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Home » Sauces & Seasonings » Turkey Rub Recipe

Published: September 8, 2020 Last Modified: September 8, 2020 By Sara 33 Comments

Turkey Rub Recipe

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Turkey Rub Recipe #turkey #spices #thanksgiving #dinner #fall #dinneratthezoo

This turkey rub is a blend of savory spices that come together to make the ultimate poultry seasoning. Homemade spice rub will add plenty of flavor to your Thanksgiving turkey, and also works well with chicken, pork and beef.

When I want to make a turkey that’s sure to impress, I use my homemade turkey rub as the primary seasoning agent. I serve my turkey with classic side dishes such as sweet potato casserole and cranberry relish for a memorable meal.

This turkey rub is a blend of savory spices that come together to make the ultimate poultry seasoning. This turkey rub is a blend of savory spices that come together to make the ultimate poultry seasoning.

A jar of turkey rub made with brown sugar, herbs and spices.

There are so many different ways to prepare a turkey, from brining to roasting to deep frying and more! This turkey rub turns an ordinary roasted turkey into something extraordinary. Best of all, it takes just 5 minutes to make!

How do you make turkey rub?

This rub is super easy to make and contains ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Place salt, brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, sage, garlic powder and onion powder in a bowl. Stir to combine. Store the spice mix for later use, or use right away.

Brown sugar, salt, herbs and spices in a mixing bowl.

How do you use a rub on a turkey?

Generously apply the seasoning to the outside of the turkey, then use your hands to rub it into the skin and meat. I also recommend loosening the skin of the turkey breast and thighs, and putting some of the rub under the skin against the meat for added flavor.

Can you season a turkey the night before?

You can absolutely season a turkey the night before, in fact, I recommend doing this whenever possible. Leaving the rub on the turkey overnight allows for the salt and spices to penetrate the meat and makes for a more tender and juicy cooked bird. Place the rub on your turkey, then loosely cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before you plan to cook it.

A bowl of spice mix with a spoon in it.

What flavors go well with turkey?

Turkey pairs well with a lot of sweet and savory flavors such as brown sugar, maple, chives, thyme, rosemary, parsley, sage, basil, paprika, pepper, garlic, onion, lemon, and oregano. This spice blend is primarily savory, with just a hint of brown sugar to offset the salt, herbs and spices. The added bonus of the brown sugar is that it will help to create a golden brown crust on the turkey.

A turkey coated in homemade spice rub.

Turkey rub variations

I happen to love this spice blend exactly as it’s written, but you can absolutely use other flavorings to customize this recipe to your taste.

  • Sugar: You can use maple sugar, muscovado sugar or coconut sugar instead of the brown sugar. You can also blend honey, agave syrup or maple syrup with the spices to make a wet rub.
  • Herbs: Feel free to add other herbs to the mix such as dried parsley, basil, marjoram, savory or oregano.
  • Spices: Other great additions to this rub include cayenne pepper, mustard powder, smoked paprika or chili powder.
  • Wet Rub: You can mix your spice blend with 2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter to make a wet rub.

A cooked turkey seasoned with homemade turkey rub.

I like to make a double or triple batch of this rub and use it all year long on roasted chicken, pork tenderloin and roast beef. Make your holiday turkey extra special this year with this spice blend, and you’ll be sure to get rave reviews.

Side dishes to pair with your turkey

  • Bacon Green Bean Bundles
  • Sauteed Brussels Sprouts
  • Sausage Stuffing
  • Turkey Gravy
  • Winter Fruit Salad

Turkey Rub Video

A jar of turkey rub made with brown sugar, herbs and spices.
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5 from 14 votes

Turkey Rub

This turkey rub is a blend of savory spices that come together to make the ultimate poultry seasoning. Homemade spice rub will add plenty of flavor to your Thanksgiving turkey, and also works well with chicken, pork and beef.
Course Seasoning
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 6 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 9kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  • Place all the ingredients in a small bowl. Stir until combined.
  • Rub the spice mixture all over your turkey, as well as under the skin, then cook as desired.
  • Spice rub can be made up to 2 months in advance.

Nutrition

Calories: 9kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 873mg | Potassium: 6mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 130IU | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @DinnerAtTheZoo or tag #dinneratthezoo!
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    Comments

    1. Ivy says

      November 23, 2021 at 10:20 am

      Can I butter the turkey first with unsalted butter then put on the rub? If so, how much butter for a 14lb turkey?
      Can I omit the sage?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        November 24, 2021 at 7:20 am

        I’d use 1/2 cup of butter for a 14 pound turkey, you can mix the rub into the softened butter then spread it onto the turkey. It should be fine to omit the sage.

        Reply
    2. Robin says

      November 23, 2021 at 5:20 am

      This rub is it used for oven cooking or on. A smoker

      Reply
      • Sara says

        November 23, 2021 at 8:27 am

        It will work either way!

        Reply
    3. Robin Fiola says

      November 21, 2021 at 2:08 pm

      We like to cook our turkey the high heat method to seal in juices. Will the honey or sugar burn?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        November 22, 2021 at 8:47 am

        Can you explain what you mean by high heat method so I can better advise? Thanks!

        Reply
        • Robin Fiola says

          November 22, 2021 at 5:47 pm

          Turkey gets a shorter period of time at 500 degrees. Covered part of the time, then uncovered for the rest of the time.

          Reply
    4. Peaches says

      November 19, 2021 at 11:26 am

      Can I use this rub if I’m smoking My turkey

      Reply
      • Sara says

        November 20, 2021 at 8:56 am

        Yes that will work! I also have a different turkey rub in my own smoked turkey recipe which is here: https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/smoked-turkey-recipe/

        Reply
    5. Travis Polidore says

      November 18, 2021 at 11:39 am

      Can I use this Rub if I am Deep Frying a turkey?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        November 18, 2021 at 1:03 pm

        I would not use a rub as it can fall off into the oil and burn, I’d recommend using my brine recipe instead: https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/turkey-brine-recipe/

        Reply
    6. JoAnn Tucker says

      November 7, 2021 at 7:37 am

      I normally use a cooking bag for my turkey does it make a difference with the rub?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        November 9, 2021 at 8:12 am

        It should not make a difference!

        Reply
    7. Jodi says

      March 19, 2021 at 2:40 am

      5 stars
      I was wondering what size turkey this amount would cover? I have over a 20lb. turkey and didn’t know if I should double this recipe or if this amount in the recipe would be enough to cover it. can’t wait to try it for Easter. Thanks

      Reply
      • Sara says

        March 20, 2021 at 8:44 pm

        This brine is designed for a 10-15 pound turkey. You can adjust the number of servings and the ingredients will automatically recalculate, or you can just use this recipe, add more water to cover your turkey, and let it sit in the brine for an extra 4 hours.

        Reply
        • Brian St. Onge says

          November 20, 2021 at 1:27 pm

          Brine??? Is this not a dry rub????

          Reply
          • Sara says

            November 22, 2021 at 8:53 am

            This is a dry rub. It looks like somehow those comments ended up on the wrong post!

            Reply
    8. Sherry says

      December 28, 2020 at 10:50 am

      5 stars
      Delicious! Made it for this Christmas!

      Reply
    9. Cindy Aston says

      December 9, 2020 at 3:59 am

      Can smoked paprika be substituted for the regular paprika?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        December 9, 2020 at 4:46 pm

        Yes that will be great!

        Reply
    10. Sharon says

      October 8, 2020 at 6:03 pm

      5 stars
      This turkey run will make the holiday turkey dinner so much better this year! It adds an incredible amount of flavor.

      Reply
    11. Jamie says

      October 8, 2020 at 3:28 pm

      5 stars
      I love all the spices in here and it’s all stuff that I usually have in my pantry! Can’t wait to try this out during the holiday season!

      Reply
    12. Genevieve says

      October 8, 2020 at 2:36 pm

      5 stars
      I love how easy this rub is to make and it’s perfect for Thanksgiving! Pinning for later, thank you!

      Reply
    13. Jeannette says

      October 8, 2020 at 2:34 pm

      5 stars
      This is a GORGEOUS recipe and absolutely perfect for an edible gift! Love all the spices in this version. The best part is it lasts for up to 2 months! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    14. Beth says

      October 8, 2020 at 2:31 pm

      5 stars
      I can’t wait for Thanksgiving! This looks so delicious and will go perfectly with our dinner!

      Reply
    15. Suzy says

      September 22, 2020 at 11:17 am

      5 stars
      The best combinations of flavors! So tasty!

      Reply
    16. Patricia says

      September 21, 2020 at 6:03 pm

      5 stars
      Your turkey is taking center stage — it looks ahhhh-mazing! I’ve never done a rub for turkey. I might have to try this before the big day!

      Reply
    17. Toni Dash says

      September 20, 2020 at 2:15 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a perfect blend! Thank you so much for sharing the recipe!

      Reply
    18. Catalina says

      September 19, 2020 at 4:52 am

      5 stars
      I prefer to make my rub at home. I can’t wait to try your recipe!

      Reply
    19. Erin says

      September 18, 2020 at 5:47 pm

      5 stars
      This turkey rub is seriously making me hungry!

      Reply
    20. Beth says

      September 18, 2020 at 7:15 am

      5 stars
      This rub is perfect! I can’t wait to make a turkey now! This is going to be so good!

      Reply
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