Best 8 Spice Rubbed Turkey Recipes

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Thanksgiving isn't complete without a roasted turkey, but this recipe for spice-rubbed turkey takes it to the next level with its combination of zesty flavors and juicy, tender meat. The blend of spices, including paprika, cumin, coriander, and garlic, gives the turkey a golden-brown, crispy skin and infuses the meat with a delightful savory flavor. Accompanying the turkey are three delightful dishes that complement it perfectly. The maple-glazed sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness and caramelized crunch, while the creamy mashed potatoes offer a smooth and velvety texture. And the classic stuffing, made with a blend of savory herbs, aromatic vegetables, and moist bread, brings all the flavors of Thanksgiving together in one hearty dish. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this flavorful spice-rubbed turkey and its accompaniments will be the stars of your Thanksgiving feast.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SPICE-RUBBED ROAST TURKEY



Spice-Rubbed Roast Turkey image

Syrian Aleppo pepper is mildly spicy, smoky, and complex. This recipe calls for a generous amount because most of it ends up in our gravy recipe, giving it a mysterious richness.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Turkey Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 whole fresh turkey (20 to 24 pounds)
Shiitake-Mushroom Stuffing and Sausage Stuffing, room temperature
2 navel oranges, halved
Coarse salt
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons ground Aleppo pepper or paprika, plus more if desired
4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup dry white wine
Persimmons, for garnish (optional)
Fresh sage, for garnish (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Rinse inside and outside of turkey; pat dry with paper towels. Transfer to a large roasting pan. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour. Tuck wings under turkey. Fill cavity loosely with stuffing, and tie legs together with kitchen twine. Squeeze 1 orange over turkey. Season outside of turkey generously with salt, and sprinkle with pepper. Gently rub seasonings into turkey.
  • Heat juice of remaining orange, the butter, and wine in a small saucepan over medium heat until butter melts. Roast turkey, basting every half hour with melted-butter mixture until thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees, 3 1/2 to 4 hours. (Halfway through, rotate pan and cover with foil.)
  • Remove stuffing, and transfer to a 5-by-9-inch loaf pan. Bake until stuffing reaches 165 degrees, about 30 minutes more. Meanwhile, let turkey stand for 30 minutes. Transfer to a platter; reserve pan juices in roasting pan for Aleppo pepper gravy. Carve turkey. Garnish with persimmons and sage if desired.

SPICE-RUBBED TURKEY



Spice-Rubbed Turkey image

A neighbor served us this turkey several years ago. My family has requested the "lemon filled one" ever since! -Susan Greishaw, Archer, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 3h50m

Yield 28 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

6 teaspoons salt
1-1/4 teaspoons cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 turkey (14 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 small lemons
2 medium onions, cut into wedges

Steps:

  • In a small bowl combine the first five ingredients. With fingers, carefully loosen skin from the turkey; rub half the spice mixture under the skin., Brush turkey with oil. Rub remaining spice mixture over turkey. Place lemons inside the neck and body cavity. Tuck wings under turkey; tie drumsticks together., Arrange onions in a shallow roasting pan coated with cooking spray. Place turkey, breast side up, over onions., Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 3-1/2 to 4 hours or until a thermometer inserted in thigh reads 180°, basting occasionally with pan drippings. Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly. Cover and let stand for 20 minutes before carving., Remove lemons from cavity. When cool enough to handle, halve lemons and squeeze juice over turkey if desired. Discard onions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 208 calories, Fat 7g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 86mg cholesterol, Sodium 586mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SPICE-RUBBED TURKEY BREAST WITH ROASTED CARROTS



Spice-Rubbed Turkey Breast with Roasted Carrots image

The turkey in this delicious meal is rubbed with oil, then sprinkled with cinnamon and cumin.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Turkey Recipes

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch lengths
6 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small boneless, skinless turkey breast half (about 2 pounds)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 475 degrees. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss carrots, garlic, and 1 tablespoon oil; push to sides. Place turkey in center; rub with 1 tablespoon oil, and sprinkle with cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon cumin. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted in thickest part of turkey registers 165 degrees, 30 to 35 minutes, tossing carrots halfway through. Let turkey rest 10 minutes; thinly slice crosswise.
  • In a small bowl, mix yogurt, lime juice, and teaspoon cumin; season with salt and pepper. Serve turkey and carrots with sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 425 g, Fat 9 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 58 g

SPICE-RUBBED TURKEY BREAST WITH SWEET POTATOES



Spice-Rubbed Turkey Breast with Sweet Potatoes image

Here's a simple twist on classic Thanksgiving turkey. Boneless turkey breasts are rubbed with crushed rosemary, sweet paprika, and lime juice for a flavorful meal.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Turkey Recipes

Time 1h20m

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 1/2 teaspoons dried, crushed rosemary
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
Coarse salt and ground pepper
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from about 1 lime)
6 teaspoons olive oil
2 boneless turkey breast halves (about 2 pounds each), skin removed
2 sweet potatoes (about 8 ounces each), halved lengthwise

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a small bowl, mix rosemary, paprika, 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, lime juice, and 4 teaspoons oil; rub all over turkey. Leaving space between them, place both halves in the center of a large rimmed baking sheet.
  • Brush cut sides of sweet potatoes with remaining 2 teaspoons oil; place, cut side down, on sheet with turkey. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of each breast half registers 160 degrees, about 50 minutes (potatoes should be tender). Let stand 10 minutes, loosely tented with aluminum foil to keep warm (temperature will rise by 5 degrees).
  • Cut one breast half into thick slices (reserve remaining turkey; see step 4). Cut potato halves into wedges. Transfer turkey slices and potatoes to a serving platter, drizzling turkey with any juices from baking sheet. (Optional: Serve with Sauteed Escarole.)
  • Cool remaining turkey completely. Divide leftovers evenly between 2 airtight containers, or wrap in plastic, and refrigerate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 278 g, Fat 3 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 37 g

SPICE-RUBBED TURKEY



Spice-Rubbed Turkey image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Turkey Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons coriander seeds
2 tablespoons cumin seeds
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried Anaheim chiles, seeds removed
1 tablespoon dried red chiles
3 tablespoons sweet paprika
3 tablespoons coarse salt
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1 turkey (16 to 18 pounds)
Spicy Cornbread Stuffing

Steps:

  • Using a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the coriander seeds and cumin seeds until fragrant, about 2 minutes. In a spice grinder, grind the oregano, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, Anaheim chiles, red chiles, paprika, salt, and peppercorns into a powder. Transfer to a bowl, and set aside.
  • Rinse turkey with cold water, making sure to clean neck and main cavity thoroughly. Pat inside and outside of bird dry with paper towels. The outside of bird must be dry for spice rub to adhere to skin.
  • Wearing rubber gloves, rub spice mixture thoroughly over entire bird. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Spices may be applied up to 1 day ahead. Allow bird to come to room temperature before stuffing.
  • Place rack in lower third of oven, and heat oven to 450 degrees. Stuff neck cavity with 3 to 4 cups of Spicy Cornbread Stuffing. Fold neck flap down, and secure to underside of turkey using stainless-steel trussing pins or wooden skewers. Stuff larger cavity with remaining stuffing.
  • Cut a piece of kitchen twine to twice the length of the turkey. Fold twine in two, and, starting at neck, bring twine forward around body of turkey ending at legs. Tie twine to secure wings and legs to body of bird. Cross turkey's legs, and tie together. Place trussed bird in a V-rack in a large roasting pan.
  • Transfer turkey to oven. Reduce temperature to 350 degrees. After the first hour, rotate pan every 30 minutes until a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Remove from oven, and set aside for 30 minutes before carving.

SPICE-RUBBED TURKEY WITH COGNAC GRAVY



Spice-Rubbed Turkey with Cognac Gravy image

Categories     Poultry     turkey     Roast     Thanksgiving     Dinner     Spice     Cognac/Armagnac     Fall     Winter     Chill     Bon Appétit

Yield Makes 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

Turkey:
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt
1 1/2 tablespoons smoked sweet paprika (pimentón dulce)*
1 (18- to 20-pound) turkey; neck, heart, and gizzard reserved for giblet broth
5 1/2 cups turkey broth
Giblet broth:
5 cups (about) turkey broth
Giblet gravy:
3/4 cup dry white vermouth
2 tablespoons Cognac
1/3 cup all purpose flour
*Sweet paprika is available at some supermarkets, at specialty foods stores, and online from latienda.com.

Steps:

  • For turkey:
  • Toast coriander, cumin, peppercorns, and cinnamon in small skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer to bowl; cool. Grind spices to powder in spice grinder. Transfer spice powder to small bowl; mix in salt and paprika. Place turkey on rack set in large roasting pan; tuck wings under. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon spice mixture in main cavity of turkey and remaining spice mixture all over turkey skin; tie legs together to hold shape. Refrigerate uncovered overnight.
  • Let turkey stand 1 hour at room temperature.
  • Set rack at lowest position in oven and preheat to 450°F. Pour 1 1/2 cups turkey broth into pan with turkey. Reduce heat to 350°F; roast turkey 2 hours. Add 2 cups broth to pan. Roast 1 hour; pour 2 cups broth over turkey. Cover turkey loosely with foil. Continue roasting until thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 175°F, about 1 hour longer.
  • Meanwhile, prepare giblet broth:
  • Place reserved turkey neck, heart, and gizzard in medium saucepan; add 3 cups turkey broth. Cover and simmer 1 hour. Strain broth into 4-cup measuring cup; reserve neck, heart, and gizzard. Skim any fat from surface of giblet broth. Add enough turkey broth to giblet broth to measure 4 cups total. Remove meat from neck. Finely chop neck, heart, and gizzard.
  • Transfer turkey to platter, tent loosely with foil and kitchen towel, and let stand 30 minutes (internal temperature of turkey will rise 5 to 10 degrees).
  • For giblet gravy:
  • Pour pan juices from roasting pan into large measuring cup. Spoon fat from surface. Transfer 4 tablespoons fat to medium saucepan (if needed, use some of reserved fat from turkey broth to measure 4 tablespoons total). Discard any excess fat.
  • Place roasting pan over 2 burners set at medium-high heat. Add vermouth and Cognac to pan and bring to boil, scraping up browned bits. Add degreased pan juices and 1 cup giblet broth; bring to boil, scraping up browned bits.
  • Heat reserved 4 tablespoons fat in saucepan over medium-low heat. Add flour, whisking until smooth. Whisk constantly until starting to brown, about 3 minutes. Gradually whisk in pan-juice mixture and 3 cups giblet broth. Simmer until gravy is thick enough to coat spoon, whisking occasionally, about 10 minutes. Mix in chopped neck, heart, and gizzard. Season with salt and pepper. Carve turkey and serve with gravy.

HERB AND SPICE RUBBED TURKEY



Herb and spice rubbed Turkey image

This is my favorite way to do a turkey, easy and yummmy.

Provided by Lynn Socko

Categories     Turkey

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 12

turkey
1/4-1/2 c olive oil
1 tsp graulated garlic
1 tsp granulated onion
1/2 tsp dry sage
1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
1 Tbsp mrs. dash original blend
3 carrots
3 celery ribs
1 onion
2 garlic cloves

Steps:

  • 1. TURKEY THAWING TIMES-Approximately 8 to 12 pounds......1 to 2 days in refrigerator 10 to 16 pounds.....2 to 3 days in refrigerator 16 to 20 pounds.....3 to 4 days in refrigerator 20 to 24 pounds.....4 to 5 days in refrigerator
  • 2. Cut carrots and celery in 4 or 5 pcs. each. Cut onion into quarters. I don't bother to peel carrots or take skin off of onion or garlic. Mix together olive oil and all spices in small bowl.
  • 3. Remove gizzards from inside bird as well as neck from inside the neck cavity. Rinse bird off with water, make sure to drain water out of cavity. Pat dry with paper towels. Using 1/3 of the rub mix, pour into cavity and rub well. Place most of the carrots, celery, onions and the garlic into cavity until filled up. Place the remainder in the neck cavity. (You can boil the neck and gizzards to make broth if desired, discard liver, it will cause your broth to be bitter).
  • 4. Using your fingers, gently go between skin and meat on both sides of turkey breast and seperate the skin from the meat, being careful not to rip the skin. If you have a really large bird, you might need to make a small incision in the neck flap skin and to seperate the skin from meat on the other end of the breast. Now using part of your rub, place some under the skin on both sides of the turkey breast rubbing into the meat. Once you've done that, make sure your bird is good and dry (using paper towels) and rub remainder of oil and spices on the skin of the bird.
  • 5. Place on lowest rack in oven if using roasting pan with rack inside. If baking flat on the bottom of a pan, place on the next higher rack. Make a "tent" out of foil to place loosely on top of bird, this will keep turkey from browning too much on top. Place about 2c of water in bottom of roaster, you will need to add water every so often.
  • 6. Bake on 400° for 30 min., then reduce heat to 325°, here is a chart for approximate baking times: TURKEY ROASTING TIMES 6 to 8 pounds......2-1/2 to 3 hours 8 to 12 pounds.....3 to 4 hours 12 to 16 pounds....4 to 5 hours 16 to 20 pounds....5 to 5-1/2 hours 20 to 24 pounds....5-1/2 to 6 hours Always use a meat thermometer to gauge doneness. For an unstuffed turkey, place the meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh, taking care that it does not touch any bone. Roast the turkey until the meat thermometer reaches 180 degrees F.

SPICE-RUBBED SMOKED TURKEY



Spice-Rubbed Smoked Turkey image

This turkey goes with recipes for Recipe #194583 and Recipe #194648. Make sure to begin early enough to allow for marinating time. All recipes originated with Cooking Light.

Provided by hepcat1

Categories     Whole Turkey

Time 10h40m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (12 lb) turkey (thawed if frozen)
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried rubbed sage
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon ground coriander
6 hickory wood chunks

Steps:

  • Remove and discard giblets and neck from turkey. Trim excess fat, then rinse turkey with cold water and pat dry. Loosen skin from breast and drumsticks by inserting fingers, gently pushing between skin and meat. Lift wing tips up and over back, and tuck under turkey. Place turkey on a jelly-roll pan. Combine the brown sugar and the next 7 ingredients (brown sugar through coriander). Rub seasoning mixture over and under skin. Cover turkey with plastic wrap; refrigerate 8 hours.
  • Soak wood chunks in water 1 hour, and drain well. Place a large, disposable aluminum-foil pan in center of bottom grill rack. Place 25 charcoal briquettes on each side of the pan; ignite briquettes. Place wood chunks over hot coals. Coat top grill rack with cooking spray; place over foil pan and hot coals. Uncover the turkey; remove from jelly-roll pan. Place on top rack over aluminum-foil pan. Insert a meat thermometer into meaty part of thigh, making sure not to touch bone. Cover and smoke turkey 2 1/2 hours or until meat thermometer registers 180°, adding 8 additional briquettes to each side of drip pan every hour.
  • (Cover the turkey loosely with foil if it becomes too brown. Turkey should be a deep mahogany brown when done. Closely monitor the grill to make sure the coals burn steadily, with continuous smoke, although don't check too often as lifting the grill lid decreases the inside temperature significantly).
  • Serve with Roasted-Pear Stuffing (Recipe #194583) and Cranberry Syrup (Recipe #194648).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 744.1, Fat 36.7, SaturatedFat 10.3, Cholesterol 308.7, Sodium 878.2, Carbohydrate 4, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 3.4, Protein 92.9

Tips:

  • Use a whole turkey: A whole turkey will give you the most meat and flavor. If you're cooking for a small crowd, you can also use a turkey breast or thighs.
  • Dry the turkey thoroughly: This will help the spice rub adhere to the turkey and prevent the skin from becoming soggy.
  • Use a flavorful spice rub: The spice rub is what will give your turkey its flavor. Use a combination of spices that you like, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and chili powder.
  • Rub the spice rub all over the turkey: Make sure to get the spice rub into all the nooks and crannies of the turkey, including the inside of the cavity.
  • Let the turkey rest before cooking: This will allow the spice rub to penetrate the turkey and develop its flavor.
  • Roast the turkey at a high temperature: This will help to create a crispy skin and juicy meat.
  • Baste the turkey regularly: This will help to keep the turkey moist and prevent it from drying out.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the turkey's temperature: The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Let the turkey rest before carving: This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, making it more tender and flavorful.

Conclusion:

Spice-rubbed turkey is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. By following the tips above, you can ensure that your spice-rubbed turkey turns out perfectly every time. Whether you're cooking for a small crowd or a large gathering, spice-rubbed turkey is a sure-fire way to impress your guests. So next time you're looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make turkey recipe, give spice-rubbed turkey a try. You won't be disappointed.

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