This flavorful homemade turkey rub recipe is so simple and delicious, you’ll want to make it to put on everything! Make a big batch and store it in the pantry.
I like to think that there are a million ways to make the best turkey. We play around with our recipes every year and every year we declare the new one “the best”!
We’ve learned a lot, so there is all of that info. If you are bored and just want the recipe, there is a handy jump to recipe button right at the top that will skip all the important info.
The truth is, turkey is like a blank slate waiting to be seasoned and it is up to you, the culinary artist to make that happen. We developed this custom blend of spices to be used alongside either our turkey brine or turkey injection and the simple, 7-ingredient recipe has since gone bonkers.
Just read the comments… or look at how many other bloggers have managed to copy it, and you’ll know it is a winning recipe. The perfect ratios and blend of seasoning, smokiness and salt help being out the natural flavors of turkey and are enough as a standalone flavor, but also mild enough to pair with nearly any gravy or stuffing.
The drippings will be perfectly balanced and ready to use in gravy from drippings. The next bonus- it isn’t just limited to a whole bird. Use this custom spice blend on turkey breast, chicken, pork or even in burgers or on veggies.
Turkey can often end up dry and bland if not properly prepared. But rubbing the turkey with a flavorful spice blend is one of the easiest ways to make your holiday bird irresistibly moist and packed with flavor. When determining what to rub on turkey you have a lot of delicious options.
Why Rub Turkey?
Rubbing a turkey before roasting infuses it with spices, herbs, and other seasonings for more flavor The rub also helps crisp up the skin and retain moisture in the meat Here are some of the main benefits of rubbing turkey
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Adds flavor – A savory rub contributes tons of extra taste to turkey, which is quite bland on its own. The spices permeate the meat, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
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Promotes browning – Spice rubs often contain ingredients like salt, sugar, and paprika which help the turkey skin brown beautifully in the oven.
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Seals in moisture – Rubbing helps lock in the turkey’s natural juices so the meat stays tender and succulent. The mixture also forms a flavorful crust.
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Easy to make – Most rubs come together with common pantry staples you likely have on hand. Plus rubbing takes just a few minutes compared to brining or marinating.
What to Use for Turkey Rub
When figuring out what to rub on turkey, you can take inspiration from classic Thanksgiving flavors. Or get creative with unexpected spice blends for something new. Here are some options for turkey rub ingredients
Herbs and Spices
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Sage
- Oregano
- Marjoram
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Nutmeg
- Cinnamon
- Allspice
- Cloves
- Ginger
Aromatics
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Shallots
- Lemongrass
Flavor Enhancers
- Salt
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- Citrus zest
- Soy sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
Oils and Fats
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Bacon fat
How to Make a Turkey Rub
Making your own turkey rub only takes about 5 minutes. Follow these simple steps:
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Combine dry ingredients – In a small bowl, mix together your choice of spices, herbs, salt, pepper, sugar, citrus zest, etc.
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Add wet ingredients – Stir in any liquid components like olive oil, melted butter, or maple syrup to form a thick paste.
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Coat the turkey – Slide your fingers under the skin to separate it from the breast meat. Rub the mixture directly onto the meat.
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Season the skin – Spread any remaining rub all over the skin, pressing to adhere. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
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Roast turkey – Roast the seasoned turkey as you normally would, basting occasionally with pan drippings.
Delicious Turkey Rub Recipes
Rubs made with familiar herb blends and spices will complement the turkey’s flavor. But you can also kick things up with more unique flavor combinations. Here are some amazing rub recipes to try:
Classic Herb Turkey Rub
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp dried sage
- 1 tbsp dried marjoram
- 1 tbsp dried rosemary
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Spicy Southwest Turkey Rub
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp cayenne
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
Lemon Pepper Turkey Rub
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1⁄4 cup black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp salt
Brown Sugar and Bourbon Turkey Rub
- 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp bourbon
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1⁄2 tsp allspice
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
Turkey Rub Tips
Follow these tips for getting the most out of your turkey rub:
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Rub the turkey at least 4 hours before roasting so the flavors have time to penetrate deep into the meat.
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Gently loosen the skin from the breast and thighs before rubbing so the seasoning directly contacts the meat.
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Apply an even coating of olive oil or melted butter before adding the rub to help it stick.
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Store leftover homemade rub in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
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Double or triple the rub recipe if making an extra large turkey.
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Mix up a big batch of rub to keep on hand year-round for chicken, pork, seafood, and veggies.
With so many options for what to rub on turkey, you can customize a flavorful blend to suit any taste. Whip up a spice rub to help your holiday bird look and taste its absolute best. Your guests will be begging for the recipe!
How to Season a Turkey
Wondering how to season a turkey? Well, the answer really lies in how you plan to cook your bird. Be sure to get your seasoning blend into all the nooks and crannies of your whole turkey, even on the inside or if you plan to use a stuffing. Get all around those turkey legs, un the turkey’s skin and dig deep into the cavity for great flavor all around.
Fried Turkey: If you are going to fry a turkey, you need to use a dry rub, which means no butter or olive oil. Just rub on the skin of the turkey that has been blotted dry with a paper towel. Here are more detailed instructions on how to fry a turkey.
Smoked Turkey: Don’t worry, it will still stick to a dry turkey. In some cases, it actually holds on better. Think about rubbing a pork tenderloin or chicken, in those cases the meat is also blotted dry. You’d follow these same instructions for a smoked turkey and here are instructions for a pellet grill smoked turkey cooking times.
Roast Turkey: If you plan to roast your bird, you’ll want a wet rub, which means using a fat like olive oil or butter mixed with the spice rub. It basically makes it into a compound butter.
I use about 1/2 cup of butter for a 12 pound turkey. Measurements don’t have to be exact. Butter is delicious, use a lot of it, but also beware that it will just melt off into the juices, so you’ll likely need to baste your heart away while cooking to keep it nice and buttery and keep the spices from just melting off. Clarified butter won’t burn at temps above 350°F, so this would depend on the recipe you plan to use.
To prevent the spices and butter from melting off, you can also rub the turkey under the skin so it doesn’t get away. RUNAWAY FLAVOR is a no-no.
To do this, start with a piece of skin around an edge and gently massage the skin up using your fingers. It might seem stuck, but it will loosen, I promise!
Use all those pan juices from the roasting pan and make a fabulous turkey gravy. No need to add extra salt and pepper since it is already in the seasoning!
Turkey Rub vs. Turkey Dry Brine
Basically a turkey rub is perfect for the person who forgot to brine (dry brine or wet brine). Or maybe forgot to buy the overpriced, premade stuff at the store. Or the person who is making a turkey for the first time….
Dry brine is something you would put on a day or so in advance and is super salt heavy. Here is my basic dry brine for turkey recipe if you want to try those and have the time on your hands.
Asking yourself exactly what those turkey rub ingredients are that you have in the pantry, here ya go! Ingredients can run the gamut in variety and amount. Some of the most popular seasoning ingredients include:
- Coarse Kosher Salt- Salt is the magic that makes any bird juicy and flavorful. It seems like a lot, but honestly, you could go heavier and still not feel oversalted. Coarse kosher salt is less salty than table salt. I like using Diamond Crystal, which has less sodium and larger crystals than Mortons. If using Morton’s dial it back by 25%. If using a fine sea salt, reduce by a little more than 50%.
- Chili Powder- Chili powder is a blend of dried chiles that was meant to season chili the stew, but in a recipe like this the mild pepper flavors and hint of spice balance with the salt and other savory items. It will not be spicy- it is just enough to provide flavor, not heat.
- Paprika– Smoked paprika or sweet paprika can be used. I prefer smoked. Neither of these are spicy, but if heat if what you are aiming for, feel free to use hot paprika.
- Ground Black Pepper- Freshly ground black pepper will provide the most robust punch. White pepper is slightly milder. For the most interest and sophistication, grab a peppercorn blend. Freshly grinding also provides the most natural flavor. Bottled ground black pepper can taste a little like sawdust (you didn’t hear that from me…)
- Onion Powder- Onion flavor without a whole onion. It is dehydrated and ground onion.
- Garlic Powder- Same goes for garlic powder. I like using powder here because it won’t burn like fresh garlic would at the heat and length it takes to roast a bird.
- Cayenne– This is spicy and optional, but in such trace amounts that even your pickiest of eaters won’t detect it as heat. Even my 2-year-old eats this rub.
Even with this recipe, it is forgiving, so you can measure exactly or eyeball it. I used to add 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar to the mix as well.
This hint of sugar and molasses is divine for making a nice crust on a roasted turkey or smoked turkey, but tends to burn and make a lot of smoke on a fried turkey so we took it out to make the recipe better for any preparation.
Best-Ever Turkey Rub for Thanksgiving | 5 Ingredient Wet or Dry Rub for Turkey
FAQ
Should I rub butter or oil on my turkey?
Don’t butter your bird – Instead, rub the skin with vegetable oil before you roast.Nov 23, 2015
How to season a turkey the best?
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.
What is the secret to a moist turkey?
Baste It Another key to a delicious, juicy turkey is to baste as it cooks. Basting is also the key to delicious pan drippings and gravy! I love the combination of melted butter, chicken broth, and a little bit of cooking sherry for this turkey. Rich and flavorful, just as Thanksgiving and the holidays should be.
What to add to turkey to make it taste better?
… cavity now vacant, you can add aromatics like a quartered onion, a few smashed cloves of garlic, orange, apple, or lemon wedges, and a couple of hearty herbsNov 7, 2024