There is something truly magical about a perfectly seasoned roast turkey. And let me tell you, I've stumbled upon a secret weapon for infusing your bird with flavor that'll have your taste buds doing the happy dance – a homemade turkey rub recipe that is the best turkey rub seasoning you will ever taste.
Why bother with a turkey rub, you ask? Well, let me break it down for you. You see, the best turkey rub is like a flavor-packed fairy dust for your bird. It's the secret to turning a regular, ho-hum turkey into a mouthwatering masterpiece. All those spices and herbs come together to create a harmonious symphony of tastes and aromas, infusing every nook and cranny with a burst of flavor.
It's the kind of seasoning that transforms your turkey from just okay to "Wow, this is amazing!" So, whether it's Thanksgiving turkey, a Sunday dinner, or any turkey roasting occasion, trust me, you'll want to have a killer turkey seasoning recipe in your culinary toolkit. It's the difference between a turkey that's enjoyed and one that's talked about for years to come.
You can really spice up my Dutch Oven Turkey Breast recipe with the addition of this seasoning blend too. As a matter of fact, this special herb rub is great on my Oven Baked Bone-in Chicken Breast too!
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Ingredients
- Paprika – Paprika is a key player in adding color and a smoky, slightly sweet flavor to your rub. There are various types of paprika, but the most common ones are sweet, smoked (like Spanish smoked paprika or pimentón), and hot. You can use any of these depending on your preference, but sweet paprika is typically a safe and versatile choice.
- Coarse Salt – Coarse salt, like kosher or sea salt, adds a fundamental savory element to your rub. The coarseness of the salt crystals helps create a delightful texture and enhances the flavor.
- Black Pepper – Black pepper delivers a spicy, pungent kick that balances out the other flavors. Freshly ground black pepper is ideal for maximum flavor.
- Thyme – Dried thyme brings an earthy, herbaceous note to the rub. It pairs wonderfully with poultry, adding depth and complexity.
- Rosemary – Dried rosemary adds a piney, woodsy essence that complements the other spices and herbs.
- Garlic Powder – Garlic powder infuses your rub with the rich, nutty taste of garlic, minus the moisture of fresh garlic.
- Onion Powder – Onion powder imparts a sweet, mellow onion flavor to the rub.
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Turkey Rub
- Combine all ingredients in a small-medium mixing bowl and whisk until fully combined.
- Store the turkey rub seasoning in a sealed jar or container in a cool, dry area for up to 3 months.
Hint: You can use fresh herbs and garlic, but you will want to use the rub right away rather than storing it in a jar.
Substitutions and Flavor Variations
- Spicy Variation – Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some kick. Incorporate ground mustard for a tangy spice.
- Herb-Forward Variation – Increase the amounts of thyme and rosemary for a more herbal blend. Add dried basil or marjoram for a Mediterranean twist. You can also use sage for a warm, herby flavor.
- Citrusy Variation – Mix in lemon or orange zest for a zesty, refreshing flavor. Add a touch of ground coriander for a citrusy, warm spice.
- Savory Umami Variation – Blend in porcini mushroom powder for a rich, umami kick. Incorporate ground fennel seeds for an earthy, licorice-like note.
- Sweet and Savory Variation – Combine brown sugar with the spices for a sweet and savory rub. Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Mediterranean Variation – Use dried mint for a refreshing twist. Incorporate ground cumin and coriander for a North African vibe.
Storage
Transfer your herb rub into an airtight container. This can be a glass or plastic jar, a sealable bag, or a vacuum-sealed pouch. The key is to minimize air exposure to prevent moisture from getting in, which can lead to clumping and flavor loss. Stored properly the turkey rub recipe will last for several months.
If you want to extend the shelf life, you can freeze your herb rub. Place it in an airtight container, remove as much air as possible, and then store it in the freezer. This can help preserve the rub's flavor for a longer time.
Tips to Make Perfect Turkey Seasoning
- Whenever possible, use fresh, quality spices and herbs. The freshness of your ingredients will significantly impact the flavor of your rub.
- The key to a great rub is achieving a harmonious balance of flavors. Experiment with different proportions to find the right blend that suits your taste. Start with the suggested amounts and adjust to your liking.
- The texture of your rub can affect how it adheres to the turkey. Ensure that your rub is finely ground but not too powdery. It should have some texture to help it cling to the meat.
- Before applying the rub, pat the turkey dry with paper towels. This helps the rub adhere better and promotes crispy skin during roasting.
- If you have time, apply the rub a day or two in advance and let it sit in the refrigerator. This acts as a dry brine, enhancing the flavor and juiciness of the turkey.
- Gently separate the skin from the turkey breast and legs without tearing it. Apply some of the rub directly to the meat under the skin. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more effectively.
- Ensure an even distribution of the rub on all parts of the turkey for consistent flavor. Don't forget the inside cavity.
- After applying the rub, let the turkey sit for at least an hour, or even better, overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and infuse the meat.
- Before roasting, consider brushing the turkey with olive oil or melted butter. This helps the rub stick and promotes a crispy, golden skin.
- Before cooking, taste a small amount of the rub to ensure it's to your liking. Adjust the flavors as needed, keeping in mind that the flavors will intensify during cooking.
How to Season a Turkey
- Rub the surface of the turkey as well as inside the cavity with butter or oil.
- Sprinkle the rub over the turkey and rub it into and under the skin and inside the cavity.
- Cook according to your desired method. This rub is excellent before roasting, grilling or smoking a turkey.
FAQ
A turkey rub is a mixture of herbs, spices, and seasonings applied to the surface of a turkey before roasting, grilling, smoking, or frying. It adds flavor, aroma, and texture to the turkey.
Yes! Many turkey rubs work well on other poultry, such as chicken or duck, and even on pork or beef, depending on the flavors in the rub. Feel free to experiment with different meats.
Using a turkey rub enhances the flavor of the meat, adds complexity, and helps create a crispy, flavorful crust. It can turn a plain turkey into a culinary masterpiece.
The amount of rub you need depends on the size of your turkey. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1-2 tablespoons of rub per 4 pounds of turkey. Ensure you apply the rub evenly across the entire surface.
More Rub and Seasoning Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- The Best Simple Homemade Steak Seasoning or Dry Rub
- Best Homemade Potato and French Fry Seasoning
- Low Sodium DIY Taco Seasoning
- How To Make Homemade Beef Seasoning
If you like this turkey rub seasoning please give it a 5-star rating below.
RECIPE
The Best Turkey Seasoning and Rub
Ingredients
- 2 TBS Paprika
- 1 TBS Coarse Salt
- 1 TBS Black Pepper
- 1 TBS Dried Thyme
- 1 TBS Dried Rosemary
- 1 TBS Garlic Powder
- 1 TBS Onion Powder
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small-medium mixing bowl and whisk until fully combined.
- Store in a sealed jar or container in a cool, dry area for up to 3 months.
Notes
- If you would like to skip the paprika, you can, as it’s mostly to give a nice color to the finished turkey. With the paprika, you’ll get a nice dark, almost rust color, but will get more of a deep golden color if you remove it. It’s totally up to you.
- For the best results with this rub, cover the entire turkey well with the mixture and then let it rest for about 30 minutes before taking the next steps in the cooking process. You can cook right away, but that flavor will have a bit longer to sink in. If you can get the rub up under the skin, that’s even better.
- This amount should cover 1-2 whole turkeys, depending on the size.
Nutrition
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Andrea says
What a fantastic homemade turkey seasoning. It's the perfect addition to my spice cabinet.
Lima Ekram says
Saw this recipe just in time! Cant wait to try it!
Carrie Robinson says
You just can't go wrong with a good rub on that Thanksgiving turkey! 🙂 This homemade one sounds delicious.
Holley says
This is a 5 star turkey seasoning! Super easy and absolutely incredible tasting!
Stephanie says
This homemade turkey rub is so much better than pre-made mixes from the grocery store. A great blend of spices to make my turkey extra special.