Smoked Turkey Rub
On November 01, 2019 (Updated May 10, 2024)
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This Smoked Turkey Rub is the perfect combination of BBQ flavors and herbs. It was created specifically to compliment the flavor of smoked turkey, so you better believe that it’s the best of the best.
Best Turkey Rub for Smoking
I’m not exaggerating when I say this is the absolute best turkey rub for smoking. It was developed with smoked turkey in mind, so I married traditional BBQ flavors with good, earthy herbs.
Whenever my husband Todd and I are out of town, I get smoked turkey every chance I get. Consider this recipe my homage to the delicious smoked turkeys that you can get in restaurant joints. Since I love them so much, I decided it was time to make my own turkey rub to share with the world so you can make and enjoy your own delicious smoked turkey at home.
Dry Rub for Smoked Turkey
This dry rub is perfect for smoked turkey because it’s MADE for smoked turkey. When creating this rub, I wanted it to be versatile enough for the holidays, while keeping traditional holiday flavors in mind. The holidays make me think of all the herbs, and this one combines sage, rosemary and thyme to give you that delicious holiday turkey flavor.
Now, even though I created this rub for smoked turkey, don’t let me stop you from using it on other turkey as well. If you want to roast your turkey, this rub will add some killer flavor to your bird.
Ingredients for Smoked Turkey Rub
This rub combines 7 classic BBQ seasonings with 4 tasty herbs to make it the most well-rounded and palate-pleasing turkey rub around.
First up, we begin with the BBQ Basics:
- Brown Sugar
- Smoked Paprika
- Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Cayenne Pepper
After that, we add in some delicious herbs to help round out this turkey seasoning:
- Crushed Rosemary
- Thyme
- Rubbed Sage
- Celery Salt
Combine all ingredients in a bowl, using a fork to break up any chunks. This seasoning is ready to be used immediately, or if you’re big into prepping for Thanksgiving like I am, I like to make this seasoning ahead of time so it’s one less thing to worry about on the holiday.
You can store this turkey seasoning in any airtight glass container you have on hand. Personally, I like to store all my homemade seasonings and rubs in these glass spice containers. They are able to mingle with my other spices, and I can keep track of everything I make (and believe me, I make A LOT of homemade seasonings).
Assuming you have any turkey seasoning leftover, you can store any remaining seasoning in an airtight glass container for up to 1 month.
More Meat Rub and Seasoning Recipes
I know grocery stores sell a plethora of pre-made rubs and seasonings, but I gotta say, it only takes a few minutes to mix up your own, and the ones you make at home are often 1000 times better.
Whether you’re planning on smoking up a brisket this weekend, or you just need a quick seasoning for some steak you’re tossing on the grill this afternoon, Hey Grill Hey has all the rubs and seasonings you could ever need. Check out a few below:
Brisket Rub
Best Dry Rub for Ribs
Steak Seasoning
Smoked Turkey Rub Recipe
Making some epic BBQ should be easy, and Hey Grill Hey is here to help! I’m all about helping you make better BBQ, feed the people you love, and become a backyard BBQ hero. If you want to see more of my recipes, tips, and behind the scenes action, follow along on my social channels. You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube!
Smoked Turkey Rub
Video
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 Tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 Tablespoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon crushed rosemary
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients for the smoked turkey rub in a medium bowl. Use a fork to combine and break up the sugar.
- Use immediately or store in a airtight container for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
do you take the skin off the turkey?
This recipe is just for a rub itself, but in most cases I do smoke the turkey skin-on.
What is your indeed temperature?
I’m not sure I understand the question. This recipe doesn’t cook, so there’s no temperature.
Could I put this on a spatchcocked turkey the night before smoking..?
Totally! I usually brine mine overnight, then season them before smoking, but you could let it sit overnight.
If I used the spiced Turkey brine in one of your recipes and still use this rub will it be too Salty?
Not at all. In fact, this rub comes in my Smoked Turkey Kit, which includes a brine.
Is this going to be available for purchase this year?
It’s available in the Smoked Turkey Kit, and that’s coming back soon!
I used this on my turkey this year. Everyone raved about how great the turkey was. It was the most flavorful turkey I’ve ever had. I had to return home and make 2 more batches of the rub to gift to family members. Thank you for helping make the best ever meal. I also made the maple bacon carrots again for a wonderful side dish. Thanks again.
Excited to try this rub for Thanksgiving this year! Question: would I be able to use fresh instead of the dry rosemary, thyme, and sage? If so, any recommendation on how much to use, as I know dried herbs are more potent than fresh. Thanks!
Yes. 1 tsp dry equals 1 tbsp fresh in any recipe
I use everyone of your rubs including this one. They are all awesome. Also, your instructions are top-notch and easy to follow. How can I pay you something for all of this great info so you can keep in business for a long time? I feel like I’m getting too much of a free ride now.
No payment required! We do sell most of the rubs in shaker bottles in our online store if you ever need a break from making them yourself though.
Do you have the smoked turkey rub for sale? I didn’t see it.
Are these amounts of ingredients in the recipe for 1 turkey?
I have the same question, as well as does the salt in the brine and the salt in the rub make the turkey too salty?
Doesn’t make it too salty. This will be my third year using this rub, and with a basic salt-sugar brine the turkey has been a no doubt A two years in a row.
Would you use fresh herbs or dried for this rub?
I had the same question. She’s using all dry in the video.