Dry Rub for Roast Turkey
Elevate your holiday turkey with this flavorful and aromatic Dry Rub for Roast Turkey, a perfect blend of savory spices, herbs, and a touch of citrusy brightness. This quick and easy rub combines pantry staples like kosher salt, sweet or smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder with fragrant dried rosemary and thyme for an herby twist. A hint of brown sugar adds subtle caramelization, while optional cayenne pepper brings a gentle heat for spice lovers. Freshly grated lemon zest provides a refreshing burst of citrus to balance the bold flavors. Massage the rub generously onto your turkey and let it rest, allowing the spices to deeply infuse the meat. Perfect for creating a golden, crispy skin and richly seasoned meat, this dry rub is your secret to a showstopping, restaurant-quality roasted turkey.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
- 1.5 tablespoons Paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dried rosemary
- 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest (freshly grated)
Instructions
In a small mixing bowl, combine the kosher salt, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the spice mix. Stir well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.
Grate fresh lemon zest into the bowl and mix thoroughly to incorporate the citrus aroma into the rub.
Before applying the rub, pat the turkey dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the rub adhere better to the skin.
Generously sprinkle the dry rub all over the turkey, both on the outside and inside the cavity. Use your hands to massage the rub into the skin for even coverage.
If time allows, let the turkey sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
When ready to roast, proceed with your preferred turkey roasting method. The dry rub will help create a beautifully browned, flavorful crust.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
182 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 2.5 g | 3% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.3 g | 2% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 5336 mg | 232% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 42.2 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.0 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.0 g | ||
| Protein | 4.6 g | 9% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 128 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 4.8 mg | 27% | |
| Potassium | 524 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
