This homemade Dry Rub for Smoked Turkey is the perfect way to kick up your turkey dinner a notch, just in time for Thanksgiving. Rub it straight on the outside of the bird for a gorgeous color and amazing flavor every time.
This combination of herbs and spices complements the flavor of smoked turkey breast and takes only a few minutes to make and odds are, all the ingredients are already in your pantry. This is an extremely simple recipe, so you can prepare your holiday feast knowing your turkey will come out delicious!
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Why Use a Dry Rub for Smoked Turkey?
Dry rubs, unlike marinades, are made of dry ingredients such as herbs and spices, which prevent extra moisture on the exterior of the meat you’re cooking the bird in an electric smoker or pellet smoker.
This results in a delicious seared surface, making for a wonderfully crispy outside, while preserving a juicy inside for meats such as turkey, chicken, and ham. Like a dry brine, dry rubs are applied before the meat is cooked, but afterwards, a glaze can be applied over the rub for even more flavor.
Why This Smoked Turkey Rub Recipe is a Keeper
- Adaptable: You can use this smoked turkey rub on any meat, not just turkey. Try it on ham, pork, chicken, or steak to instantly upgrade your favorite main course.
- Easy Ingredients: The ingredients for the smoked turkey rub combine BBQ flavors and herbs you likely already have on hand, such as pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
If you’re looking for more Thanksgiving recipes, try these: Substitute for Poultry Seasoning, Slow Roasted Turkey Breast, and Old Fashioned Sage and Onion Stuffing.
With over 200 easy and delicious dinner ideas, you'll never have to worry about what to make for dinner again.
How Long Will This Seasoning Rub Last?
You can store this rub for a smoked turkey in an airtight container for up to three months. Make sure to keep it in a cool, dry place.
Ingredient Notes for Turkey Rub for Smoking
The ingredients in this dry rub recipe are simple and easy to find. Each spice will bring an element of flavor to make your turkey perfect. And, it only takes a few minutes to make.
- Paprika: This spice is known for its smoky flavor. While the paprika is optional, it will add an appealing reddened hue to your holiday turkey.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These will bring a savory flavor to your bird.
- Salt and Pepper: Kosher salt and ground pepper will add a subtle, yet classic flavor to your turkey.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Variations and Substitutions for Turkey Seasoning
This rub is perfect for experimenting in the kitchen because there are endless ways to make an easy smoked turkey rub, depending on the combination of herbs and spices you use. Here are some we recommend:
- Fresh Herbs: Instead of dried herbs, try using fresh ones instead for the turkey seasoning, especially if you already have them growing in your garden.
- Flavored Salts: Flavored salts in the rub will add some extra zing to your turkey.
How to Make an Easy Smoked Turkey Dry Rub
Making the absolute best dry rub for your turkey is simple. All you need to do is gather your ingredients, mix them, and store them.
These are the basic steps for making a dry rub for smoked turkey. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
STEP 1: Combine the Spices
Use a fork to combine all ingredients for the turkey rub in a medium bowl or a small bowl, and whisk until fully combined.
STEP 2: Store the Turkey Brine
Store the homemade dry rub seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry area for up to 3 months.
Recipe FAQs for the Best Turkey Dry Rub Recipe
Expert Tips for Making This Dry Brine Turkey Recipe
- More: For more of a kick to your turkey, use curry powder in your delicious smoked turkey rub. You can easily find the best brands at Asian or international grocery stores.
- Sugar: Brown sugar can also be added to your turkey rub to give it some extra sweetness for the smoker recipe.
- Seasoning: If you would like to skip the paprika, you can, as it’s mostly to give a coat the entire turkey with a nice color. With smoked paprika, you’ll get a nice dark, almost rust color, but will get more of a deep golden color if you remove it. It’s totally up to you.
- Smoking a Turkey: For the best results with this rub, cover the whole turkey well with the mixture and then let it rest for about 30 minutes before taking the next steps in the cooking process. You can cook right away, but that flavor will have a bit longer to sink in. If you can apply the rub up under the skin, your turkey will come out tasting great!
- Amount: This dry rub recipe makes 1-2 whole turkeys, depending on the size.
What to Serve with a Dry Rub for Smoked Turkey
Dry Rub for Smoked Turkey
Equipment
- 1 small to medium bowl
- 1 Fork
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Paprika
- 1 Tablespoon Coarse Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Black Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Thyme
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Rosemary
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small-medium mixing bowl and whisk until fully combined.
- .Store in a sealed jar or container in a cool, dry area for up to 3 months.
Expert Tips
- More: For more of a kick to your turkey, use curry powder in your delicious smoked turkey rub. You can easily find the best brands at Asian or international grocery stores.
- Sugar: Brown sugar can also be added to your turkey rub to give it some extra sweetness for the smoker recipe.
- Seasoning: If you would like to skip the paprika, you can, as it’s mostly to give a coat the entire turkey with a nice color. With smoked paprika, you’ll get a nice dark, almost rust color, but will get more of a deep golden color if you remove it. It’s totally up to you.
- Smoking a Turkey: For the best results with this rub, cover the whole turkey well with the mixture and then let it rest for about 30 minutes before taking the next steps in the cooking process. You can cook right away, but that flavor will have a bit longer to sink in. If you can apply the rub up under the skin, your turkey will come out tasting great!
- Amount: This dry rub recipe makes 1-2 whole turkeys, depending on the size.