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How To Marinate Turkey – Our Guide & Marinade Recipe

It’s actually very easy to marinate turkey — just follow this simple recipe and take these easy steps.

Do you want to learn more about how to marinate a turkey? 

There was a time I had no idea how much I’d appreciate a deliciously marinated turkey on my table. In fact, only a few short years ago I had just gotten comfortable with things like marinated steak and marinated salmon — I’m drooling just thinking about them. Because I love marinated meat, and I know you will, too, I’m happy to share a how-to guide and a marinade recipe to show you how delicious your homemade turkey can be!

Marinating meat — from turkey to fish to steak — is a great way to add even more flavor to your meal. (repinanatoly via iStock Photo)

I love turkey any time of the year, so I’m always prepared to make it, even if it’s not cold out. Not everyone is willing to roast a turkey in the summer, and that’s fine — it’s a known traditional holiday dinner staple, therefore many people tend to associate it with wintery months. I hardly have to mention that turkey is all but synonymous with Thanksgiving and even Christmas

Even though we respect that many people want alternatives to turkey for Thanksgiving or want to experiment with some delicious seafood dishes for the big day, we also know that having a delicious turkey is at the top of many people’s lists. (It just so happens to be on mine all the time…)

You may be used to brining your turkey, which is a great way to prepare a juicy turkey. The bonus to marinading your turkey instead of brining it is that it adds so much extra flavor that you may miss out on by only using brine — and we’re big on flavor.

Changing your prep methods may feel daunting, but never fear! Marinating turkey requires minimal effort. Preparing a homemade marinade is quick and easy and uses surprisingly common ingredients that you may already have on hand. As an added bonus to the flavor kick you get with a marinade, you will find that your turkey will be very moist and vibrant — pure poultry perfection if I do say so myself.

Let’s go!

Marinating raw meat with spices and salt in a glass bowl
(VASYL MYKHAILENKO via iStock Photo)

Turkey Marinade Ingredients

For a perfectly seasoned marinated turkey, look no further than these delicious ingredients:

  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup liquid aminos (you can also use soy sauce)
  • ½ cup orange juice without pulp
  • 2 tsp orange zest
  • ½ cup finely chopped parsley
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced chives
  • ¼ cup finely chopped sage leaves
  • 2 Tbsp finely chopped rosemary leaves
  • 1 Tbsp minced garlic cloves
  • 2 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Optional: If you do not have, or do not want to use, fresh herbs and spices, you can substitute with dried herbs and spices. When substituting dried herbs for fresh herbs, use only ½ the amount called for. 

Other common ingredient choices for a delicious marinade on your Thanksgiving turkey or boneless turkey breast include a little lemon juice, lime juice, brown sugar, apple cider or apple cider vinegar, white wine, balsamic vinegar, or chicken broth. You can also vary the kind of salt you use, from seasoning salt to kosher salt. Heck, you can even throw in a cinnamon stick to the marinade!

(Donte Tatum via iStock Photo)

How to Make Turkey Marinade

Measure all the ingredients above, and in a small bowl, whisk until combined.

If you prepared the mixture in advance, refrigerate it before using. Store it in a well-sealed container for up to 4 days, and be sure to shake or stir before marinating, as the ingredients will settle.

Safety tip: Do not save or reuse leftover marinade that has been exposed to raw meat.

Our turkey marinade recipe serves about 12. Check out our guide for how much turkey you should have at your dinner table, depending on your amount of guests. We also thought ahead for all aspects of your Thanksgiving meal with our complete Thanksgiving dinner portion planner guide, which takes all the guesswork out of planning what, and how much, to make for the big day.

Close-up of black man carving roasted turkey during Thanksgiving meal at dining table.
(Drazen Zigic via iStock Photo)

How to Marinade Turkey

Timing is everything! Before you begin this process, be sure to follow our helpful guide to determine how long it takes to defrost a turkey. A turkey can only be marinated if it is raw or fully thawed.

Place your raw or thawed turkey in a large shallow roasting pan, large rimmed baking sheet, or shallow baking dish.

Pour the marinade over the whole bird. It should cover the bottom of the roasting pan. Rub the marinade to coat the entire bird’s exterior.

For best results, loosen the skin and rub some marinade between the separated skin and the meat.

Marinating between the skin and the meat will allow for more marinade to absorb, and more flavors to transfer. This way, the turkey meat will be perfectly seasoned — and not just the skin!

Allow the turkey to rest in the marinade for up to 24 hours in the fridge. The USDA recommends allowing a turkey to marinate for 6 to 24 hours. Since we’ve already addressed how long an uncooked turkey lasts in the fridge, we recommend marinating yours for 12 hours. After all, you want your turkey to be as fresh as possible!

Before cooking, you may choose to remove any large pieces of herbs or garlic from the turkey to prevent burning during cooking. Discard marinade that’s left over.

Cook the turkey as desired and enjoy!

(bhofack2 via iStock Photo)

Tip: Learn how to marinate frozen chicken!

Our Best Methods, Tips, and Tricks for Cooking Turkey

Looking for different ways to cook turkey and a range of turkey recipes? We’re on it!

Whether you want to know how long to roast a turkey or read about a very easy way to prepare sous vide turkey breast, we’ve thought of all things turkey so you don’t have to!

If you’re looking to serve turkey quickly without a lot of fuss, or if you have a smaller group and want to cook less turkey, we strongly suggest considering spatchcocked, smoked turkeys.

Maybe you want your tender turkey to fit in with a theme — one of the most popular Thanksgiving menu plans these days is the traditional Southern Thanksgiving vibe, and as a region known for hospitality, delicious foods, and satisfied guests, we’re really not surprised.

However you choose to cook your turkey, carving it will be key. With our useful how-to guide, make sure you learn the best method for carving a turkey.

Are you stuck wondering how to thaw a turkey when you have to plan to go from the freezer to dinner plate in just a few hours? Look no further! We have a guide for safely prepping your turkey just in time.

And maybe you’ve got it all covered, but you want to try your hand at a classic turkey neck gravy recipe. No problem — we love our tried-and-true recipe, and so will you.

Now for the leftovers! We have 11 awesome ways to use Thanksgiving leftovers that you’ll want to check out before you’re sick and tired of the same old thing for 3 days in a row!

Putting the turkey on the Thanksgiving table
(Svetlana_nsk via iStock Photo)

What To Serve With Turkey

Good hosts aim to serve their guests something delicious that pairs well with the main dish. Even your family or partner will love that you took the time to think about how to serve the perfect, flavorful dinner!

Check out these great resources:

When all else fails, check out our favorite side dishes that bring the best flavor to a typical Thanksgiving dinner)! 

People holding up glasses of wine and smiling for a Thanksgiving toast
(Drazen Zigic via iStock Photo)