegan or regular): Mayonnaise adds creaminess to the salad, helping to coat each kernel with flavor. You can use vegan mayonnaise if preferred.
• 1/4 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream): Mexican crema is rich and slightly tangy, blending well with the mayonnaise to create a creamy, smooth dressing. Sour cream can be used as a substitute.
• 1/4 cup cotija cheese (crumbled): Cotija cheese is a salty, crumbly Mexican cheese that adds a savory element to the salad. Feta can be used as an alternative if cotija isn’t available.
• 1 clove garlic (minced): Garlic adds an aromatic depth to the salad, enhancing the creamy dressing.
• 1/2 tsp chili powder: Chili powder brings a bit of warmth and spice, making the salad flavorful and balancing the creaminess of the dressing.
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness, complementing the flavors in the tequila-marinated turkey.
• Juice of 1 lime: Lime juice adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise and crema.
• Salt and black pepper (to taste): Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning, bringing out the flavors in the corn and dressing.
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped): Cilantro adds freshness, a bit of color, and a hint of herbaceousness that complements the corn salad.
• Chili powder and lime wedges (for garnish): Garnishing with a sprinkle of chili powder and a lime wedge adds a festive touch and allows guests to customize their serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Tequila MarinadeIn a medium bowl, combine the tequila, olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Whisk well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
   • Why Use Tequila in a Marinade? Tequila not only adds a unique flavor but also acts as a tenderizer, helping to break down the turkey’s proteins for a more tender texture. The alcohol will cook off during roasting, leaving behind only the flavors.
2. Marinate the TurkeyPlace the turkey in a large resealable plastic bag or a deep baking dish that can hold both the turkey and the marinade. Pour the tequila marinade over the turkey, ensuring it coats all sides. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
   • Marinating Time: Marinating the turkey for at least 4 hours allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it more flavorful. For a deeper infusion, marinate for up to 24 hours.
3. Preheat the OvenWhen ready to cook, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the turkey from the marinade, discard the marinade, and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
4. Prepare the Turkey for RoastingPlace the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Rub the skin with olive oil for a golden finish and season lightly with salt and pepper. Place sprigs of cilantro, if desired, in the cavity for added aroma.
   • Using a Roasting Rack: The rack allows air to circulate around the turkey, ensuring even cooking and helping to develop a crispy skin.
5. Roast the TurkeyRoast the turkey for about 3-4 hours (15 minutes per pound), basting with its own juices every 30 minutes. Basting keeps the meat moist and adds flavor to the skin. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and 175°F in the thigh.
   • Monitoring Temperature: Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your turkey is fully cooked without overcooking it. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast or thigh, avoiding the bone.
6. Prepare the Elote Corn SaladWhile the turkey is roasting, prepare the Elote Corn Salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn, mayonnaise, crema, cotija cheese, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the corn is well-coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
   • Flavor Balance: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed. The lime juice should balance the creaminess, while the chili powder and smoked paprika add warmth and smokiness.
7. Serve and GarnishOnce the turkey reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and tender slices. Garnish the Elote Corn Salad with chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of chili powder, and lime wedges for extra brightness.
   • Serving Suggestions: Carve the turkey and serve alongside the Elote Corn Salad for a vibrant, festive meal. You can also garnish the turkey platter with fresh cilantro sprigs for a colorful, Southwestern-inspired presentation.

Tips for Perfect Tequila-Marinated Turkey and Elote Corn Salad

• Choose the Right Tequila: Use a good-quality blanco or reposado tequila. Blanco has a clean flavor, while reposado adds subtle oakiness.
• Marinating Time: For optimal flavor, marinate the turkey for at least 4 hours, but no longer than 24 hours to avoid an overly strong flavor.
• Roasting Temperature and Time: Roasting at 325°F ensures even cooking. Plan for about 15 minutes per pound, but always rely on a thermometer to check doneness.
• Balance the Corn Salad: The Elote Corn Salad should be creamy, tangy, and a little spicy. Adjust the chili powder and lime juice for your preferred flavor.

Flavor Variations and Serving Ideas

1. Spicy Variation: Add minced jalapeño to the tequila marinade for a kick of heat, or garnish the Elote Corn Salad with fresh sliced jalapeños.
2. Serve with a Side of Mexican Rice: Mexican rice is a perfect accompaniment, adding another layer of flavor to this festive meal.
3. Smoked Turkey Option: Instead of roasting, consider smoking the tequila-marinated turkey for an extra layer of flavor. The smokiness pairs beautifully with the Elote Corn Salad.

This Tequila-Marinated Turkey with Elote Corn Salad combines a smoky, tangy turkey with a creamy, spicy corn salad for a Southwestern twist on holiday dinner. Enjoy this festive meal with family and friends!