Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (3 to 4-pound) boneless, skinless turkey breast
- 1/4 cup honey (preferably raw or wildflower for richer flavor)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
If you’re out of soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos work beautifully as substitutes. For a slightly different twist, you can swap apple cider vinegar with lemon juice, but I find the vinegar adds a subtle tang that balances the honey’s sweetness wonderfully.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms, prepare your turkey breast by patting it dry with paper towels to help the glaze stick better.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined.
- Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan or a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Using a brush or spoon, generously coat the turkey with half of the honey garlic mixture, making sure to cover all sides.
- Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, basting once or twice with the remaining glaze. The key here is to baste gently—Mama Lou always said that love is in the little touches, and basting helps keep the turkey juicy and flavorful.
- After 45 minutes, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. If it hasn’t reached that temperature, continue roasting in 5-minute increments, basting each time.
- Once done, remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This step is crucial—resting allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite moist and tender. I remember Ouma always reminding me not to skip resting; rushing this step was one of my early kitchen mistakes!
- Slice the turkey breast against the grain, garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired, and serve with extra glaze on the side for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
