Simple & Delicious Spice Rub Turkey Recipe

When it comes to Thanksgiving or any celebratory feast, the star of the table is undoubtedly the turkey. This Simple & Delicious Spice Rub Turkey Recipe delivers a bold, aromatic experience, combining traditional flavors with a zesty twist, using ingredients you may already have in your pantry!

Inspired by my Peruvian Roasted Chicken Recipe, this too is packed with dried spices plus a luscious buttery finish that will leave your family & guests raving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: This turkey recipe incorporates a unique blend of spices like cumin, paprika, and oregano, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The marination process can be done days in advance, saving you time on the big day.
• Tender & Juicy: Basting with butter and slow roasting guarantees moist, succulent meat.

Ingredients You Will Need

The Turkey and Spices:

• Turkey: The star ingredient, a 15-pound turkey, serves as the perfect canvas for this spice-rub turkey recipe. Make sure to clean it thoroughly and remove the neck and giblets from the cavity.
• Oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly minty flavor that enhances the overall profile of the turkey.
• Paprika: Provides a warm, smoky undertone and a beautiful reddish hue to the turkey’s skin.
• Granulated Garlic: Infuses a deep, savory aroma into the marinade and turkey meat.
• Ground Cumin: Brings a nutty, spicy depth to the spice mix, balancing the other flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds a sharp, slightly spicy kick.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Aids in tenderizing the meat and contributes a tangy brightness.
• Oil: Helps the spices adhere to the turkey and keeps the meat moist during roasting.
• Hot Pepper (optional): Introduces a fiery kick for those who love some heat.

Aromatics and Vegetables:

• Carrots, Celery, and Onion: Create a flavorful base for the turkey, infusing the drippings with richness for the gravy.
• Whole Garlic: Adds a robust, roasted garlic flavor when cooked alongside the turkey.
• Thyme and Parsley: Fresh herbs that contribute a delicate, earthy aroma.
Butter and Garnishes:
• Butter: Used for basting, it ensures a golden, crispy skin and rich flavor.
• Paprika Powder: Sprinkled on top for added color and flavor.
• Herbs, cranberries, and lemon slices: Optional garnishes that elevate the turkey’s presentation.

Tips and FAQs for Baking a Turkey

First-Time Turkey Baker? Don’t Worry! Here are some tips to help you perfect this simple & delicious spice rub turkey recipe:

Baking a whole turkey might seem intimidating, but you’ll feel like a pro with the right approach. Here are some tips and answers to common questions to boost your confidence:

1. How Do I Avoid Dry Turkey?
   o Marinate the turkey for at least two days to lock in moisture and flavor.
   o Baste regularly with butter during cooking.
   o Tent with foil during the initial baking phase to prevent the skin from drying out too quickly.
2. What Size Turkey Should I Choose?
   o Plan for about 1 to 1.5 pounds of turkey per guest. This ensures everyone gets enough, with some leftovers.
3. How Do I Know When the Turkey Is Done?
   o Use a meat thermometer. The thickest part of the turkey breast should read 160°F. It will continue to cook while resting and reach a safe temperature of 165°F.
4. What’s the Best Way to Carve a Turkey?
   o Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Use a sharp carving knife and carve against the grain for tender slices.
5. Can I Prepare the Turkey Ahead?
   o Absolutely! You can marinate the turkey up to two weeks in advance if freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator for 48-72 hours before roasting.
6. How Do I Prevent a Bland Turkey?
   o Be generous with seasoning, especially under the skin. Don’t forget to use the reserved spice mix and additional paprika for extra flavor before baking.
7. What If I Don’t Have a Roasting Pan?
   o Use a deep baking dish with a cooling rack placed inside. Ensure the turkey is elevated to allow even heat circulation.
8. Spatchcocking for Efficiency:
   o Spatchcocking (removing the backbone and flattening the turkey) ensures faster cooking and even heat distribution. This method is advantageous if you’re short on time.

Variations

• Glazed Turkey: Add a honey-citrus or maple glaze during the final 30 minutes of cooking for extra flavor and shine.
• Herb Butter Turkey: Mix softened butter with fresh herbs and garlic. Rub it generously under the skin for a rich, aromatic twist.
• Spatchcocked Turkey: Flatten the turkey by removing the backbone for a faster cooking time and even roasting. Perfect for grilling or oven-roasting. A spatchcocked turkey cooked at 350°F will take approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours for a 15-pound bird. Spatchcocking reduces cooking time significantly by flattening the turkey, allowing it to roast evenly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh before resting.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this delicious turkey with:

• Homemade gravy (strain the pan drippings for a rich, savory sauce).
• Cranberry chutney for a tart-sweet contrast.
• Fluffy mashed potatoes and Chunky Veggie Stir Fry
• Steamed Green Beans and Carrot Rice or Seasoning Mixed Veggie Rice
• Or any of these delicious Thanksgiving and Holiday Inspired Recipes

Simple Spice Rub Turkey Recipe

When it comes to Thanksgiving or any celebratory feast, the star of the table is undoubtedly the turkey. This Spice-Rub Turkey delivers a bold, aromatic experience, combining traditional flavors with a zesty twist. Packed with spices, fresh herbs, and a luscious buttery finish, this turkey will leave your guests raving.

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Course: dinner, lunch

Cuisine: Caribbean

Keyword: baked turkey, Roast turkey, spice rub turkey, thanksgiving turkey recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours hours

Servings: 20 servings

Calories:

Ingredients

For the Turkey

• 15 lb whole turkey neck and giblets removed
• 1 lemon for washing turkey
• 1 cup white vinegar for soaking
• 1/2 cup dried oregano
• 1/4 cup paprika
• 3 tbsp granulated garlic
• 3 tbsp roasted ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ground black pepper
• 3 tbsp Himalayan salt
• 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup oil
• Hot pepper to taste (optional)

For Roasting

• 2 sticks butter divided
• 3 carrots chopped
• 4 celery stalks chopped
• 1 onion quartered
• 1 whole head of garlic cut in half horizontally
• Bunch of thyme
• Bunch of parsley
• 1 tbsp paprika for sprinkling

Instructions

Prepare the Turkey:

Clean the Turkey:

• o Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey.
• o Check for and remove any remaining feathers.
• o Rub the turkey with lemon juice and rinse well.

Soak:

• o Place the turkey in a large container with 1 cup of white vinegar and enough water to cover it. Let it soak for 30 minutes.

Season and Marinate:

Create the Spice Blend:

• o In a bowl, mix oregano, paprika, granulated garlic, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the spice mix for later.

Make the Marinade:

• o Add oil and apple cider vinegar to the spice mix and stir until combined.

Season the Turkey:

• o Rub the marinade generously over the turkey, including under the skin for maximum flavor.
• o Place the turkey in a baking bag or resealable bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 days, or freeze for up to 2 weeks.

Roast the Turkey:

Prepare for Baking:

• o Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
• o Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the turkey packaging (typically 350°F for a 15 lb turkey).

Layer the Roasting Pan:

• o Arrange carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, and parsley at the bottom of a large roasting pan. Place a roasting rack on top and set the turkey on the rack.
• o Pour any leftover marinade over the turkey.
• o Melt 1 stick of butter and brush it over the turkey. Sprinkle with the reserved spice mix and paprika.
• o Tent the turkey loosely with foil to prevent the spices from burning.

Bake and Baste:

• o Roast the turkey, following the cooking time guidelines on the packaging. (Approximately 3 hours 40 minutes for a 15 lb turkey.)
• o Baste the turkey every hour with the second stick of melted butter.

Finish Cooking:

• o After 3 hours, remove the foil and continue roasting uncovered for the remaining time.
• o When the internal temperature reaches 160°F, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and pour over the turkey for a golden, glossy finish.

Rest and Serve:

• o Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
• o Decorate with fresh herbs, cranberries, lemon slices, or roasted garlic halves for a stunning presentation.

Smoking Instructions

• If you’d like to smoke your turkey instead of roasting it:

Prepare the Smoker:

• o Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Add wood chips such as apple, cherry, or hickory for a rich, smoky flavor.

Prep the Turkey:

• o Follow the steps above to clean, season, and marinate the turkey.
• o Place the marinated turkey directly on the smoker rack or in a disposable aluminum tray.

Smoke the Turkey:

• o Smoke the turkey at 225°F for approximately 30 minutes per pound (around 7-8 hours for a 15 lb turkey).
• o Baste the turkey with melted butter every 2 hours to keep it moist.
• o Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F in the breast and 175°F in the thickest part of the thigh.

Rest and Serve:

• o Remove the turkey from the smoker and tent it with foil. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.

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Did You Love This Recipe? Leave a Rating and Comment!

I hope this Simple & Delicious Spice Rub Turkey becomes a beloved part of your holiday tradition. If you try this recipe, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card above and share your experience in the comments below. Don’t forget to check out the accompanying video for step-by-step visuals of this recipe.