The Best Turkey Rub Recipes for a Perfectly Seasoned Bird

A juicy and flavorful turkey is the centerpiece of many holiday meals While brining is a popular technique to help keep the turkey moist, a good rub can take your bird to the next level by providing an extra layer of robust, savory flavor. The right combination of spices and herbs will make the skin crispy and give you tender, aromatic meat infused with flavor.

When searching for a turkey rub recipe, you’ll find there are countless ways to season your bird. Sweet or spicy, herbal or savory – the possibilities are endless! We did the research to track down 10 of the best rubs to give your turkey a delicious flavor boost.

Spice It Up With a Classic Turkey Rub

This easy smoked turkey rub from Smoked BBQ Source is a foolproof, balanced blend that will never disappoint It’s perfect for a smoked, grilled or deep-fried turkey The ingredients include black pepper, paprika, thyme, sage and rosemary. Adjust to your taste by adding more paprika and sugar for a bolder flavor or chipotle flakes for some heat. It’s versatile enough to use on chicken and pork too.

Bring on the Heat with a Cajun-Inspired Rub

The star of this Cajun turkey seasoning is the trademark Cajun holy trinity of onions, celery and bell peppers Chili powder, cayenne and other spices add some serious zing. Beneath the spicy exterior, notes of oregano and thyme come through. Infuse every bite with flavor by mixing the rub into chicken stock and injecting it right into the meat It’s an explosion of Louisiana flavor!

An Herbal Twist on a ClassicBlend

The creator of the Simon and Garfunkel spice rub cleverly incorporated parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme as a nod to the folk duo’s hit cover song. This versatile blend works well on most meats, from poultry to pork. The medley of herbs provides a wonderful depth of flavor. Add salt or a pinch of spice to suit your tastes. It’s a simple but effective riff on traditional seasoning.

Bring On the Herbs with a Savory Rub

Poultry loves herbal flavors, so lots of rosemary, thyme and sage make an appearance in this herby smoked turkey rub. They’re balanced out by the sweetness of brown sugar, the smokiness of paprika and a hit of flavor from celery salt. Generous use under and on top of the skin infuses the turkey with herbal notes inside and out.

Garlic Butter Adds Rich Flavor

Butter is the not-so-secret ingredient that guarantees a tender, juicy turkey. This garlic butter rub recipe uses a two-step method to first dry brine the bird with a salt-heavy rub. After a day or two in the fridge, pat the turkey dry and coat it in the garlic butter mixture. Beneath the skin, the garlic butter keeps the breast meat unbelievably moist.

A Citrus Herb Rub for Holiday Flavor

The bright taste of citrus is a perfect complement to savory herbs on poultry. Lemon zest adds a burst of fresh flavor to this citrus and herb butter rub. Tarragon, rosemary, parsley and chives provide herbal notes. While this classic combo tastes like the holidays, remember to season with salt too. Spread it over the skin or beneath it for tender, flavorful meat.

A Bold Rub for Crispy Fried Turkey

The creator of this best fried turkey rub claims it’s the key to the world’s greatest fried turkey. Spices like garlic, chili powder and cayenne give the rub bold flavor. An injection marinade adds even more moisture and taste. Frying crisps up the skin for the perfect crunchy exterior. Follow their guided instructions for successfully deep frying the entire bird.

Cajun Seasoning for Spice and Flavor

This Cajun turkey rub relies on paprika, cayenne and other spices to give it some serious heat. Rubbed under the skin, it will turn the meat a gorgeous shade of red. Oregano and thyme provide depth. Basting the cooked turkey with chicken stock keeps it tender and juicy. The richly flavored stock makes an incredible gravy too. It’s cajun turkey perfection!

A Fiery Jerk Turkey Rub

Jerk flavors aren’t just for pork! Scotch bonnet peppers give this jerk turkey rub fiery heat, while allspice and thyme add warmth. Using a jerk rub on turkey is unconventional, but it works deliciously well. Remove the backbone and flatten the bird to apply the spicy rub all over. The meat soaks up the flavorful spice mix.

A Savory Rub for Smoked Turkey

For deep smokey flavor, a smoked turkey rub is just the ticket. This one includes paprika, brown sugar and fragrant herbs like oregano. Smoke infuses the turkey with deliciously mellow flavor as it cooks low and slow outside on a grill or smoker, freeing up your oven space. It’s foolproof way to end up with a tender, juicy bird brimming with taste.

A good turkey rub can transform your plain old bird into a delicious, flavorful feast. With the countless seasoning options available, you can easily find one to suit any tastes – whether you prefer it spicy, herby, savory or sweet. Apply your rub generously underneath and on top of the skin to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.