What To Know
- The key to a great turkey is all in the rub.
- For example, a free-range turkey will have a more gamey flavor than a store-bought turkey.
- Once you’ve chosen a spice for turkey rub, it’s time to apply it to the turkey.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. And what’s more iconic than a perfectly roasted turkey? The key to a great turkey is all in the rub. The right spices will enhance the flavor of the meat and create a crispy, golden-brown skin. But with so many different spices available, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best spices for turkey rub.
Types of Spices for Turkey Rub
There are three main types of spices that are commonly used in turkey rubs:
- Herbs: Herbs are the leaves of plants, and they add a fresh, aromatic flavor to food. Some of the most popular herbs for turkey rub include rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano.
- Spices: Spices are the seeds, fruits, or bark of plants, and they add a more intense flavor to food. Some of the most popular spices for turkey rub include black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Blends: Blends are combinations of herbs and spices that are designed to create a specific flavor profile. Some of the most popular turkey rub blends include Cajun seasoning, herbes de Provence, and pumpkin pie spice.
How to Choose the Best Spice for Turkey Rub
When choosing a spice for turkey rub, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- The type of turkey: Different types of turkeys have different flavor profiles. For example, a free-range turkey will have a more gamey flavor than a store-bought turkey. You’ll want to choose spices that will complement the flavor of the turkey you’re cooking.
- The cooking method: Are you roasting, grilling, or smoking your turkey? Different cooking methods require different spices. For example, if you’re roasting your turkey, you’ll want to use a rub that contains a lot of herbs. If you’re grilling your turkey, you’ll want to use a rub that contains a lot of spices.
- Your personal preferences: Ultimately, the best spice for turkey rub is the one that you like the most. Experiment with different spices and blends until you find one that you love.
Our Top Picks for the Best Spice for Turkey Rub
Here are our top picks for the best spice for turkey rub:
- McCormick Grill Mates Turkey Seasoning: This blend of herbs and spices is perfect for roasting turkey. It contains rosemary, thyme, sage, and black pepper, which all complement the flavor of turkey.
- Penzeys Poultry Seasoning: This blend of herbs and spices is perfect for grilling turkey. It contains paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, which all add a delicious flavor to turkey.
- Williams Sonoma Turkey Rub: This blend of herbs and spices is perfect for smoking turkey. It contains brown sugar, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, which all create a delicious crust on the turkey.
How to Apply Turkey Rub
Once you’ve chosen a spice for turkey rub, it’s time to apply it to the turkey. Here are the steps:
1. Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about an hour.
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Apply the spice rub to the turkey, making sure to get it all over the skin.
4. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Cooking the Turkey
Once the turkey has rested, it’s time to cook it. Here are the steps:
- Roasting: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and roast for 13-15 minutes per pound.
- Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the turkey on the grill and grill for 10-12 minutes per pound.
- Smoking: Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey in the smoker and smoke for 4-6 hours.
Tips for the Best Turkey Rub
Here are a few tips for getting the best turkey rub:
- Use fresh herbs and spices whenever possible.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and blends.
- Apply the spice rub to the turkey at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Let the turkey rest after it’s cooked before carving it.
The Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey
With the right spice rub, you can create a delicious Thanksgiving turkey that your family and friends will love. So get creative and experiment with different spices until you find the perfect one for your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best spice for turkey rub?
A: The best spice for turkey rub is the one that you like the most. Experiment with different spices and blends until you find one that you love.
Q: How do I apply turkey rub?
A: Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about an hour. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Apply the spice rub to the turkey, making sure to get it all over the skin. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Q: How do I cook a turkey?
A: There are three main ways to cook a turkey: roasting, grilling, and smoking. Roasting is the most common method, and it involves cooking the turkey in a preheated oven. Grilling is a great option if you want to get a crispy skin on your turkey. Smoking is a method that involves cooking the turkey over indirect heat, and it results in a tender and flavorful turkey.
