Take ground turkey from bland to spectacular with this easy ground turkey seasoning recipe. Youll need spices, tomato paste, olive oil and Worcestershire sauce.
As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, home cooks everywhere begin pondering how to prepare the perfect holiday turkey. While there are many ways to season and flavor your bird, one spice that often comes up is paprika. With its vibrant color and smoky aroma, paprika seems like an ideal match for turkey. But is paprika really all that well-suited for these special occasion birds? Let’s take a closer look at how paprika can enhance your holiday turkey.
What is Paprika?
Before determining if paprika works with turkey, it helps to understand exactly what this popular spice is. Paprika originates from sweet red peppers that are dried and ground into a fine powder. There are a few different varieties:
- Sweet paprika – Provides a mild, slightly sweet flavor
- Smoked paprika – Has a deeper, smokier taste
- Hot paprika – Brings some heat and spice to dishes
The sweet and smoked types are most commonly used in recipes, lending warm flavor nuances and of course, a reddish-orange color.
Benefits of Paprika on Turkey
What does paprika actually contribute when paired with turkey? Quite a few benefits, it turns out
- Vibrant color – The crimson hue instantly brightens up the turkey’s look.
- Subtle smokiness – Smoked paprika lends a delicate smoky essence.
- Mild sweetness – Sweet paprika has a mildly sweet, peppery taste.
- Antioxidants – Paprika contains antioxidants like vitamin E.
- Optional heat – A touch of spicy paprika can provide subtle heat.
- Herbal aroma – Paprika has an earthy, aromatic quality.
When combined, these characteristics make paprika an excellent choice for enhancing the savory flavor of turkey while upping its visual appeal.
Tips for Using Paprika on Turkey
Paprika can be used on both the skin and meat of turkey. Here are some tips for getting optimal results:
- Combine paprika with other spices like garlic powder, sage, thyme or oregano to make a flavorful rub.
- Sprinkle paprika evenly over the skin and underneath over the meat for full distribution.
- Mix 1-2 tablespoons into any marinades or brines used for turkeys.
- Use smoked paprika varieties to infuse smoky notes.
- Add a pinch of spicy paprika for subtle heat.
- Dust cooked turkey with paprika to freshen up leftovers.
- Make a paprika oil by mixing a few tablespoons with oil and brush over the turkey skin before roasting for added crispness and vibrant color.
Delicious Recipes with Paprika Turkey
If you need inspiration for cooking turkey with paprika, there are many tempting recipe ideas out there. A few options include:
- Roasted Turkey with Smoked Paprika – This recipe features smoked paprika in the spice rub for fabulous flavor.
- Baked Turkey Legs – Coating the legs with paprika, garlic and cayenne pepper makes them wonderfully savory.
- Grilled Turkey London Broil – A sweet and spicy dry rub with paprika gives this grilled turkey steak excitement.
- Paprika Turkey Burgers – Adding paprika to the ground turkey mixture for burgers combines nutrition and deliciousness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paprika and Turkey
What type of paprika is best for turkey?
Smoked and sweet paprika are most recommended for turkey. They provide the best flavor nuances like subtle smokiness, mild sweetness and aroma. Spicy paprika can also be used sparingly for a touch of heat.
Should I use paprika on the skin or meat?
You can use paprika on both the skin and meat of turkey! Try making a rub for the skin and sprinkling some inside over the meat as well. This distributes the flavor throughout the turkey.
Does paprika actually add flavor or just color?
Paprika certainly contributes flavor, not just color! It has a deliciously earthy, subtly spicy taste that enhances the savory flavor of turkey. The color is an added bonus.
What spices combine well with paprika for turkey?
Garlic powder, onion powder, sage, thyme, oregano and black pepper all complement paprika wonderfully in turkey seasoning blends. Consider making your own signature rub.
Can I use a paprika paste instead of dry spice?
Yes, spreading a paprika paste over the turkey skin ensures the spice covers the surface evenly and adheres well. The paste helps the paprika stick and penetrate the skin.
Should I mix paprika in my turkey brine or marinade?
Adding 1-2 tablespoons of paprika to a turkey brine or marinade is an excellent way to infuse the meat with subtle paprika flavor. It will get absorbed throughout the meat.
Conclusion
When it comes to preparing turkey for prominent holiday meals or anytime roasts, paprika can be an invaluable addition to your spice arsenal. Its eye-catching color and mild, peppery taste complement turkey wonderfully. With its antioxidant content providing an added health bonus, paprika brings both visual appeal and nutritional value to the table. Keep some sweet smoked paprika on hand to add festive flair to your next turkey centerpiece. This vibrant spice can transform an ordinary bird into an extraordinary culinary star!
How to make it:
See full ingredient amounts and instructions in the recipe card below!
- Mix together the seasoning. Set aside.
- Cook the ground turkey in hot oil until no longer pink and starting to brown.
- Stir in the seasoning mix, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce and water. Cook until fully combined.
How to use it:
You can use the cooked seasoned ground turkey in lots of dishes, including:
- wraps
- salads
- pasta sauces
- breakfast burritos (Even though the spices in this recipe are not all traditional taco seasoning ingredients, this seasoned ground turkey works well in Mexican-inspired dishes.)
- casseroles
- omelettes
- turkey burgers (To make burgers, simply mix together the raw meat, the spices, the tomato paste and the Worcestershire sauce. Form into burger patties and grill.)