A Korean-inspired twist on the classic Thanksgiving turkey, this dish features a succulent roast turkey breast served with a sweet jujube date relish and a spicy-sweet roasted squash ssamjang.
Why It Works:
- Cinnamon-Infused Butter: Rubbing the turkey with a cinnamon-spiced butter not only promotes a beautiful browning but also imparts rich flavors to the drippings, which are then used to make the jujube relish.
- Roasted Squash Ssamjang: The roasted winter squash adds a delightful sweetness and texture to the spicy ssamjang, creating an ideal complement to the roast turkey breast.
We’re giving the traditional Thanksgiving roast turkey a Korean makeover by serving it ssam-style. “Ssam” means “to wrap,” and it’s a Korean dining style where you wrap various ingredients like meat, condiments, banchan, and kimchi in leafy greens. It’s an engaging and communal way to eat, perfect for holiday gatherings when you’re ready to get hands-on with your family and friends.
Ingredients:
For the Squash Ssamjang:
- 1 pound (450g) honeynut or similar winter squash (like butternut, acorn, or kabocha)
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil
- 4 medium garlic cloves (about 20g), finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons (30g) toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons doenjang (30ml; 30g)
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (30ml; 30g)
- 2 tablespoons honey (30ml; 40g)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon (8g) gochugaru
- One 1-inch piece fresh ginger (about 20g), peeled and finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon (4g) freshly ground black pepper
For the Turkey and Jujube Relish:
- 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks; 170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon (9g) ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons (8g) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (4g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt; for table salt, use half the volume or the same weight
- 1 teaspoon (4g) freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons doenjang (30ml; 30g)
- 1 (6- to 7-pound; 2.7 to 3.2kg) bone-in turkey breast (aka crown), dry-brined for at least 12 hours
- 5 1/4 ounces (150g) dried jujube dates (about 40 small dates), soaked in hot water for 1 hour, then pitted
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) cider vinegar
For Serving:
- Assorted lettuces and chicories, separated into individual leaves, and perilla leaves
Directions:
For the Squash Ssamjang:
1、Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds; discard seeds or set aside for roasting. 
2、In a 10-inch cast iron skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place squash halves in skillet, cut side down, and cook until squash flesh just begins to lightly brown, about 2 minutes.
3、Transfer skillet to oven and roast squash until completely tender and flesh offers no resistance when pierced with a paring knife, 25 to 30 minutes. If cooking turkey crown the same day, don’t turn off the oven after removing squash, and wipe out skillet. Let squash cool to room temperature, then scoop out flesh into a medium bowl; you should have about 1 cup (8 ounces; 225g) flesh. Discard squash skins. Using a spoon or fork, mash squash flesh until smooth, about 30 seconds.
4、Stir in garlic, sesame seeds, doenjang, gochujang, honey, sesame oil, gochugaru, ginger, and black pepper. Mix until ingredients are thoroughly incorporated into a thick sauce. If serving the ssamjang the same day, transfer to a serving bowl, cover, and set aside at room temperature until ready to serve. If making ssamjang in advance, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving.
For the Turkey and Jujube Relish:
5、Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a small bowl, stir together butter with cinnamon, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined. Using clean hands, spread doenjang all over the interior cavity of the turkey. Spread cinnamon butter mixture evenly all over turkey skin.
6、Transfer turkey to 10-inch cast iron skillet, with skin side up and back directly in contact with the pan. Add jujubes to skillet, spreading in an even layer around the turkey.
7、Roast turkey until jujubes begin to darken around the edges and sugar begins to caramelize in the pan, about 20 minutes. Using a spoon, carefully transfer jujubes to a small heatproof bowl, and return turkey to oven. Continue to cook until skin at the lower part of the breast turns golden brown, about 20 minutes.
8、Using tongs, carefully reposition turkey crown so lower part of breast and the cavity are in contact with the skillet. Baste skin with drippings, and return turkey to oven. Continue to cook until the thickest part of the breast registers 150°F (65°C) on an instant-read thermometer, about 30 minutes longer. If skin begins to get too dark before turkey has reached the proper internal temperature, reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Once turkey is cooked, transfer crown to a cutting board and allow to rest for 20 minutes before carving. Strain drippings from skillet through a fine-mesh strainer into a small saucepan.
9、Roughly chop reserved jujubes and add to saucepan with drippings, along with cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons (30ml) water. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until jujubes are softened and mixture forms a thick relish, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a small serving bowl.
For Serving:
10、Carve turkey breast into thin slices and transfer to a serving platter. Serve, passing jujube relish, ssamjang, and lettuces at the table.
