Best Dry Rub for Smoked Turkey

5 from 1 vote

Best Dry Rub for Smoked Turkey

This is the best dry rub for smoked turkey, made with brown sugar, Cajun seasoning, garlic, onion, and more! It’s perfect for a smoked Thanksgiving turkey, whether you’re cooking a whole bird, turkey breasts, wings, or legs.

Prep Time10

Total Time10

Course: Seasonings

Cuisine: American

Servings: cups

Calories: 802kcal

Author: Krysten Wilkes & Marrekus Wilkes

Equipment

Small mixing bowl
Whisk
Storage container with tight fitting lid or a ziploc bag, for storage

Ingredients

½ cup light brown sugar
½ cup granulated honey
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning or Creole seasoning
2 teaspoons granulated garlic
2 teaspoons granulated onion
2 teaspoons coarse black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Start by measuring out all the ingredients into a small mixing bowl.
Whisk everything together until the ingredients are evenly combined and there are no clumps.
Transfer dry rub into an airtight container, like a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or a resealable plastic bag. Store it in a cool, dry place, like a pantry or cupboard, to keep the flavors fresh.
Before smoking, pat turkey dry with paper towels.
Generously season turkey all over, making sure to get under the skin and inside the cavity if you're using a whole bird. Pat seasoning onto turkey with your hands to help it stick.
Smoke turkey at your desired temperature and time until it reaches the right internal temperature (typically around 165°F in the thickest part of the breast).

Notes

If you have any leftover dry rub, store in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry place. Make sure to label the container with the name and date, so you know how long it’s been stored. Proper storage will help the rub last for a few months.
Make sure turkey is completely dry before applying the rub.
Lift the skin of the turkey and rub seasoning directly onto the meat. Be sure to also season the inside cavity if using a whole turkey.
Combine with a wet brine or injection for even more flavor and moisture.
Feel free to tweak the spices to suit your taste. If you like more heat, add some cayenne or extra Cajun seasoning. If you prefer a more savory rub, reduce the amount of sugar and increase the garlic and onion granules.

Nutrition