Get ready to elevate your smoked turkey game with our top-notch Smoked Turkey Rub recipe! Smoking a turkey is all about enhancing the natural flavors of the bird and a good rub is key to achieving this.
The right blend of spices will add depth and dimension to the taste of the turkey, making it a memorable and mouth-watering experience for all who enjoy it. This Smoked Turkey Rub recipe is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that bring out the best in your turkey.
Whether you’re a seasoned BBQ pro or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its irresistible aroma and taste, your friends and family will be begging for seconds.
This Smoked Turkey Rub is easy to make, and you can store it for up to a month in an airtight container. So, let’s get started and take your smoked turkey to the next level!
How To Make A Smoked Turkey Rub
Step 1: Gather All Ingredients
Before you begin making your Smoked Turkey Rub, gather all of the ingredients you’ll need. Here, all required fields are marked as step by step to make the process very easy for you.
This recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons of kosher salt, 1 tablespoon of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of crushed rosemary, 1 teaspoon of thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of rubbed sage, 1/2 teaspoon of celery salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Having all of your ingredients together before you begin will make the process much smoother and quicker
Step 2: Mix Ingredients In A Bowl
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together all of the ingredients listed above. Make sure to break up any clumps of sugar and mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are evenly distributed. The key to making a delicious Smoked Turkey Rub is to make sure that all of the ingredients are well blended, so take your time and be thorough.
Step 3: Store The Smoked Turkey Rub
Once you have mixed all of the ingredients together, you can use the Smoked Turkey Rub immediately, or you can store it in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
If you plan to use the rub in the future, storing it in an airtight container will help preserve the freshness and flavor of the spices. Make sure to label the container with the name and date, so you know when it was made and how long it has been stored.
Step 4: Using The Smoked Turkey Rub
When you’re ready to use your Smoked Turkey Rub, simply take it out of the container and sprinkle it generously over your turkey. Whether you’re making Smoked Whole Turkey, Smoked Turkey Breast, Smoked Turkey Legs, Smoked Turkey Wings, or a Smoked Spatchcocked Turkey, the flavors will seep into the meat, making it juicy, succulent, and full of flavor.
And, with this simple homemade Smoked Turkey Rub recipe, you’ll be able to take your BBQ skills to the next level and become a backyard BBQ hero.
Tips For A Great Turkey Dry Rub
As a backyard BBQ enthusiast, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of juicy, tender meat sizzling on the grill. And the secret to taking your BBQ game to the next level? A good, flavorful BBQ rub. In this section, we’ll explore the basics of creating the perfect smoked turkey rub.
Balance the Flavors
When creating a BBQ rub, it’s important to balance the flavors. A good rub should have a good balance of sweet, salty, savory, and spicy. Too much of one flavor can overpower the others, so make sure to find the right balance.
Store the Rub Properly
Proper storage is key to keeping your BBQ rub fresh and flavorful. Make sure to store your rub in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, and label the container with the date and name of the rub so you can keep track of how long it has been stored.
Be Generous
When it comes to applying the BBQ rub, don’t be afraid to really pack it on. You want to make sure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the meat, so don’t be shy about covering the entire surface of the turkey with the rub. The more you use, the more flavorful your turkey will be.
Best Beers To Pair With Smoked Turkey
Raise a glass to great food and great beer! When it comes to BBQ, the right beer can make all the difference. Not only does it help to refresh your palate between bites, but it can also enhance the flavors of the food you’re eating.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 3 beers that pair perfectly with smoked turkey. Whether you’re a fan of light and refreshing beers, dark and roasty beers, or something in between, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s pop open a cold one and explore the best beers to enjoy with your next plate of smoked turkey. Cheers!
Amber Ale
An amber ale is a great beer to pair with smoked turkey. With its balanced flavor profile and slightly sweet, caramel-like taste, it complements the smoky and savory flavors of the turkey perfectly. Plus, its medium body helps to cleanse the palate between bites, making it the perfect refresher for your taste buds.
Porter
If you’re looking for a heartier beer to pair with your smoked turkey, a porter is the way to go. This dark, full-bodied beer has a rich, roasted flavor that perfectly complements the smoky notes of the turkey. Its chocolate and coffee-like undertones also help to balance the saltiness of the BBQ rub, making it a match made in heaven.
Wheat Beer
For a lighter, brighter beer to pair with your smoked turkey, consider a wheat beer. This style of beer has a crisp, refreshing flavor that complements the juicy, tender meat of the turkey.
Its light body also helps to cut through the richness of the meat, making it a perfect beer for a warm summer day. And let’s not forget the citrusy notes of wheat beer, which add an extra layer of flavor to your BBQ spread.
Other Turkey Recipes
- Butterball Smoked Turkey Recipe
- Smoked Turkey Tails Recipe
- Smoked Turkey Necks Recipe
- Smoked Bone in Turkey Breast Recipe

Smoked Turkey Rub
Equipment
- Medium Bowl
- Airtight Container
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp crushed rosemary
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp rubbed sage
- 1/2 tsp celery salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Mix all the ingredients in a medium bowl and mix it well. Make sure to break up the sugar and mix it thoroughly.
- Use the Smoked Turkey Rub immediately or you can place it in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
Smoked Turkey Rub FAQs
What is a smoked turkey rub?
A smoked turkey rub is a mixture of spices, seasonings, and herbs that are applied to the surface of a turkey before smoking. The rub helps to enhance the flavor of the meat and creates a delicious, crusty exterior.
What ingredients are in a smoked turkey rub recipe?
A typical smoked turkey rub recipe includes brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed rosemary, thyme, rubbed sage, celery salt, and cayenne pepper.
How do you apply the smoked turkey rub to the turkey?
To apply the rub, simply mix the ingredients together in a bowl and then massage the mixture into the skin of the turkey. Make sure to get the rub into all of the nooks and crannies for maximum flavor.
Can you make the smoked turkey rub ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the smoked turkey rub ahead of time. Simply mix the ingredients together, store in an airtight container, and keep in a cool, dry place for up to 1 month.
How much turkey rub do I need for a turkey?
The amount of rub you’ll need will depend on the size of the turkey. A general rule of thumb is to use about 1 to 2 tablespoons of rub for every pound of meat. Somebody prefer to use wet brine turkey.
How long does it take to smoke a turkey?
The cooking time for a smoked turkey will vary depending on the size of the bird, but a general rule of thumb is to smoke it for about 30 minutes per pound at 225-250°F.
What type of wood is best for smoking turkey?
The best types of wood for smoking turkey include fruit woods like apple, cherry, and pecan, as well as nut woods like hickory and oak.
What temperature should the turkey be cooked to?
The turkey should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the turkey.
Can the turkey rub recipe be adjusted to taste?
Yes, the smoked turkey rub recipe can be adjusted to taste. Feel free to add more or less of any of the spices, seasonings, and herbs to suit your personal preferences.
Is smoked turkey healthy?
Smoked turkey can be a healthy option as long as it is prepared and consumed in moderation. Turkey is a lean source of protein and the spices and seasonings used in the rub can provide various health benefits. However, it is important to monitor portion sizes and overall calorie intake to maintain a balanced diet.