The BEST Turkey Marinade recipe that works with a boneless turkey breast, turkey tenderloin or a whole turkey! A flavorful combination of olive oil, fresh herbs, spices and citrus – it is the perfect way to elevate your Thanksgiving turkey!
The BEST Turkey Marinade
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!
What You Will Need
- olive oil – a perfect base to any meat marinade!
- orange juice – provides moisture to make the most juicy turkey, plus some really great citrus flavor!
- lemon juice – just a little to help bring out all the great flavors.
- soy sauce – if you want to make this gluten-free just sub with coconut aminos or tamari.
- kosher salt & pepper – necessary when seasoning or marinating any meat.
- dried thyme leaves, rubbed sage, & garlic powder – dry ingredients that give a great flavor combination for any classic turkey.
- fresh lemon zest & fresh orange zest – a little bit of each for another hint of those great citrus flavors.
- garlic cloves – everything is just better with a little garlic!
- other add-ins – a little rosemary, oregano or onion powder would also be good here!
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
The first steps to marinating fresh turkey is to make sure the cut of turkey is completely thawed. Now, pat the thawed turkey dry with clean paper towels.
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.
Next, place all of the simple ingredients for the marinade in a large bowl. Whisk to fully combine.
Place the turkey in a large enough baking dish to hold the turkey & marinade (a brining bag would work too). Pour the marinade over the top, coating all parts of the turkey.
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.
After it has marinated for 30-60 minutes, it is time to cook it any way you want! Discard the leftover marinade.
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.
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Brining A Turkey 101
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Turkey Marinade
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinate Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3/4 cup 1x
- Category: Marinade
- Method: Stove 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
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
- 1–2 teaspoons garlic, minced
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a small bowl; whisk to combine.
- Pat turkey dry with paper towel. Place turkey in an appropriate-sized container or large plastic bag (depending upon whether you are using a breast, tenderloin or whole turkey) and pour marinade over top. Ensure turkey is fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate. Let marinate 30-60 minutes.
- Cook turkey any way you want! We love smoked turkey, grilled turkey and traditional roasted turkey!
Notes
- Amount: if you are doing a whole turkey feel free to double/triple the marinade recipe as-needed.
- Gluten-Free: to make gluten-free simply switch out the soy sauce for coconut aminos or tamari.
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!