Best 5 Sweet And Spicy Turkey Rub Recipes

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Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a culinary adventure that blends sweet and spicy flavors in perfect harmony. Our Sweet and Spicy Turkey Rub will transform your ordinary turkey into a mouthwatering masterpiece. This delectable rub boasts a symphony of brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic, cumin, and a hint of cayenne pepper, creating a savory crust that seals in the turkey's natural juices.

But that's not all! This article offers a delightful collection of additional recipes to elevate your culinary experience. Discover the tempting Sweet and Spicy Turkey Wings, perfect for game day gatherings or a flavorful snack. Indulge in the succulent Sweet and Spicy Roasted Turkey Breast, an ideal centerpiece for intimate dinners or holiday feasts. And for those seeking a unique twist, try the Sweet and Spicy Turkey Tacos, a fusion of Mexican and American flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SWEET AND SPICY SMOKED TURKEY WITH SMOKED GRAVY



Sweet and Spicy Smoked Turkey with Smoked Gravy image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Categories     main-dish

Time 12h25m

Yield 10 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1/2 cup Sweet BBQ Rub, recipe follows
One 10- to 12-pound turkey, untrussed and spatchcocked
12 medium carrots, peeled
12 ounces mini bell peppers or sweet Melrose peppers
2 cups turkey or chicken stock
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup turbinado sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup kosher salt
3 tablespoons chili powder
3 tablespoons smoked paprika
2 tablespoons granulated garlic
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Steps:

  • Rub the Sweet BBQ Rub all over both sides of the turkey. Transfer to a disposable aluminum pan breast-side up and refrigerate overnight, uncovered, to dry brine.
  • The day of roasting, let the turkey sit at room temperature for 1 hour. Add the carrots and peppers to the pan and put the turkey on a wire rack above the vegetables.
  • Preheat a gas grill, charcoal grill or smoker to 350 degrees F. If using a gas or charcoal grill, set up a smoke box or small disposable aluminum pan with fruit wood chips. Once the smoke is rolling, put the turkey and vegetables on the grill in the pan, close the lid and smoke for 1 hour.
  • After 1 hour, rotate the turkey and add the stock to the pan to deglaze. Continue smoking until the breast meat registers 160 degrees F and the thighs hit 165 degrees F, another 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  • Let the turkey rest 45 minutes to an hour while you make the gravy. Remove the carrots and peppers from the pan and set aside. Strain the drippings from the pan using a fat separator.
  • To make the gravy, melt the butter in a small pot over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk well to make a roux. Slowly add the strained drippings and whisk. Let simmer to reduce to the desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  • Slice the turkey and serve over a medley of the smoked carrots and peppers with the gravy on the side.
  • Combine the turbinado sugar, granulated sugar, salt, chili powder, paprika, granulated garlic, onion powder, cayenne, cumin and pepper in a bowl. Store in an airtight container.

SWEET AND SMOKY TURKEY



Sweet and Smoky Turkey image

Provided by Molly Yeh

Time 10h40m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

One 10- to 12-pound turkey
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons sweet paprika
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon ground guajillo chiles
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
6 cloves garlic, peeled
Olive oil, for drizzling
1 small red onion, peeled and halved
1 orange
1 lemon
1 bunch fresh thyme
4 cups chicken broth, or more as needed
1/4 cup honey

Steps:

  • Dry brine the turkey: Place the turkey in a roasting pan fitted with a rack. Rub the turkey liberally with salt and pepper. Place in the refrigerator, uncovered, 8 hours or up to overnight.
  • Preheat a gas grill for cooking over medium heat (about 350 degrees F).
  • Set the turkey on the counter to take the chill off.
  • Meanwhile, put the paprika, tomato paste, vinegar, guajillo chiles, caraway seeds, coriander, cumin, cayenne pepper and 3 cloves garlic in a food processor and pulse to combine. Add some olive oil just until a thick paste is formed. Taste and season with salt.
  • Stuff the center cavity of the turkey with the onion, orange, lemon, thyme and the remaining 3 cloves of garlic. Rub the turkey generously all over with the spice paste. Tie the legs tightly together with kitchen twine. Tuck the wings underneath the turkey. Add 2 cups chicken stock to the pan and tent with aluminum foil.
  • Place the roasting pan in the center of the grill, directly on the grates. Let cook for 45 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and add 2 cups chicken stock. Close the lid and continue to cook until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F, about 35 minutes more.
  • Meanwhile, add the honey to a small bowl. Once the temperature of the turkey reaches 145 degrees F, use a turkey baster to add 1/4 cup pan juices to the bowl with the honey and whisk to combine. Using a pastry brush, glaze the bird all over with the honey mixture.
  • Close the grill and continue to cook until the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees F, another 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the turkey and let rest 30 minutes (the internal temperature will continue to rise to 165 degrees F). Serve!

SWEET AND SPICY DRY RUB



Sweet and Spicy Dry Rub image

This rub adds great flavor to chicken, pork, or even salmon. Coat the meat liberally with the rub and cook over a hot grill or well oiled skillet.

Provided by Beth M

Categories     Low Protein

Time 5m

Yield 1/4 cup

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper

Steps:

  • Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir to combine. Use immediately or store in an air-tight container for later use.
  • To use, sprinkle a generous amount of the dry rub over meat or fish. Pat the rub into the surface of the meat to help it adhere. Grill the coated meat over an open flame or add to a hot, well oiled skillet.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 895.4, Fat 1.4, SaturatedFat 0.3, Sodium 4721.6, Carbohydrate 228.5, Fiber 4.3, Sugar 215.2, Protein 2.9

HONEY-GLAZED TURKEY



Honey-Glazed Turkey image

Even during the holidays, my husband wouldn't eat turkey...until I tried this recipe. Now, he loves it! The sweet and spicy turkey glaze gives the bird a wonderful flavor. -Mary Smolka, Spring Grove, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 4h10m

Yield 20 servings (8 cups stuffing).

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 turkey (14 to 16 pounds)
GLAZE:
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
1-1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
STUFFING:
1/2 cup butter, cubed
2 cups chopped onion
1-1/2 cups chopped celery
12 cups unseasoned stuffing cubes or dry bread cubes
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
3/4 teaspoon salt
3-1/4 to 3-3/4 cups boiling water

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325°. Place turkey on a rack in a shallow roasting pan, breast side up. Tuck wings under turkey; tie drumsticks together. Bake for 2 hours., In a small bowl, mix glaze ingredients; brush over turkey. Bake 1-3/4 to 2-1/4 hours longer or until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 170°-175°. Baste occasionally with pan drippings. (Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly.), For stuffing, in a Dutch oven, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery; cook and stir until tender. Add stuffing cubes and seasonings; toss to combine. Stir in enough boiling water to reach desired moistness; transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake, covered, for 1 hour. Uncover and bake until lightly browned, 10-15 minutes longer., Remove turkey from oven; cover loosely with foil and let stand 15 minutes before carving. If desired, skim fat and thicken pan drippings for gravy. Serve with turkey and stuffing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 464 calories, Fat 14g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 133mg cholesterol, Sodium 794mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 51g protein.

SPICE RUB ROASTED THANKSGIVING TURKEY



Spice Rub Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey image

This Thanksgiving turkey recipe produces a well-seasoned, juicy, and tender turkey that will bring smiles to everyone's faces. You cannot go wrong with a spice rub and a giant bird!

Provided by cremebrulee

Time 18h

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 12

½ cup garlic powder
½ cup ground paprika
½ cup ground cumin
½ cup dried basil
½ cup kosher salt
½ cup ground black pepper
1 (15 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
2 cups chopped fresh cilantro
2 medium sweet onions, chopped
2 medium heads garlic, peeled and chopped
3 cups butter, melted
1 ½ cups chicken broth, divided

Steps:

  • Combine garlic powder, paprika, cumin, basil, salt, and pepper in a zip-top bag. Close and shake spice rub until well mixed.
  • Cut small slits into the skin of the turkey. Use a palmful of spice rub at a time to rub all over turkey-on top, sides, bottom, inside cavity, and into the slits in the skin. Stuff the cavity with cilantro, onion, and garlic. Place in a roasting pan, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for 12 hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
  • Remove turkey from the refrigerator. Baste with melted butter. Pour 1/2 of the chicken broth inside the pan. Cover with foil.
  • Roast in the preheated oven, for 3 hours. Remove foil and baste with remaining chicken broth. Continue to roast until turkey is no longer pink and the juices run clear, about 2 1/2 hours longer. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 180 degrees F (82 degrees C).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1343.8 calories, Carbohydrate 17.2 g, Cholesterol 457.3 mg, Fat 87.6 g, Fiber 5.2 g, Protein 119.5 g, SaturatedFat 41 g, Sodium 4563.4 mg, Sugar 3.1 g

Tips:

  • Prep Your Turkey: Before applying the rub, ensure your turkey is dry and at room temperature. This helps the rub adhere better and penetrate the meat.
  • Use a Mortar and Pestle: If you have one, use a mortar and pestle to grind the spices. This releases their flavors and creates a more flavorful rub.
  • Let the Rub Sit: After applying the rub, let it sit on the turkey for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
  • Roast Properly: Follow the roasting instructions in the recipe to ensure your turkey is cooked to perfection. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
  • Baste Regularly: While the turkey roasts, baste it regularly with the juices from the pan. This helps keep the meat moist and flavorful.
  • Let the Turkey Rest: After roasting, let the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.

Conclusion:

The sweet and spicy turkey rub recipe presented combines the perfect balance of flavors to create a delicious and memorable Thanksgiving turkey. By following the tips and instructions provided, you'll be able to impress your family and friends with a succulent, juicy, and flavorful turkey that will be the star of your holiday feast. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your turkey, and let the sweet and spicy flavors work their magic. Happy Thanksgiving!

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