Name: Asian Sesame Soy Turkey Roast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 boneless turkey roast (3 lbs.); 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 5 cloves garlic; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds; 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon flour (for sauce thickening)

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 57 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a flavorful and surprisingly easy turkey roast, I have to share this **Asian Sesame Soy Turkey Roast Recipe** with you — it’s absolutely fan-freaking-tastic. The blend of soy, sesame, garlic, and ginger makes the turkey juicy with a beautiful savory-sweet depth. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your go-to for holidays or a special family dinner. Let’s dive in so you can impress everyone with minimal fuss!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Bomb: The marinade packs a delicious punch of umami with soy, sesame, and fresh ginger.
Juicy & Tender: Marinating and slow roasting locks in moisture perfectly, so the turkey doesn’t dry out.
Easy to Prep: Minimal hands-on time and simple steps make this perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Versatile: The soy-sesame glaze doubles as a tasty sauce to drizzle on top or on the side.

A golden-brown roasted loaf with a crispy, textured outer layer sits on a wooden board, surrounded by fresh green arugula leaves that add a pop of color around the edges. The loaf's surface shows a crisscross pattern of browning, indicating it has been cooked evenly and has a crunchy crust. In the lower right corner, a white bowl with a curved edge holds a smooth, brown sauce topped with white sesame seeds. The whole setup rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Asian Sesame Soy Turkey Roast, turkey roast with Asian marinade, easy turkey roast recipe, flavorful holiday turkey, tender roasted turkey

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work harmoniously to balance savory, sweet, and nutty notes—plus, they’re easy to find at most grocery stores. A small trick: fresh ginger and garlic really elevate the flavor, so don’t skimp on those fresh aromatics!

Flat lay of a whole boneless turkey roast with intact netting, a medium coarsely chopped yellow onion, five whole garlic cloves with papery skin, a small mound of light brown sugar crystals, a few fresh pale golden sesame seeds scattered, a piece of fresh ginger root with knobby skin next to a small pile of freshly grated ginger, a small white ceramic bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of glossy amber sesame oil, and a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Asian Sesame Soy Turkey Roast, turkey roast with Asian marinade, easy turkey roast recipe, flavorful holiday turkey, tender roasted turkey

Boneless turkey roast: Choosing a boneless roast makes carving simpler and quicker without sacrificing flavor.
Soy sauce: The saltiness enhances the umami; go for a naturally brewed soy sauce if possible for deeper complexity.
Medium onion: Adds sweetness and texture when blended into the marinade.
Brown sugar: Balances savory flavors with mild sweetness and helps caramelize the crust.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic adds vibrant, aromatic zing.
Sesame seeds: Toast them lightly if you can, it brings out a nuttier depth in the marinade.
Fresh ginger: Freshly grated ginger keeps the profile bright and fragrant, nothing beats the store-bought pre-grated here.
Sesame oil: A little goes a long way to add that signature toasty sesame flavor.
Olive oil: Used at the end for broiling to create a beautifully golden brown crust.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Asian Sesame Soy Turkey Roast Recipe just as it is, but feel free to tweak it to match your mood or what you have on hand. Making it your own is half the fun!

Make it spicy: Add a teaspoon of chili paste or Sriracha to the marinade for a gentle kick—my family always asks for extra heat when I do this.
Use chicken instead: This marinade is so versatile, it works beautifully with a whole chicken or even chicken thighs if you want a faster cook time.
Gluten-free version: Swap the soy sauce for tamari to keep that rich flavor without gluten.

How to Make Asian Sesame Soy Turkey Roast Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Turkey

First things first, make sure your turkey roast is completely thawed if it’s been frozen. I usually pop it in the fridge a day before. Then, keep the netting on—it helps the roast hold its shape during cooking. The marinade comes together in a flash: just blend soy sauce, onion, brown sugar, garlic, sesame seeds, fresh ginger, and sesame oil in a food processor until it’s smooth. Pour this marinade into a zip-top bag, add the turkey, and gently massage it to coat thoroughly. I’ve found that letting it marinate for at least one hour is great, but overnight? Even better for flavor!

Step 2: Roast Low and Slow

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place the turkey on a rack inside a roasting pan—don’t forget to reserve that marinade for later! Pop it in uncovered and roast for about 2.5 hours. I like to flip it halfway through just to promote even browning. The key here is patience: aim for an internal temp of 165°F on a meat thermometer, which I can’t recommend enough to ensure perfectly cooked turkey.

Step 3: Crisp and Brown the Crust

Once roasted, brush olive oil over the turkey and set your oven to broil. Just a few minutes (3-4 max) under the broiler will give you that gorgeous, darkened, crispy crust that everyone oohs and ahhs over. Don’t walk away during this step—you want to catch it before it burns!

Step 4: Rest, Make Sauce, and Carve

After removing the turkey from the oven, allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This step is essential to keep the juices locked in, so your slices stay moist. Meanwhile, pour the reserved marinade into a saucepan, add a teaspoon of flour to thicken, and whisk over medium heat until you get a silky sauce in 2-3 minutes. Then, carefully cut off the netting with kitchen scissors and carve your turkey. Drizzle the sauce on top just before serving, and voila—magic on a plate!

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Pro Tips for Making Asian Sesame Soy Turkey Roast Recipe

Use a Meat Thermometer: I never roast turkey without one—this recipe is so perfectly timed, a reliable thermometer guarantees juicy, safe turkey every time.
Marinate Overnight: I learned early on that, while one hour works, a longer marinade means deeper flavor and tender meat.
Reserve Marinade for Sauce: Don’t toss that marinade! Thickening and heating it makes a flavorful sauce that ties the dish together beautifully.
Broil at the End: That final quick broil with olive oil is my secret for a luscious, golden crust—just keep an eye to avoid burning.

How to Serve Asian Sesame Soy Turkey Roast Recipe

A wooden board holds a roasted, golden-brown meatloaf with a textured crust on top. On the board, fresh green arugula leaves are spread around the meatloaf. In front of the meatloaf, three thick slices are laid out, each topped with a smooth, brown gravy sauce dripping down. To the side, a white marbled surface with a white and black striped cloth can be seen, along with a white gravy boat filled with brown gravy sauce. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Asian Sesame Soy Turkey Roast, turkey roast with Asian marinade, easy turkey roast recipe, flavorful holiday turkey, tender roasted turkey

Garnishes

I like to finish this turkey roast with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh chopped scallions. The seeds add crunch and nuttiness, while the scallions give a fresh, mild onion kick that brightens every bite. Sometimes I toss on a little chopped cilantro if I’m feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

For sides, nothing beats jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up all that delicious sesame-soy sauce. I also love pairing it with simple steamed bok choy or sautéed snow peas tossed with garlic. Roasted sweet potatoes add a lovely contrast in sweetness. Trust me, these sides complement the roast perfectly!

Creative Ways to Present

When I’m serving this for a fun dinner party, I like to carve the turkey thinly and serve it on a big wooden board with piles of scallions, sesame seeds, and small bowls of extra sauce. It’s casual and elegant—and invites everyone to help themselves. You can also stuff the slices into steamed bao buns or wraps with crunchy slaw for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I keep the turkey slices separate from the sauce and combine them when reheating to keep the meat from getting soggy. It reheats nicely without losing flavor if you warm it gently.

Freezing

If I know I’ll have leftovers, I slice the turkey and freeze portions with a bit of sauce in freezer-friendly bags. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When thawing, I do it slowly in the fridge overnight for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the slices gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or leftover sauce to keep things moist. Microwave works too if you’re in a hurry—just cover the plate and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the meat.

FAQs

Can I use a whole turkey breast instead of a boneless roast?

Absolutely! A whole turkey breast works well too. It might require a bit less cooking time depending on the size, so be sure to check internal temperature regularly to avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to broil the turkey at the end?

While not mandatory, broiling helps develop a beautiful, crispy crust. If you prefer, you can skip this step, but the olive oil broil adds a lovely caramelized flavor and appearance.
How long can I marinate the turkey?

You can marinate the turkey anywhere from 1 hour up to 24 hours. The longer it marinates, the more intense the flavor—overnight is my personal favorite for maximum taste!
Can I prepare the marinade ahead and freeze it?

Yes, you can mix the marinade ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. For freezing, I recommend preparing fresh for the best flavor, but frozen marinade can work in a pinch.

Final Thoughts

This Asian Sesame Soy Turkey Roast Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it combines effortless prep with incredible flavor. Every time I make it, friends and family ask for the recipe—and that feels pretty awesome! I encourage you to try it, tweak it to your taste, and enjoy the juicy, aromatic results. Cooking something this delicious with such ease is one of those kitchen victories you’ll want to share again and again.