This Spicy Turkey Rub recipe makes baking a turkey during Thanksgiving much easier. Its smoky depth of flavor is balanced with mild sweetness and spicy notes. Mix the spices, rub them on the turkey, let it marinate, and roast perfectly.
I enjoy experimenting with different flavors; this spice rub is my latest addictive find. It has the perfectly balanced oregano, thyme, and smoked paprika flavors.
This turkey roast will be memorable, thanks to the rich, complex flavors created with simple ingredients.
You just rub it on, pop your turkey in the oven(you can also try this Cajun seasoning), and sit back and relax while waiting for compliments from your friends and family.
Why You'll Love This Recipe?
⭐️Bursting with delicious flavors, perfectly balanced with a rich combination of spices.
⭐️Highly adaptable with customizable heat levels.
⭐️Super easy and quick to make.
⭐️It is budget-friendly and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Paprika: I've added smoked paprika for its rich flavor, and I don't recommend substituting it with sweet paprika.
- Chili powder: This is Mexican chili powder, which has a robust flavor.
- Cayenne pepper: Adds noticeable heat. If you're serving kids, swap it with smoked paprika or skip it entirely. ¼ teaspoon adds the perfect heat, but beyond that, it gets spicier.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Must-haves in this recipe for that rich, savory flavor.
- Ground cumin: Balances the overall flavor profile of the rub.
- Brown sugar: An optional ingredient that adds a mild sweetness to balance the spices.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat. You can adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
- Herbs: I've used both oregano and dried thyme. This combo works well in the recipe, and I highly recommend not skipping them.
- Ground mustard: Adds intense flavor and noticeable heat. I strongly suggest using this ingredient.
- Ground coriander: Optional ingredient, but excellent for the flavors and bindingness.
How To Make This Spicy Turkey Rubs Recipe?
- Add paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, brown sugar, black pepper, oregano, thyme, ground mustard, ground coriander, and salt in a small mixing bowl.
- Combine well; the spicy turkey seasoning is ready.
How To Rub Over Turkey?
- Coat with oil or butter: Pat the turkey dry and apply olive oil or melted butter over the entire surface.
- Rub generously: Massage the spice rub all over the meat, including under the skin and inside the hollow interior.
- Marinate: Allow the turkey to rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight to let the flavors penetrate.
- In the oven: For the juiciest turkey, use a meat thermometer and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F(in the thickest part of the breast).
♨️How to Adjust The Heat?
This spicy turkey rub has a medium heat due to the cayenne, chili powder, and black pepper.
Focus on these ingredients to adjust the heat. For a milder version, reduce the amounts of chili powder and black pepper.
You can also reduce or omit the cayenne pepper to further reduce the spiciness.
Storage Ideas
The leftover spicy turkey rub can be used as a marinade for chicken or pork or sprinkled over roasted vegetables, scrambled eggs, and more.
Store the leftover rub in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.
It can be refrigerated for up to two weeks or frozen for six months.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Use the turkey rub under the skin to thoroughly marinate and flavor the meat.
- Season the inside of the turkey cavities as well.
- You can add citrus flavors by adding the zest of lime, lemon, oranges.
FAQ
Absolutely! This spice rub works wonderfully with chicken, pork, and beef. Just adjust the cooking times according to the type of meat.
Allow the turkey to marinate with this spice rub(another favorite of mine is this Chili lime seasoning) for about 8 hours for maximum flavor.
You can add herbs like rosemary, parsley, or cilantro, depending on your preference.
Yes, you can prepare this spice rub up to six months ahead and store it for quick use.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know your thoughts in the 📝 comments section below the recipe.
📖 Recipe
Spicy Turkey Rub
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon paprika preferably smoked
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste/optional
- 2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Store it in an air tight container.
Notes
- Adjust heat by reducing chili powder, cayenne, and black pepper for a milder version.
- Pat the turkey dry; coat the turkey evenly with olive oil or melted butter. Then, generously rub the spice mixture(including under the skin and inside its cavity).
- Marinate the turkey for at least 8 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
- Roast, smoke, or grill the turkey as desired.
- Store the leftover rub in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.
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