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How to make a moist and flavorful turkey for Thanksgiving. Rub down your turkey with a mixture of butter, thyme, sage and rosemary before cooking.
Turkey is scared in our family. Before we go over anyones house we will often ask how are you cooking it? I know there is a lot of hype about brining a turkey but have you tried an herb butter turkey rub?
How to make an herb butter turkey rub. Rub down your turkey with a mixture of butter, thyme, sage and rosemary before cooking for a moist and flavorful turkey perfect for Thanksgiving.
Looking for a turkey brine recipe? Check out this one here.
Want to make homemade turkey bone broth? Check out this recipe.
Favorite way to cook a turkey
My favorite way to cook a whole turkey is in an air fryer. Did you know you could air fry a turkey? I have the Masterbuilt outdoor air fryer it makes the best turkey I have ever had! If you are thinking about air frying a turkey check out how I do it here.
You should also try this apple sausage stuffing. It is truly the best stuffing I have ever had.
How to make herb butter for turkey
I use this same method and her butter recipe for turkey when I am roasting a turkey in the oven or air frying a whole turkey. I like to make an herb butter. In order to do this I grab a fresh pack of poultry seasoning in the produce aisle. It contains thyme, rosemary and sage. Chop those up finely and mix into 1.5 sticks of softened butter with salt and pepper.
I use just about one stick for under the turkey skin and the remainder on the outside of the turkey. I also add salt and pepper to the outside of the turkey.
Prep the turkey
The first thing you will need to do to prep the turkey is make sure that it is thawed. This can take a few days. Once the turkey is thawed remove the neck and giblets.
Should I put butter under the skin of my turkey?
Yes! Adding a layer of butter under the skin of the turkey not only adds flavor but it also adds moisture. Whether you are roasting your turkey or air frying it I highly suggest using this technique.
How to put butter under turkey skin
Adding butter under the skin insures you will have a moist and juicy turkey. It also helps flavor the turkey. In order to do this you need to carefully and gently loosen the skin away from the turkey breast and legs using your hand. Make sure not to rip the skin this is important for keeping the moisture in. You are creating pockets so you can spread the butter all over your turkey. I promise you this is the most difficult part of the recipe but take your time with it.
Herb butter turkey rub ingredients
Herb butter turkey rub ingredients- 3/4 Cup of Butter Softened (1.5 Sticks)
- 2 Tablespoons of Chopped Fresh Thyme
- 1 Tablespoon of Chopped Fresh Sage
- 1 Tablespoon of Chopped Fresh Rosemary
- Salt and Pepper
Herb Butter Turkey Rub
How to make an herb butter turkey rub. Rub down your turkey with a mixture of butter, thyme, sage and rosemary before cooking.
Ingredients
- 3/4 Cup of Butter Softened (1.5 Sticks)
- 2 Tablespoons of Chopped Fresh Thyme
- 1 Tablespoon of Chopped Fresh Sage
- 1 Tablespoon of Chopped Fresh Rosemary
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Thaw the turkey according to the instructions on the package. Remove neck and giblets.
- Combine softened butter, herbs and salt and pepper.
- Carefully and gently loosen the skin away from the turkey breast and legs using your hand. Make sure not to rip the skin this is important for keeping the moisture in. You are creating pockets so you can spread the butter all over your turkey. I use just about one stick for under the turkey skin and the remainder on the outside of the turkey. I also add salt and pepper to the outside of the turkey.
- Cook turkey according to your cooking method. Check out how to air fry a turkey here.
- When the turkeys internal temperature is at 165 degrees the turkey is done.
- Let turkey rest for at least 15 minutes.
- Carve and Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Fiber: 0gSugar: 0g
Do you think it would be OK to o spread the butter the night before. I can see Reasons for not doing the day before. You find this method better than the injectable you can buy in the stores. Have you ever used both
Definitely ok to do the night before. Just take the turkey out of the fridge that morning and let it sit for a bit before cooking.