Roast Turkey with Spicy Rub

A whole, unstuffed turkey is heavily coated in a spicy, south-of-the-border-style rub and marinated in the refrigerator for a minimum of 12 hours to overnight prior to roasting with extremely flavorful results.

Recipe Ingredients:

Spicy Rub:
3 tablespoons firmly packed light brown sugar
3 tablespoons kosher salt or sea salt
3 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
2 teaspoons roasted cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

1 (12 to 14-pound) Butterball® Turkey
6 tablespoons light olive oil - divided use

Cooking Directions:

1. For Spicy Rub: Combine all ingredients except turkey and oil. Blend well. (May be prepared 2 to 3 days in advance. Store mixture in an airtight container at room temperature.)
2. Remove neck and giblets from body and neck cavities of turkey; refrigerate for another use or discard. Drain juices from turkey; pat dry with paper towels. Turn wings back to hold neck skin in place. Return legs to the tucked position, if untucked. Place turkey, breast side up, on flat rack in shallow roasting pan.
3. Brush outside of the turkey with half of oil; rub outside and inside cavity with spice mixture. Cover and refrigerate 12 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
5. Brush spiced turkey with remaining 3 tablespoons oil.
6. Bake approximately 3 hours*, or until meat thermometer reaches 180°F (approximately 85°C) when inserted in thickest part of thigh. Remove turkey from oven.
7. Let turkey stand 15 minutes before carving.

Makes 12 to 14 servings.

*Follow cooking times according to package directions; times vary by size of turkey.

Tip: For a spicier rub, increase crushed red pepper to 1 tablespoon and add 1 or 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Butterball®; through ECES, Inc., Electronic Color Editorial Services.