Simple Secrets to Creating the Most Flavorful Turkey

Written for Spice Station Silverlake by: Amanda Csolak

Maybe you have never cooked a turkey before, or perhaps you’re just looking for some tips to take your turkey to the next level. Either way, you’ve come to the right blog. Here I’ll spill all the secrets you need to know to create the absolute best turkey on anyone’s table for miles around. 

So if you want to know what I know, than you’ll want to stick around. Discover how to take your Thanksgiving turkey from dry and seasonless to irresistibly tender and flavorful with my top seasoning tips.I guarantee it’s a dish that your guests will crave.

Planning Your Thanksgiving Meal

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, its important to start planning your menu now. From delectable sides to the classic desserts, like pumpkin pies. And don’t forget the star of the show – the turkey.

If you’re hosting a gathering, big or small, it’s important to pick the right size turkey. Make sure you know how much each person will likely eat so you can please everyone at your table.

Here’s your first tip: Now’s the time to buy those seasonings and other dry ingredients you’ll need to make that juicy turkey and other thanksgiving favorites. With the right recipe and the perfect seasoning, you can transform an ordinary turkey into something extraordinary. I’m excited to share with you these seasoning tips and tricks for a turkey that’s juicy, flavorful, and sure to be a hit at the dinner table.

If your looking for the best place to find all the seasonings you can imagine you’ll find them here at Spice Station Silverlake.

Top Ten Tips for the Best Turkey Ever

Creating the best, most flavorful and tender turkey takes some planning and a little work. But if you follow these top ten secret tips I promise you, you won’t be disappointed. 

1. Under Skin Seasoning: You might think you should just sprinkle the seasonings on top of the turkey once it’s defrosted, like you would with any other meat. But here’s a better idea: season under the skin. Trust me, this is the best way to really flavor your turkey. By putting the spices right against the meat, you’re making sure they really pack a punch. And hey, if you’re not a fan of the skin, you can just remove it after cooking, and all that herby taste will still be in the meat. Starting with salt and pepper is always a good idea. But don’t stop there. Autumn herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage are perfect with turkey. Feel free to get creative and add your own favorite seasoning mixes too.

2. A Brine for Your Bird

One of the best ways to create a tender and add extra flavor to your turkey is to give it a brine bath. Soaking your turkey in a saltwater brine is a great way to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor and moisture. Sure, a basic saltwater brine works fine, but adding herbs and spices really kicks up the flavor. You’ll find plenty of turkey brine recipes to get you started.Just remember, brining takes some planning ahead. Your turkey needs to sit in the brine for at least four hours, but letting it brine overnight is even better. Plan to start this a day in advance. Also, double-check that you have a big enough food-safe container for your turkey before you begin.

3. Seasoning the Inside

Seasoning the turkey from the inside is a key step in creating a flavorful bird because it allows the spices and herbs to deeply infuse the meat. When you season the inside, the flavor isn’t just on the surface but permeates throughout the meat, ensuring that every bite is evenly flavored, not just the outer layers. This is particularly important for the inner parts of the turkey, which are prone to drying out.

Moreover, seasonings, especially salt, play a vital role in drawing out and retaining moisture within the turkey. By seasoning inside, you enhance the meat’s ability to stay moist and tender. If you let the turkey sit for a while before cooking, the flavors have more time to meld and penetrate the meat, leading to a richer taste. For those who use stuffing, seasoning the inside of the turkey also means the flavors will mix with the stuffing, creating a delicious combination. By seasoning both inside and out, you maximize the surface area for seasoning, leading to a more thoroughly flavored and enjoyable bird.

Remember this tip whether you’re roasting, grilling, or even deep-frying your turkey.

4. Using Aromatics

Instead of stuffing your turkey, try filling it with aromatics. (Important tip: Cooking stuffing inside a turkey can be dangerous.) Simple seasons like garlic, thyme, rosemary, and sage can give your turkey that classic Thanksgiving flavor.

But if you want to add even more flavor to your turkey, try adding aromatics like lemons and oranges. Adding halved cuts of citrus is just one way to add a brightnes to your bird and help keep it tender and juicy. 

Here’s a list of some of the aromatic possibilities:

• Onions and shallots – For an easy turkey flavor boost, peel and quarter a couple of onions and tuck them into the turkey’s cavity. Onions and shallots add both flavor and moisture, and they complement classic sides like dressing and green bean casserole well.
• Fresh herb bundles – The secret to the best turkey is to season it liberally and stuffing a bundle of fresh herbs into your turkey’s cavity is one of the best ways to fully season your bird. The flavors and aromas of the herbs infuse with the meat as the turkey cooks. You can experiment with combinations of thyme, rosemary, sage, tarragon, marjoram, parsley, and oregano for tasty results.
• Apples – Think about quartering a couple of apples to stuff your turkey. Not only will their flavor evoke the essence of fall, but apples also add extra moisture to the turkey while it cooks.
• Ginger – Adding a few slices of fresh, peeled ginger inside the turkey cavity can introduce a warming spice to your holiday meal. This flavor harmonizes well with fluffy potato rolls, marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole, and other classic Thanksgiving sides.

5. Butter Me Up

Butter almost always enhances a dish, and your turkey is no exception. Rubbing flavored butter under the skin of your turkey not only adds an extra layer of flavor but also helps crisp up the skin. This is a simple yet effective way to boost the taste of your main course. So, if you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, don’t hesitate to give this technique a try.

6. Try a Marinade

Believe it or not, marinades aren’t just for the grill anymore. Like brining, it’s best to let your turkey sit in the marinade for a few hours to fully absorb all the delicious flavors. This method is a great way to ensure your turkey is tasty through every slice.

Marinades, like the one listed at the end of this blog, combine spices with broth and lemon juice to help you make a turkey that’s flavorful from the insider out. 

But you may be wondering, Can I brine and then marinate? The answer is Yes you can! If you first brine your meat and then marinate it, you can enjoy the benefits of both techniques, resulting in a turkey that is both juicy and full of flavor. However, it’s important to remember not to include salt in the marinade, as the meat will have already absorbed salt from the brine. This approach ensures that your dish is well-seasoned without being overly salty.

7. All Glazed Over

Give your turkey an extra pop of flavor with a zesty, fragrant glaze. Brushing some glaze over the skin can really make the flavors sing. It’s an easy and quick way to add a bit more zing to your main dish, making it even more special.

8. Basting In Beer

You’ve probably heard of using beer in recipes like Can-Can Chicken or beef brisket, but did you know you can also use it to flavor your holiday turkey? Instead of traditional basting with pan drippings, try basting your turkey with your favorite beer. There’s no need for anything too fancy, but choose a quality beer that you’d enjoy drinking. This approach adds a unique twist to your turkey’s flavor.

9. An Injection of Flavor

Using a flavor injector might sound a bit fancy, but it’s actually a really cool way to make your turkey taste amazing. It’s pretty much like giving your turkey a flavor boost by injecting stuff like broth and melted butter straight into the meat. This makes the turkey super moist and tasty. It’s a neat trick if you want to kick up the flavor of your turkey a notch.

10. Pour on the Gravy

Seasoning your turkey doesn’t have to end with the cooking process. After carving, you can add an extra layer of flavor with a great gravy. You could look up a no-fuss gravy recipe or even prep one ahead of time. A good, tasty gravy doesn’t just enhance the turkey; it makes everything on the plate better. And seriously, who doesn’t love their mashed potatoes drenched in delicious gravy? Adding this touch at the end really ties the whole meal together and makes it extra special.

Making the Best Turkey

Now you’ve got the know-how to cook up an amazing turkey. Whether you go for a simple brine, spice it up with a marinade, stuff it with herbs and citrus, or drown it in gravy, these straightforward tips will help you make a turkey that’s so good, everyone will be talking about it.  

 

Marinated Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

This marinade will take your ordinary turkey and turn it into a tender, tasty and golden brown delight.

Ingredients

•     2 cups water
•     1-1/2 cups chicken broth
•     1 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
•     2/3 cup lemon juice
•     2 garlic cloves, minced
•     1-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
•     1 teaspoon smoked black peppercorns, ground
•     2 turkey-size oven roasting bags
•     1 turkey (12 to 14 pounds)

Directions

1. Start by combining the first 7 ingredients, set aside and refrigerate 1 cup of the mixture for basting. Next, place one oven roasting bag inside another, and place the turkey inside the inner bag then pour in the remaining marinade. Seal the bags, making sure to press out as much air as possible. Turn the bag several times to coat the turkey evenly. Place in a shallow roasting pan and refrigerate overnight. Be sure to turn the bag several times to ensure even marination.
2. First, remove the turkey and drain and discard the marinade. For grilling, prepare your grill for indirect medium heat. Tuck the turkey’s wings under and arrange it breast side down on the grill rack. Cover and grill for 1 hour. On a charcoal grill, add 10 briquettes to the coals and turn the turkey. Baste it with the reserved marinade. Continue cooking covered for 1-1/2 to 2 hours, adding 10 briquettes periodically to maintain heat and basting every 30 minutes, until a thermometer in the thigh reads 170°. After removing the turkey from the grill, tent it with foil and let it stand for 20 minutes before carving.
3. For conventional roasting, follow the same marinating steps overnight. Preheat your oven to 325° and place the turkey on a rack in a large roaster. Bake uncovered for 3 to 3-1/2 hours, or until the thigh’s temperature reaches 170°, basting frequently with the reserved marinade. If the turkey starts to brown, cover it lightly with aluminum foil. Once done, remove it from the oven, tent with foil, and let it stand for 20 minutes before carving. If desired, make gravy from the pan drippings and serve it with the turkey.

Recipe Tips: 

• If you choose to roast your turkey make sure to save the pan drippings for the best tasting gravy. 
• No peeking! While it’s tempting to check on your turkey, it’s best to trust the cooking process and time. If you need to baste the turkey or check its temperature, try to do it quickly and infrequently to minimize the impact on the cooking environment. Opening the oven door cools the oven, which can lead to uneven cooking, moisture loss and even inconsistent browning of the turkey’s skin. 
• Opting to grill? Don’t forget to clean your grill thoroughly before you begin. Built-up crud can give your turkey an off-flavor and is the number one culprit of causing food to stick.