Rubs, marinades and sauces can deliver a lot of seasoning to the surface of your bird but only sink in a few measly millimeters. Brining does a better job, but requires planning ahead and takes up valuable real estate in your fridge. We’ve found that the best way to add flavor and moisture to your turkey is by injecting it. The OXO Flavor Injector(Opens in a new window) adds marinades, brines, butter and other flavorings directly into meat or poultry in seconds.
How to Inject a Turkey
Fill the flavor injector with your favorite brine or marinade and insert it into the breast and thighs of the turkey. If your brine or marinade has any solid components (i.e. spices or herbs), use the larger needle. Otherwise, the small needle should do. Plus, get more tips on how to use a meat marinade injector.
What to Inject a Turkey With
It’s an easy equation: for a 15 lb turkey, combine 2 cups of liquid and/or fat + 1 Tbs of Kosher salt. Then add seasonings of your choice. Here are a couple variations to get your creative juices flowing. Trust us—once you go butter, you’ll never go back.
1. Basic Brine
Liquid: Chicken stock
Additions: 1 tsp sugar
2. Butter & Beer
Liquid: butter + beer
Additions: Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, soy sauce
3. Herby Turkey
Liquid: butter + chicken stock
Additions: rosemary, sage & thyme
4. Italian
Liquid: chicken stock + olive oil + red wine vinegar
Additions: Italian seasoning + splash of balsamic
5. Spicy & Smoky
Liquid: butter +white wine + chicken stock + orange juice
Additions: ground Aleppo pepper or paprika (smoked or regular)
6. Brown Sugar & Mustard
Liquid: water + brown sugar +mustard
Additions: cayenne pepper, garlic powder, thyme
OXO Good Tip: Save dried out cornbread or muffins by injecting them with maple syrup & butter!
Ready to get cooking? Learn how to spatchcock your Thanksgiving turkey, and get a lesson on the best way to carve a turkey.
Want more great Thanksgiving ideas? Check out these easy make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes and ideas for what to make with Thanksgiving leftovers.
Zoe Mikhailovich is a guest contributor on the blog, and part of OXO’s Tools and Gadgets team.
