What to Rub on Turkey for a Flavorful and Juicy Bird

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 Should You Rub a 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

• 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

• Promotes browning – Spice rubs often contain ingredients like salt, sugar, and paprika which help the turkey skin brown beautifully in the oven.

• 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.

• 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.

Herbs, Spices, and Other Ingredients for Turkey Rubs

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:

• Combine dry ingredients – In a small bowl, mix together your choice of spices, herbs, salt, pepper, sugar, citrus zest, etc.

• Add wet ingredients – Stir in any liquid components like olive oil, melted butter, or maple syrup to form a thick paste.

• Coat the turkey – Slide your fingers under the skin to separate it from the breast meat. Rub the mixture directly onto the meat.

• Season the skin – Spread any remaining rub all over the skin, pressing to adhere. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

• Roast turkey – Roast the seasoned turkey as you normally would, basting occasionally with pan drippings.

Delicious Homemade 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:

• Rub the turkey at least 4 hours before roasting so the flavors have time to penetrate deep into the meat.

• Gently loosen the skin from the breast and thighs before rubbing so the seasoning directly contacts the meat.

• Apply an even coating of olive oil or melted butter before adding the rub to help it stick.

• Store leftover homemade rub in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

• Double or triple the rub recipe if making an extra large turkey.

• 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 Apply a Turkey Rub for Best Results

Wondering how to properly apply a rub to your turkey? Here are some tips:

For a Fried Turkey

If you are going to fry your turkey, you need to use a dry rub. This means no butter or oil in the mixture. Simply pat the skin completely dry with paper towels, then liberally apply the spice blend, pressing to adhere. The rub will stick well to the dry skin.

For a Smoked Turkey

A dry rub also works perfectly for smoking turkey. Make sure the skin is dried first, then coat all over with the seasoning blend. The rub flavors will come through even more intensely with the smoky flavor.

For a Roasted Turkey

For roasting, you’ll want to make the rub into more of a wet paste by mixing it with butter or oil. Use about 1/2 cup butter per 12 lbs turkey. Loosen the skin and rub some of the paste directly onto the meat before putting the skin back. Spread the remaining all over the skin, pressing to make it stick. Baste frequently while roasting.

Make a Big Batch for Multiple Uses

Leftover spice rub will keep for months stored in an airtight container. Mix up a large batch to have on hand for seasoning all kinds of proteins and veggies. Try rubbing it on:

• Chicken breasts
• Pork tenderloin
• Salmon fillets
• Steak
• Shrimp
• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Green beans

Get creative with unique flavor combinations like smoked paprika and coffee or brown sugar and chipotle chili powder. The possibilities are endless for crafting your own signature spice blend. With a flavorful homemade turkey rub in your arsenal, you can look forward to the juiciest, most delicious holiday bird ever.