Wandering Chopsticks: Vietnamese Food, Recipes, and More: South African Turkey Rub with Basil, Garlic, and Smoked Paprika

South African Turkey Rub with Basil, Garlic, and Smoked Paprika 1

With two turkeys to prepare for Thanksgiving, I knew one of them would be my standby Salt Rub and Butter Turkey so that meant I could be a little more adventurous with the second turkey.

I found a South African spice blend from Trader Joe's that I liked and decided to pick out the seasonings to add to the usual salt rub. I mean, I could have just used a few spoonfuls of the packaged seasoning, but this way I could control the amount of each spice. Besides, what if you wanted to make this recipe and there's no Trader Joe's near you?

The South African spiced turkey was quite a hit! Actually, my turkeys always are since I discovered the salt rub, but the spiced turkey was particularly so. Mainly I think because the garlic powder and smoked paprika were the standout flavors.

South African Turkey Rub with Basil, Garlic, and Smoked Paprika 2

South African Turkey Rub with Basil, Garlic, and Smoked Paprika

For one turkey, you'll need:
1 tblsp salt per 5 lbs of turkey
1/2 tsp garlic powder per 5 lbs of turkey
1/2 tsp dried basil per 5 lbs of turkey
1/2 tsp Spanish smoked paprika per 5 lbs of turkey

A little bit of spice goes a long way in the turkey rub. I didn't want to overwhelm the flavors of the turkey with too much.

South African Turkey Rub with Basil, Garlic, and Smoked Paprika 3

So for a 20 pound turkey, I used 4 tblsps salt, 2 tsps garlic powder, 2 tsps dried basil, and 2 tsps smoked Spanish paprika.

South African Turkey Rub with Basil, Garlic, and Smoked Paprika 4

Mix the spice blend together and rub all over the outside of the turkey. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and leave in the fridge to brine overnight or for several days.

South African Turkey Rub with Basil, Garlic, and Smoked Paprika 5

Although, these turkeys were dry brined at 8 a.m. the day of Thanksgiving and they turned out just fine. Obviously, more brining time is better, but don't worry too much if you don't get to it until the day of.

South African Turkey Rub with Basil, Garlic, and Smoked Paprika 6

Bake at 425 degrees, breast side down for 45 minutes to an hour or until the turkey looks slightly golden. Flip breast side up, and bake at 350 degrees for another 2 1/2 to 3 hours until done. Took a little finessing to fit two turkeys in my oven at once. I leave the turkeys unstuffed so they cook faster. Remember to let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before you carve it or the meat will by dry.