This smoked turkey rub recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and savory ingredients to produce the ultimate tender, juicy and flavorful smoked turkey. A quick and easy spice mix that takes just minutes to put together.
Every year for the holidays, I make a delectable smoked turkey made with turkey brine and homemade smoked turkey rub. Add some side dishes such as cornbread dressing, make ahead mashed potatoes and sauteed cabbage for a complete feast!
A smoked turkey has become an annual Thanksgiving tradition in my house. It’s actually quite simple to make, is loaded with flavor, and best of all, using a smoker frees up oven space for all those other baked Thanksgiving recipes. This dry rub is a must-have for the best possible holiday bird.
As someone who loves hosting family gatherings centered around food, I’m always looking for ways to take my smoked turkey game to the next level After years of experimenting with different rubs and techniques, I’ve landed on a seasoning approach that consistently yields rave reviews In this article, I’ll share my tips on choosing the ideal spices and herbs to make your smoked turkey incredibly juicy, tender and full of flavor.
Start with a Balanced Foundation
The base of any great smoked turkey seasoning begins with a balance of salty sweet savory and spicy flavors. My go-to blend includes
- Kosher salt and black pepper – amplifies overall flavor
- Brown sugar or maple sugar – adds subtle sweetness
- Smoked paprika – contributes a rich, smoky taste
- Garlic powder – provides depth
- Onion powder – enhances savory notes
- Dry mustard – a bit of tangy spice
Equal parts of these pantry staples builds a solid flavor foundation upon which to layer more complex notes
Complement with Holiday Herbs
What says Thanksgiving or Christmas more than the aroma of familiar holiday herbs? Blending in classic dried herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary adds a wonderful seasonal nuance. The woodsy, earthy flavors pair perfectly with turkey. I love to grind the herbs finely to distribute them evenly and maximize their flavor impact.
Consider Regional and Cultural Influences
Look to your cultural heritage or a favorite regional cuisine for inspiration on creative herb and spice combinations. A Moroccan-style blend might include warm spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. For an Italian flair, basil, oregano, and fennel lend Mediterranean flair. Spanish smoked paprika (pimentón) offers incredible depth. Tailoring your rub to a favorite ethnic cuisine makes it uniquely yours.
Dare to Experiment with Bold Ingredients
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box with unexpected seasoning ingredients that complement the smoky, savory turkey. A touch of coffee grounds or unsweetened cocoa powder contributes subtle bitterness and complexity. Chili powder, chipotle, ancho, or cayenne pepper offer varying degrees of heat. Citrus zests add bright pops of flavor. The possibilities are endless for crafting your own signature rub.
Apply the Rub Generously
To allow the seasoning to properly penetrate the meat, I like to apply a heavy coating under and on top of the skin, as well as inside the cavity. Gently loosen the skin to get the rub directly on the breast meat. Massage it thoroughly so it adheres. Refrigerate overnight before smoking to intensify the flavor. Just before smoking, pat on another sprinkle of rub for a nicely crusted exterior.
Pair with Complementary Wood for Smoking
Apple, cherry, pecan and hickory woods pair wonderfully with poultry. Mesquite can be overpowering. Select chunks or chips that will enhance the overall flavor profile you’re aiming for. Soak wood chips prior for cleaner smoke. Keeping temps between 225-250°F allows the rub to permeate while ensuring juicy meat.
Finish with a Glaze or Sauce
A sweet glaze or savory sauce provides the perfect richness to balance the spices and smoke. Brush it on during the last 30 minutes of smoking to let it caramelize. A maple syrup or honey glaze, cranberry chutney, or gravy makes the ideal finishing touch.
With the right blend of seasonings and smoking technique, your holiday turkey will become the stuff of legend. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you create the perfect signature rub that reflects your palate. Your guests will be begging for your recipe! Wishing you mouthwatering success and joyful feasts this season.
Smoked Turkey Rub Ingredients
The ingredients for this rub can be found at all major grocery stores.
- Brown Sugar: This recipe calls for light brown sugar. Make sure your sugar is not lumpy before you add it to the bowl so that it will blend nicely with all the spices.
- Sweet Paprika: Spice rub calls for two types of paprika. Sweet paprika is often just labeled as “paprika”, and I use the sweet designation to distinguish it from hot and smoked paprika.
- Smoked Paprika: You can find smoked paprika along with regular paprika in the spice aisle. It has a nice, complex flavor that really enhances the turkey.
- Black Pepper: Pepper is a must-have for any spice mix to create that classic savory flavor profile.
- Kosher Salt: I use Diamond Crystal brand kosher salt in all my cooking. It doesn’t have any harsh after taste like you can sometimes find in standard table salt.
- Onion Powder: The onion powder adds dimension with both a sweet and savory flavor.
- Garlic Powder: You can never go wrong with garlic, and in this case, garlic powder is the way to go as it will stand up to a long cook time without burning.
- Mustard Powder: I find that mustard is often used in smoked and BBQ recipes to accentuate the flavor of the meat.
- Cayenne Pepper: While cayenne pepper is spicy, the amount used here is very small and adds flavor without a lot of heat. If you prefer a spicy rub, you’ll want to increase the cayenne to one teaspoon.
How Do You Make Smoked Turkey Rub?
Place all the ingredients in a small bowl, then stir until well combined. Transfer the rub to a jar or airtight container and store until you’re ready to use it.
AWESOME Smoked Turkey Recipe For Beginners!
FAQ
Should I season my turkey before smoking?
The turkey should be seasoned at least 12 hours before smoking, but it can be prepped up to three days ahead.
What is the best rub to smoke a turkey with?
- Base: Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper
- Herbs: Dried sage, thyme, rosemary
- Onion and Garlic: Garlic powder, onion powder
- Spice: Smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (optional)
- Sweetness: Brown sugar
What is the best flavor for smoked turkey?
I recommend using apple, cherry, or hickory wood chips for smoking a turkey. These woods produce a light flavor that won’t overwhelm the turkey while still giving it a great BBQ smokiness.
How to season a turkey for best flavor?
Generously sprinkle the entire bird with salt, freshly ground black pepper, onion powder, granulated garlic powder, tarragon, parsley flakes, thyme, basil and paprika. Pour about 1/4” to 1/2” of chicken broth in the bottom of the roasting pan, being careful not to wash any of the seasonings off the turkey.