The combination of herbs and spices in this rub will flavor your turkey to perfection and become your go-to turkey rub. Look no further for the BEST turkey seasoning recipe you will ever make!
Thanksgiving dinner’s traditional herbs and spices are all perfectly blended into one blend for your bird, giving it the most incredible flavors! I love to season meats and poultry with flavorful spices to make them taste amazing. For delicious seasoned meat, try this baked chicken, this amazing chicken recipe, or my favorite air fryer pork chops.
A blend of savory spices and aromatic dried herbs make up this turkey rub. Because thyme, rosemary, and sage are meant to be together on a turkey, I adore the combination of them. Thanksgiving turkey is magical because of their complimentary flavors, for some reason!
Incorporating these tastes into your turkey ensures that it will be the most delicious bird your guests have ever had. After everyone tries this dry rub, I promise they will always ask you to oversee the turkey. And if you’re asked to handle the turkey, you can finish the meal with these simple one-hour rolls, my dad’s potatoes, and my grandmother’s stuffing!
These tasty herbs and spices are the ideal combination to enhance the flavors of your turkey, and the best part of this seasoning rub for turkey is that you probably already have all of the herbs in your cupboard! Your turkey will taste AMAZING, and you’ll use this rub recipe exclusively for all future turkeys you cook.
Turkey is a versatile and delicious protein that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Whether you’re roasting a whole bird for a special occasion or grilling turkey burgers for a weeknight meal, the right spices can elevate the flavor and create a truly memorable dish.
This comprehensive guide explores the best spices to pair with turkey, providing insights into classic combinations, innovative twists, and tips for creating your own unique spice blends.
Classic Spice Pairings for Turkey
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Garlic powder: A staple in many kitchens, garlic powder adds a warm, savory flavor that complements the richness of turkey.
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Smoked paprika: This spice offers a smoky depth and a hint of sweetness, perfect for enhancing the natural flavor of turkey.
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Onion powder: Similar to garlic powder, onion powder adds a savory complexity that rounds out the flavor profile of turkey.
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Thyme: A classic poultry herb, thyme brings a fresh, earthy aroma and a slightly peppery taste to turkey dishes.
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Rosemary: Another popular choice for poultry, rosemary offers a pungent, slightly piney flavor that pairs well with the richness of turkey.
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Sage: This herb adds a warm, slightly nutty flavor that complements the savory notes of turkey.
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Oregano: A Mediterranean herb with a slightly sweet and earthy flavor, oregano adds a unique dimension to turkey dishes.
Beyond the Classics: Innovative Spice Blends
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Cajun seasoning: This bold blend of spices, typically including paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano, adds a spicy kick and a vibrant flavor to turkey.
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Italian seasoning: A versatile blend of herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary, Italian seasoning brings a Mediterranean flair to turkey dishes.
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Moroccan spice mix: This aromatic blend, often featuring cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon, adds a warm, earthy flavor with a hint of sweetness to turkey.
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Curry powder: This complex blend of spices, typically including turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, and chili powder, adds a unique depth and warmth to turkey dishes.
Creating Your Own Spice Blends
Experimenting with different spices is a great way to personalize your turkey dishes and discover new flavor combinations. Here are some tips for creating your own spice blends:
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Start with a base of classic spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika are excellent starting points for any spice blend.
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Add herbs for freshness and complexity: Thyme, rosemary, sage, and oregano are popular choices for poultry, but feel free to explore other herbs like basil, marjoram, and tarragon.
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Incorporate spices for warmth and depth: Cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon can add a unique dimension to your spice blends.
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Consider adding a touch of heat: Cayenne pepper, chili powder, or paprika can add a subtle or intense spicy kick, depending on your preference.
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Taste and adjust: Always taste your spice blend before using it on your turkey and adjust the proportions to suit your taste.
Additional Tips for Spicing Up Your Turkey
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Use fresh herbs whenever possible: Fresh herbs offer a more vibrant flavor than dried herbs.
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Toast spices before using them: Toasting spices in a dry skillet over low heat for a few minutes can enhance their flavor and aroma.
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Don’t be afraid to experiment: The beauty of cooking is that there are no strict rules. Feel free to experiment with different spice combinations and find what works best for you.
With its versatility and ability to absorb a wide range of flavors, turkey is a perfect canvas for culinary creativity. By exploring the world of spices, you can create countless delicious and memorable turkey dishes that will impress your family and friends.
Keywords: turkey, spices, spice blends, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, Moroccan spice mix, curry powder, fresh herbs, toasted spices.
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How to Make the Best Seasoning For Turkey
The simplest part of Thanksgiving dinner is making this turkey seasoning—it only takes five minutes to prepare, and you’ll be amazed at how quick it is! The best thing is that this dry rub can be prepared in advance and stored for when you need it. In my opinion, anything that you can make before Thanksgiving is a success!
- Mixing the Ingredients: Put all the ingredients in a bowl and mix them together with a whisk.
- Rub: Completely coat a 10–13-pound turkey with the spice mixture, being sure to coat the top and bottom. Then cook your seasoned turkey according to your recipe.
- Store: For up to two months, if you won’t be using it right away, keep it in a sealed container.
My absolute favorite seasonings are homemade ones because you can adjust the amount of heat, add extra flavor, or even double the recipe to ensure you always have some on hand. Here are some suggestions for varying this turkey seasoning.
- Make Ahead: To ensure it’s ready for Thanksgiving, I like to make this turkey rub a few weeks in advance. Making a large amount of seasoning means you’ll always have it on hand for any time you need to season meat, fish, or poultry.
- How Much Seasoning to Use: You can use about 1/3 cup of this recipe to season a 10- to 14-pound turkey.
- Use Dried Herbs Rather Than Fresh: Dried herbs keep much longer in your spice cabinet than fresh herbs. Because fresh herbs typically contain more moisture, they are more susceptible to deterioration and the early growth of mold.
- Less salt: Cut back on the salt gradually if you think it’s a little too salty. The best salt is Kosher salt because it allows you to better regulate the flavor than table salt.
- Make it Spicy: Use a small amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder to give your seasoning some kick.
- Try incorporating one tablespoon of brown sugar into the rub to make it a little sweeter. It adds a touch of sweetness and caramelizes a bit.
How To Store Turkey Seasoning
A unique blend of seasonings for your Thanksgiving turkey is this homemade turkey rub. You will never purchase turkey seasoning from the store again after making this at home. Homemade seasonings are superior because the flavors can be customized and the herbs are more fresh.
- Following the mixing of your ingredients, place the seasoning in an airtight container and seal it. Store in a dark, cool place for up to two months.
THE SPICY TURKEY THAT’S ABOUT TO CHANGE YOUR THANKSGIVING FOREVER… | SAM THE COOKING GUY
FAQ
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