Hands down, the star of the Thanksgiving meal is the turkey, and there’s nothing worse than a dry, tasteless one. When it comes to a juicy, tasty turkey, the secret is in the seasonings and additional flavored added. Here’s how to perfect the art of making a turkey.
Brine the Turkey
The key to getting juicer meat and crispier skin is to brine the turkey with herbs and two tablespoons of salt. Then put it into a plastic bag and place it in the fridge up to two days in advance.
Change the Spices
Of course turkeys need salt, but to get more flavor use a red rub which has paprika, ground coriander, and garlic powder or a Cajun-style turkey rub which has smoked paprika, celery salt, and onion powder.
Season Everywhere
Make sure you season all the surfaces of the turkey including under the skin. Season with a mixture of softened butter and your favorite spices.
Add Glazes
Glazes can take a turkey from decent to amazing by adding a subtle sweetness and shine. A good glaze to try is one with maple syrup, orange juice, and fresh sage. Use most of the glaze on the turkey before placing it in the oven and save some for when it comes out.
