When it comes to Thanksgiving, turkey is the star of the meal. But cooking a turkey that isn’t tasteless and dry comes down to the seasonings. Leaning how to season turkey and knowing what flavors to add to the turkey is a great way to make the holiday protein more exciting and tasty. Here are some tips for what herbs and spices go best with turkey.
Brine Your Turkey
Maximize the flavor of your turkey and get juicier meat and crispier skin by brining it with herbs and two tablespoons of salt and putting it into a plastic bag before putting it in the fridge. You can season your turkey the night before or up to two days in advance.
Switch Up the Spices
In addition to salt, you can amp up the flavor of the turkey with Cajun-style turkey rub, which has smoked paprika, celery salt, and onion powder, or a red rub, which has paprika, ground coriander, and garlic powder.
Put Seasoning Everywhere
The seasoning needs to be on all parts of the turkey, not just on the surface. Stir your favorite spices and fresh herbs into softened butter and rub it all over the turkey and under the skin.
Add Glazes
Glazes give the bird a subtle sweetness and shine. Go for a combination of maple syrup, orange juice, and fresh sage. Brush most of the turkey with the glaze and save a bit for when it comes out of the oven.
