If you are wondering how to make the most juicy, flavorful and tender turkey (no matter how you cook it), look no further – you have found the magic right here! It will bring all the best flavor to a roast turkey breast, turkey tenderloin or a whole turkey – either way this simple marinade is going to bring that bird to the next level for Thanksgiving dinner. It has so many great flavors and the oil & juices really keep the turkey meat juicy no matter what turkey recipe you make (we love our smoked turkey and smoked turkey breast SO much)!
Looking to Add Even More Flavor?
If you love a flavorful turkey as much as we do, you definitely need to try our Turkey Seasoning too!
Key Ingredients + Substitutions
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, and estimated nutritional information.
- olive oil – option to sub avocado oil, if you prefer.
- soy sauce – feel free to use coconut aminos or tamari to make this a gluten-free marinade.
- zest – the combination of lemon zest and orange zest is so light and refreshing! It can’t be missed!
What’s The Difference Between Brining & Marinating
Brining a turkey is an effective way to add more moisture, where marinating provides some moisture but it is more about the great flavors for a delicious turkey! When you brine meat it is typically a longer process (12-48 hours) and marinating meat is a much shorter process (only about 30-60 minutes). If you are interested in using a turkey brine you should definitely checkout Brining a Turkey 101! It is full of great tips and tricks!
How To Make a Turkey Marinade
How Should I Prep Turkey Before Marinating
First, you will want to make sure that the frozen turkey you are using (whole, breast, tenderloin, etc.) is fully thawed. If you need tips on how to do this take a look at our post on How to Thaw A Turkey. Once you know it is fully thawed, all you have to do is pat it dry.
How Long Can Turkey Marinate
For best results, let the turkey marinate for about 30-60 minutes before cooking. It can marinate in the fridge overnight but this marinade contains quite a bit of citrus which might start cooking the meat slightly if it sits for too long. So we highly recommend sticking to a shorter marinate time.
Best Ways To Cook Turkey After Marinating
You can cook a marinated turkey (whole, breast, or tenderloin) any way you want! Personally, for a whole bird we love Grilled Turkey, Smoked Turkey, or the classic Roasted Turkey. If you have a smaller crowd, use the marinade on a Roast Turkey Breast or Slow Cooker Turkey Breast. It can even be used to add flavor to Smoked Turkey Wings or Smoked Turkey Legs!
Recipe FAQs and Tips
- Can you freeze turkey in the marinade? Yes! You can place your raw turkey and marinade in a freezer safe bag (we love stasher bags) and store it in the freezer for up to 6-9 months before thawing and cooking. This is a great way to have to ready to go when you have that turkey craving!
- Larger Batch: if you are using this marinade on large turkey, you may want make a double or even triple batch! These calculations can automatically be done in the recipe card by clicking 2x or 3x.
Made this recipe and loved it?!
We would love it if you would take a minute and leave a star rating and review – it is also helpful if you made any substitutions or changes to the recipe to share that as well. THANK YOU!
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Turkey Marinade Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Marinate Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3/4 cup 1x
- Category: Marinade
- Method: Counter Top
- Cuisine: American
Description
The BEST turkey marinade recipe that works with turkey breast, turkey tenderloins or a whole turkey! So flavorful!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
- 1–2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Mix: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl; whisk to combine.
- Marinate Turkey: Pat turkey dry with paper towels. Place turkey in an appropriate-sized container or large plastic bag (depending upon whether you are using a turkey breast, tenderloin or whole turkey) and pour the marinade over the top. Ensure turkey is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate. Let marinate 30-60 minutes.
- Cook Turkey: feel free to use any cooking method you want! We love smoked turkey, grilled turkey and traditional roasted turkey!
Notes
- Amount: when marinating a whole turkey, feel free to double/triple the recipe as-needed.
- Gluten-Free: simply switch out the soy sauce for coconut aminos or tamari.
- Marinade Time: the citrus flavors in this recipe are the perfect compliment to the turkey but the maximum marinade time should be about 60 minutes. If it sits longer than that, the citrus might start to breakdown the turkey meat.
Angela W Broyles says
this is easy and delicious!
Kristine Hill says
Best marinade! Using it in Chechen breasts today.
Nancy says
I left out the herbs, but used everything else. Also was careful not to over cook. So delicious and flavorful. Even my non Turkey loving family enjoyed it!
Erin says
So glad you enjoyed it, Nancy!
Jill says
If roasting Turkey tenderloins in the oven after marinating, how long and at what temperature?
Erin says
Hi Jill – head over to this recipe for those instructions: https://thewoodenskillet.com/turkey-tenderloin/
Emily says
This was amazing!