This homemade Smoked Turkey Rub is the perfect way to add great flavor and moisture to your turkey. The dry rub will help create a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful. The blend of herbs and spices creates a delicious, savory flavor that will make your turkey the star of the show. This dry rub is great for any cooking method, such as an electric smoker, oven, air fryer, or Instant Pot. And it only takes 5 minutes to make!
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Summer might be grilling season, but the holidays are all about smoked turkey. This year, ditch the store-bought turkey rub and make your own!
Whether you're making a whole turkey like Smoked Turkey, Smoked Spatchcock Turkey, or Roast Turkey, this dry rub will be delicious. It also tastes amazing on smoked turkey breast, turkey thighs, and turkey legs.
The result is a golden, crispy skin with all the flavor of Thanksgiving in one bite. Seriously, I think this is one of the best dry rub recipes!
I have been making my own bbq rub and homemade seasoning rubs for years, and have received lots of great feedback on my Dry Rub for Chicken; Brisket Rub, Prime Rib Rub, and Pork Rub.
I have been playing around with turkey rub recipes for about a year now, trying to come up with the perfect recipe, and I have finally nailed it!
The first time I made it, it was way too overpowering. I am NOT a fan of sage.
However, I am glad to say that this rub has a ton of flavor without being overpowering. I have been cooking up a ton of turkey recipes so I can try out this rub, and it is so delicious!
Trust me, your family and friends will ask for seconds (and thirds!). So go ahead and make a big batch; you will need it!
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Why you will love this recipe
- This delicious smoked turkey rub is the perfect way to add amazing flavor and moisture to your holiday bird.
- It's quick and easy to make and only requires a few ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Applying the perfect dry rub is a simple step that adds flavor.
- It's perfect for the holiday season, and your Thanksgiving turkey will be moist and juicy.
- You will get crispy turkey skin without overcooking the meat.
- If using a smoker, it is easy to control the smoker temperature. And cooking at a low temperature will cook the whole bird slowly and evenly, giving you a juicy and flavorful turkey.
- It also tastes delicious on both chicken and pork.
- It even works on skinless turkey breasts, legs, and thighs! Plus, it doesn't matter which cooking method you use; this dry rub adds the perfect flavor!
What is a dry rub?
A dry rub is a mixture of spices rubbed onto the exterior of meat before cooking.
The spices in a dry rub create a flavorful crust on the outside of the meat while also infusing the meat with flavor.
A well-made dry rub will include a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
One of the great things about using a dry rub on your holiday turkey is that it requires very little prep work.
You don't need to worry about brining your turkey or basting your turkey. The dry rub will do all the work for you.
Mix your spices, rub them onto the turkey, then let the spice blend penetrate the skin and work their magic.
The dry rub seals in moisture, giving you juicy and succulent turkey no matter what cooking method you use.
Turkey rub versus turkey dry brine versus wet rub
A successful Thanksgiving feast depends on a juicy, flavorful turkey and happy, stress-free guests.
The key to achieving both of these goals is proper turkey preparation.
When prepping your bird, you have three choices: a turkey rub, a turkey dry brine, or a wet turkey brine.
A turkey rub is a blend of spices you massage into the turkey's skin before cooking. Rubs are easy to apply and don't require any special equipment.
A dry brine turkey is a mixture of salt and spices rubbed into the turkey's skin. Dry brining takes slightly longer than a rub as the turkey needs to sit in the fridge with the dry brine for at least 8 hours.
A wet brine turkey is a mixture of salt and water the turkey soaks in for several hours (or even overnight). This method requires planning to ensure that your turkey is defrosted before starting the process. You also must ensure you have enough time to allow the turkey to soak, plus have room in your fridge to keep it.
Because I like things simple and easy, I use a dry rub. It is quick and easy, and the turkey is always moist and juicy with a crispy exterior.
How much rub does this recipe make?
This dry rub recipe makes about 3.5 tablespoons, enough for a turkey breast, some turkey thighs, or turkey legs.
The best way to figure out how much rub to cover an entire turkey is to estimate one tablespoon for every pound of meat.
So if I were cooking a 7-8 pound turkey, I would double this recipe.
I would quadruple this recipe if I were cooking a large turkey of about 14-16 pounds.
Ingredients
Making a flavorful dry rub for your Thanksgiving turkey is easy. All you need are basic pantry staples that you can easily find at your local grocery store.
- Brown sugar caramelizes on the surface of the meat, creating a delicious outer crust. Plus, the molasses in brown sugar give the rub a deep, rich flavor that compliments the other spices perfectly.
- Smoked paprika adds both flavor and color.
- Sea salt can help break down tough proteins in the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
- Garlic powder adds excellent flavor to this dry rub.
- Onion powder pairs well with garlic powder, adding great flavor to the turkey.
- Black pepper adds great flavor to the outer crust of the meat.
- Rosemary, crushed, has a pleasant aroma and flavor that pairs perfectly with turkey.
- Poultry seasoning has a lovely blend of herbs that complement the flavor of turkey very well. Just a little is needed to get a subtle taste of sage without it being overpowering.
- Ground thyme has a flavorful and earthy taste and pairs well with the other spices to make this delicious dry rub.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
First, add all of the ingredients to a small bowl or jar.
Stir with a spoon or fork to combine. (You can also use a small glass jar instead of a bowl. Place the lid on the jar and shake until all the ingredients are mixed).
Before using the dry rub; however, use a paper towel to pat dry the outside of the turkey.
Then, brush on some olive oil or butter, covering the entire outside of the turkey.
Then, sprinkle dry rub liberally on the whole turkey with a spoon or your hands.
You can also place the rub on a plate and roll the meat in it until coated. Make sure to cover the whole bird; including the top, bottom, and sides.
Then cook your turkey on the electric smoker, or whatever cooking method you use, according to your recipe.
If you want to make turkey gravy, place a drip pan on the pellet grill underneath the grate.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to know when your turkey is cooked.
Hint: If not grilling or smoking the turkey right away, place it in the fridge until you are ready to use it.
Substitutions
A homemade dry rub is the key to a delicious turkey dinner. However, if you don't have all of these ingredients on hand, several substitutes will work just as well:
- Brown sugar: Use raw sugar, coconut sugar, maple sugar, or plain white sugar.
- Smoked paprika: Use regular paprika.
- Salt: Use kosher salt or sea salt. Do not use table salt. It will give your turkey a metallic taste.
- Garlic powder: Use granulated garlic or garlic flakes.
- Onion powder: Use granulated onion or onion flakes.
- Black pepper: Use coarsely ground black pepper, fine black pepper, or white pepper.
Variations
No matter what your holiday feast looks like this year, a dry-rubbed turkey deserves a spot on the table.
An excellent dry rub should be flavorful but not overpowering, and it should complement the natural flavor of the turkey. Here are a few variations to try:
- Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the mix.
- Sweet: Add more brown sugar to the mix if you want a little bit of extra sweetness.
- Cajun: Make a Cajun turkey rub by adding Cajun seasoning to the mix.
Equipment
The only equipment you need to make this homemade smoked turkey rub, besides the ingredients, is a small bowl or glass jar with a lid and a spoon.
Mix the ingredients in the bowl, or shake together the ingredients in a glass jar.
Plus, any type of smoker will work for this recipe; a charcoal grill, pellet grill, Traeger wood pellet grill, and even a gas grill.
Storage
- Store the homemade turkey rub in an airtight container, such as a glass jar.
- Store it in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard, where it will keep for up to 3 months.
- Label the container with the date of preparation and the expiration date (three months from preparation).
- To prolong the freshness of the spices, store the rub in the fridge or freezer for up to 6 months.
Top tips
- Use the freshest ingredients possible. For example, spices lose their flavor about nine months after being opened. For the best flavor, use fresh herbs if possible.
- Mix the ingredients well to create consistent flavor.
- Double or triple the recipe, so you have lots of rub for the next time you need it.
- Store any leftover rub in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
- Bring your turkey to room temperature before placing it on the electric smoker.
What to serve with juicy smoked turkey
Serve your turkey with favorites like green bean casserole, twice-baked mashed potatoes, roast squash, cranberry sauce, and air fryer carrots.
Don't forget pumpkin pie for dessert! Try smoked pumpkin pie or crustless pumpkin pie.
FAQ
Your dry rub will last in the fridge for up to 6 months.
I like to coat the turkey with olive oil, vegetable oil, or butter, then apply the dry rub, making sure to cover the whole smoked turkey. You can also make a garlic butter rub by adding chopped garlic to softened butter, then apply the dry rub over that. It all depends on your personal preference.
A dry rub is a great way to add flavor to your turkey. You can create the best turkey that will impress your family and friends with just a few simple ingredients.
Give this recipe a try next time you're looking for a tasty way to prepare turkey! I hope you enjoy this homemade turkey rub as much as I do!
If you try it out and like it, I would appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave a star rating and/or comment in the comments section below. 🙂
Don't forget to share it with your friends on social media!
You can also Follow Me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Don't forget to tag me in your photos @windingcreek_ranch!
📋 Recipe
The Best Smoked Turkey Rub Recipe
Equipment
- Small bowl or jar with a lid
- Spoon or fork for mixing
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon rosemary crushed
- ¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning
- ⅛ teaspoon ground thyme
Instructions
- Combine: Add all of the ingredients for the turkey rub into a small bowl. Stir gently to combine. (If using a glass jar, add all of the ingredients to the jar, place on the lid, and shake to combine).
- Use: Use the turkey rub immediately, or store in an airtight jar or a Ziploc bag in a cool, dry place.
Notes
- Use the freshest ingredients possible. For example, spices lose their flavor about nine months after being opened. For the best flavor, use fresh herbs if possible.
- Mix the ingredients well to create consistent flavor.
- Double or triple the recipe, so you have lots of rub for the next time you need it.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food that previously touched raw meat.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
Curtis
Love this recipe....thank you for sharing!
Jeri Walker
You're welcome, Curtis! I'm so glad to hear you liked the rub! 🙂 Thanks for leaving a comment! I appreciate it! 🙂
Jay
Will this rub work within a honey brined boneless Turkey breast
Jeri Walker
Absolutely! The sweetness of the honey in the brine will perfectly complement the flavors in the rub! 🙂