Best Smoked Turkey Rub Recipe

This Best Smoked Turkey Rub Recipe creates a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful. This dry rub is great for any cooking method, whether it is a smoker, oven, air fryer, or Instant Pot.

This dry rub is delicious on Smoked Whole Turkey On Pellet Grill, Traeger Smoked Spatchcock Turkey, or Oven Roast Turkey. It also tastes amazing on Smoked Turkey Breast, Smoked Turkey Thighs, and turkey legs.

I have been making my own rubs and homemade seasonings for years, and I think this is one of the best dry rub recipes I've ever made! It will give your Thanksgiving turkey a golden, crispy skin with a ton of flavor.

Why I Love This Homemade Smoked Turkey Rub

• Flavorful & Juicy: This smoked turkey rub, combined with the smoke flavor from the grill, brings amazing flavor and keeps your turkey moist.
• Super Simple: This rub uses common spices you probably already have and wraps your turkey in a flavorful coating.
• Perfect for the Holidays: This rub makes the best turkey and ensures the meat is juicy inside with crispy skin outside. It also works well for different parts of the turkey, whether you're smoking, roasting, air frying, or grilling.

Ingredient Notes

• Brown sugar caramelizes on the surface of the meat, creating a delicious outer crust. You can also use raw sugar, coconut sugar, maple sugar, or plain white sugar.
• Smoked paprika adds flavor and color. However, you can use regular paprika if you don't have smoked paprika.
• Sea salt. You can also use kosher salt.
• Garlic powder. You can also use granulated garlic or garlic flakes.
• Onion powder. You can also use granulated onion or dried onion flakes.
• Black pepper. You can also use coarsely ground black pepper, fine black pepper, or white pepper.
• Rosemary. I used dried rosemary that I crushed with a mortar and pestle.
• Poultry seasoning. Just a little is needed to get a subtle taste of sage without it being overpowering.
• Ground thyme. You can also use dried thyme leaves.

How To Make Homemade Smoked Turkey Rub

This is a simple step-by-step guide. For exact instructions, jump to the printable recipe card below.

1. In a small bowl or jar, add brown sugar, smoked paprika, sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, rosemary, poultry seasoning, and ground thyme.
2. Stir with a spoon or fork to combine. (You can also place the lid on the jar and shake to mix).
3. Before using the dry rub; pat dry the outside of the turkey with paper towels.
4. Brush on some olive oil or butter, covering the entire turkey.
5. Sprinkle the dry rub liberally on the whole turkey with a spoon or your hands. Cover the whole bird; including the top, bottom, and sides.
6. Place turkey on the electric smoker, pellet grill, or whatever type of smoker you are using, and cook according to your recipe.
7. If you want to make turkey gravy, place a drip pan underneath the turkey under the grill grate.
8. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to know when your turkey is cooked.

Storage Instructions

• Store the homemade turkey rub in an airtight container in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard, for up to 3 months.
• Label the container with the date of preparation.
• To prolong the freshness of the turkey seasoning, store the rub in the fridge or freezer for up to 6 months.

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