Print

Miso Butter Roasted Turkey Thighs

miso butter roasted turkey thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

Juicy, flavorful turkey thighs with a crispy, caramelized miso butter crust. This easy recipe transforms a humble cut into a weeknight dinner that feels like a celebration, proving that turkey can be anything but dry and bland.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on turkey thighs (about 2.5 to 3 pounds total)
  • 3 tablespoons white miso paste
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado or grapeseed)
  • 4–6 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
  • 2 shallots, halved (optional)
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the middle. Let turkey thighs sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Pat the turkey thighs completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, combine miso paste, softened butter, minced garlic, soy sauce, grated ginger, and honey. Mash together until smooth.
  4. Gently loosen the skin on each turkey thigh, creating a pocket between the skin and meat without tearing.
  5. Spread half of the miso butter under the skin of each thigh. Spread the remaining miso butter over the outside of the skin, covering all surfaces.
  6. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon oil. Sear turkey thighs skin-side down for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for 2 minutes.
  7. If using, scatter thyme sprigs, halved shallots, and smashed garlic cloves around the turkey thighs.
  8. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven. Roast for 25-30 minutes, basting with pan juices at the 15-minute mark.
  9. Check internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should reach 175-180°F (80-82°C) in the thickest part.
  10. Remove from oven, transfer turkey to a cutting board, and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 10 minutes.
  11. Optional: While turkey rests, make a quick pan sauce by placing the skillet over medium heat, adding ¼ cup chicken broth or water, and scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  12. Slice and serve, drizzled with pan sauce and garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired.

Notes

Patting the turkey thighs completely dry is crucial for crispy skin. Let the miso butter come to room temperature for easier spreading. You can make the miso butter up to 3 days ahead. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: miso butter, roasted turkey thighs, turkey recipe, easy dinner, weeknight dinner, umami, crispy skin

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/miso-butter-roasted-turkey-thighs-easy-and-best-recipe/