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.
When it comes to cooking a delicious and juicy turkey for Thanksgiving or any special occasion, properly seasoning the bird is key to bringing out maximum flavor. With so many seasoning options available, it can get overwhelming deciding what herbs and spices will give you the best tasting turkey. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the magic of turkey seasonings and provide the ultimate list of aromatics to make your turkey simply irresistible.
Why Seasoning is Crucial for Turkey
While turkey has a pleasant flavor on its own, the meat can quickly become dry and bland without the right seasonings The savory, earthy flavors of herbs and spices penetrate the turkey to infuse it with more depth and moisture Seasoning also forms a tasty, crispy crust on the skin. With the rich variety of seasonings available today, you can easily take your turkey from boring to spectacular.
The Classics: Salt, Pepper, and Poultry Seasoning
Every turkey needs a basic coat of salt, cracked black pepper, and poultry seasoning. This combination enhances the natural turkey flavor in a balanced way. Salt penetrates the meat to amplify moistness and taste. Freshly cracked black pepper provides gentle heat and a touch of spice. Commercial poultry seasoning blends contain thyme, sage, marjoram, rosemary, and other herbs tailored to poultry.
Herbs: The Secret Turkey Flavor Boosters
Herbs are essential for bringing out the savory, aromatic flavors in turkey Popular herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage add woodsy, earthy notes. Parsley, oregano, and marjoram lend a fresh, grassy taste Herbs like basil, tarragon, and dill provide a subtle anise-like licorice flavor. Use dried herbs for convenience, or go fresh for more vibrancy. Blend 2-3 herbs together to create a well-rounded seasoning profile.
Spices: For Warmth, Sweetness, and Bite
Spices add warmth, sweetness, and a touch of heat to balance and round out the flavor of turkey. Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and ginger add an array of flavors from pungency to sweetness. Chili powder, cayenne, crushed red pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon bring mild heat and richness. Mustard powder, curry powder, and cumin lend earthiness. Use spices judiciously to complement the herbs.
Citrus: Bright, Zesty Twist
For a refreshing taste, add zest, juice or wedges of citrus fruits like lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit. Citrus cuts through the rich fattiness of the turkey and brightens up the flavor. Combine citrus with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage. Stuff citrus wedges inside the cavity along with aromatics.
Other Creative Ingredients for Turkey
Beyond classic seasonings, get creative with ingredients like honey, maple syrup, coffee, wine, soy sauce, miso paste, creamy horseradish, mustard, pecans, chestnuts, and dried fruit. Try bold flavors like Moroccan spices, jerk seasoning, hoisin sauce, harissa, or mole paste. Let your imagination run wild!
Tips for Maximizing Turkey Seasoning
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Pat the turkey dry before seasoning for better adhesion
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Apply seasoning directly on the meat and under the skin
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Season the day before for the flavors to penetrate fully
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Use seasoning butter or oil to evenly distribute seasonings
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Stuff the cavity with aromatics like onions, apples, and fresh herbs
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Make a batch of seasoning to have on hand for future use
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Adjust seasoning amounts based on turkey size and personal taste preferences
The Ultimate Turkey Seasoning Blend
For a can’t-fail turkey that wins rave reviews every time, we recommend this blend:
- 2 tbsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp thyme
- 1 tbsp sage
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1⁄2 tsp paprika
- 1⁄2 tsp mustard powder
- 1⁄4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Follow the seasoning tips above and get ready for the best turkey of your life. With the wide world of herbs, spices, and creative ingredients available, the possibilities are endless. This holiday season, take your turkey to new heights of flavor with the perfect blend of seasonings. Your guests will be begging for more!
How Much Seasoning for Turkey?
Turkeys don’t come in nice, even weights and therefore you’ll need a different amount of seasoning for every single bird. The volume isn’t a perfect science, so don’t stress, just use this a basic jumping off point.
As for seasoning per pound, I like to use 1 1/2 tablespoon for every 3 pounds. This recipe makes 4 1/2 tablespoons and is good for a 10-14 pound turkey.
Someone in your family watching salt? Make a low-sodium turkey rub by dialing back the salt volume. The other ingredients will compensate for the lack of salt.
I also highly recommend using Kosher salt due to its large grain size, it ends up tasting less salty and sticks better.
Do not, under any circumstances use table salt. Iodized salt will make your bird taste metallic. It will also make your bird more salty since the grains are smaller, you end up getting a lot more salt.
Like spice? Increase heat. You are getting the idea, right?
Spices for the perfect turkey can be cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes or any chile powder. An ancho chile powder will give off a smoky flavor, while ghost pepper powder will make your nose run. It all depends on personal preference. My new favorite is aleppo pepper.
Use this simple seasoning mixture as a base and then come up with your own special blend. Here are a few more ideas. Remember that flaky dried herbs will have a higher chance of burning if you plan to fry your flavorful turkey. Be creative!
- Lemon Zest
- Orange Zest
- Coriander
- Celery Salt
- Fresh herbs
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Ground Cloves
- Thyme
- Parsley
- Tarragon
- Poultry Seasoning
- Herbs de Provence
- Nutmeg
- Allspice
- Ground ginger
- Ground cardamom
- Garam Masala
- Dried mushrooms (ground)
- Cinnamon
- Smoked salt
So… STOP… and take 3 minutes (yes THREE MINUTES) to make your own and save your $5.99. You won’t regret it! And then think of all the magical things you can spend your six bucks on.
- Mix together the savory flavors in a small bowl.
- Store until ready to use in an airtight container.
- Sleep well knowing you’ve just made the best seasoning.
After you make you make your own homemade turkey rub, you can smoke it, fry it, roast it or even air fry turkey! Yes, they just started making air fryers large enough for an entire turkey!
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.
How to Season Your Turkey | Weber Grills
FAQ
What are the best seasonings for a turkey?
Dried Herbs — dried thyme, rosemary, and sage add an herbal depth of flavor commonly found in poultry seasoning blends. This gives the seasoning blend, and therefore the turkey, a deep savory flavor. Dried Seasonings — in particular, garlic powder, onion, powder, and paprika round out this flavorful turkey seasoning.
Which spice goes well with turkey?
Dried Thyme: The distinct flavor of thyme is perfect for turkey. Dried Rosemary: Aromatic and delicious on poultry. Dried Sage: Sage is a wonderful compliment to the rub. Dried Parsley: Parsley is a perfect herb for the turkey.
What can I 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
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.