Y’all know the most flavorful turkeys start with a bold spice blend, and that ain’t coming from the grocery store. Just grab your pantry staples and in five minutes, my Homemade Turkey Rub will be ready to hook your turkey up. It’s smoky, spicy, sweet and a little herby. You can rub it on a fried turkey or even a turkey breast and make that flavor pop. Get into it boos!
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They’re Lovin’ It! Here’s what They’re Sayin’:
“This rub is so flavorful I use it on everything! Turkey, chicken, and my favorite – pork tenderloin. I think I may try it out on some seafood next.”
—STEPHANIE
How To Make Turkey Rub
Step 1: Measure out spices into a small glass bowl or quart container.
Step 2: Whisk everything or if using a container, just shake it up. Once all combined, it’s good to go. Spread the rub all over the turkey and cook it according to the directions of your recipe of choice. If you’re not using all of the rub right away, store it in an airtight container for later use.
Homemade Turkey Rub Recipe
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Ingredients
- ¼ cup paprika
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon ground mustard
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk until combined.
- Rub the spice mixture all over your turkey, as well as under the skin, then cook as desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Spices: Want to upgrade this turkey seasoning rub even more? Go for fresh spices like whole cumin and coriander and grind yourself. Just toast the whole spices in a dry pan for a few minutes before grinding.
- Do You Boo: Feel free to adjust the turkey dry rub recipe to your liking. Want more sugar? Add it! Want more heat? Add it. Build it based on your preferences.
- Let it Marinate: I recommend rubbing your turkey at least 6 (but up to 24) hours before cooking. Be sure to properly cover and refrigerate the turkey as it marinates!
Ingredient Notes
- Granulated Sugar: Try using brown sugar for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
- Paprika: Grab smoked paprika rather than regular for more depth.
- Cumin: Use ground celery seed instead of cumin.
- Dried Rosemary: Use oregano instead.
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How To Perfectly Season A Turkey
It ain’t that hard to get your turkey perfectly seasoned. Whether you use turkey wings, turkey legs or the whole dang on turkey, make sure you follow these steps. Start by rinsing and pat drying the entire turkey. For extra browning on the skin (and to help the seasoning stick), rub olive oil or some melted butter over the skin before working in the turkey seasoning rub.
Next, use your hands to really rub in the smoked turkey rub to all exposed parts of the turkey. This includes the inner cavity! If you can get a bit of the seasoning under the skin too, you’re gonna get a ton of extra flavor ya dig.
Recipe Help
I usually do but you don’t have to if you don’t want to. I just find that the added fat helps to kickstart the cooking process and gets the browning going. From a neutral oil to melted butter, you can do you.
Absolutely boos! In fact, I highly encourage it! Seasoning your turkey ahead of time will help to tenderize the meat and infuse the most amount of flavor possible.
I go generous on the turkey because it requires a lot of seasoning so it ain’t bland y’all.
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I tried this on my turkey. It was great!!!
Fantastic!