
Spice-Rubbed Turkey Recipe
This aromatic spice rub gives turkey a deliciously seasoned boost with little effort, leaving the skin beautifully golden and crisp.

Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare the Turkey (Up to 24 Hours Ahead):
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- Remove the giblets from the turkey (keep them for gravy, if desired).
- Pat the turkey dry with kitchen paper and pluck out any stray feathers using tweezers.
- Weigh the turkey to calculate the cooking time. Allow 30–35 minutes per kilogram. Place the turkey in a large roasting tin.
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Make the Spice Rub:
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- Use a pestle and mortar or spice grinder to coarsely crush the black peppercorns and torn bay leaves.
- Add the salt and grind until fine. Mix in the brown sugar, mustard powder, garlic granules, and paprika.
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Season the Turkey:
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- Rub the spice mix all over the turkey, including inside the cavity and under the neck flap.
- Cover the turkey with foil and refrigerate if preparing more than 1 hour ahead (up to 24 hours).
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Before Cooking:
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- Take the turkey out of the fridge about 1 hour before roasting to bring it to room temperature.
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan) or Gas Mark 5
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Roast the Turkey:
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- Roast the turkey according to the calculated time. Remove the foil for the final 45 minutes to achieve a golden, crisp finish.
- Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the breast – the juices should run clear. If not, continue roasting and check every 10 minutes. For precise results, use a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should reach at least 72°C.
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Rest the Turkey:
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- Transfer the turkey to a board and cover with foil. Place a few tea towels over the top to retain heat. Let it rest in a warm spot for 30 minutes to 1¼ hours.
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Serve:
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- Unwrap the turkey and transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh bay leaves, if desired.
- Serve alongside your favorite sides and gravy, using the resting juices for extra flavor.
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Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 218kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 6g10%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Total Carbohydrate 2g1%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 39g78%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.