Pavochón is a Puerto Rican style turkey that is seasoned like lechon (roasted pork or pernil). Pavochón is the star of the Thanksgiving dinner table and a favorite at every holiday celebration. Once you try this recipe, you’ll never eat turkey any other way!
This is actually my sister’s recipe. She makes Pavochón every thanksgiving and it’s the BEST! She has tips and tricks that are quite unique. For example, she washes the turkey in coffee which helps remove the gamey taste from the turkey. Also, she stuffs the turkey with apples and carrots and adds both white wine and apple juice to the marinade. Total game changer!
How to thaw a Turkey?
First things first, you must defrost the turkey properly before the seasoning process begins. Give yourself at least 4 days to thaw and prepare the turkey. Place your frozen turkey in the refrigerator 4 days before cooking day. Once the turkey has been in the refrigerator 24 hours, place the turkey in a large bowl filled with cold water. Allow turkey to thaw 1-2 hours in the cold water. Discard the water and place the turkey back in the refrigerator.
On the next day, remove the turkey from the wrapper. Rinse the turkey thoroughly with cold water, both inside and out. Remove the giblets and neck. You can save the neck for making broth for arroz con gandules and also stuffing. Wash the turkey with cooled coffee. This helps remove some of the gamey taste of the turkey. Rinse the turkey with cold water and pour white vinegar or lemon juice all over. Allow the turkey to rest about 10 minutes before giving it a final rinse with cold water.
How to Make Pavochón?
Pavochón is juicy, tender and FLAVORFUL! It is seasoned with generous amounts of fresh garlic and oregano. Adobo, sazón and sofrito also infuse the turkey with tons of flavor. I love to use Healthy Rican Adobo and Sazón. They are free of harmful ingredients like MSG and dyes. Use my code: curlsnpearlsss for 10% off your order!
I also keep stash of homemade sofrito at all times! Homemade sofrito is a must in Puerto Rican cuisine. Store-bought sofrito could never compare. Check out my sofrito recipe and take your cooking to the next level!
For the full detailed recipe click here: Pavochón: Lechón Style Turkey.
What to serve with Puerto Rican Style Turkey?
Side dishes are just as important as the main dish for the holidays! In Puerto Rico, pavo is served with arroz con gandules (yellow rice with pigeon peas), ensalada de papa (potato salad), pasteles, tostones (fried plantains), maduros (fried sweet plantains), alcapurrias, the options are endless! Also, can’t forget the coquito, a coconut eggnog style drink.
