12 best turkey marinades

Turkey marinades are flavorful mixtures used to enhance the taste and tenderness of turkey meat, making it more succulent and delicious. Marinades are typically composed of various ingredients, including herbs, spices, liquids, and acids, and they can be used to infuse flavor into turkey in several ways, such as injection, soaking, or coating. Below are some essential aspects of turkey marinades and related tools and utensils:

  1. Injection Marinades: Injector tools are used to infuse marinades directly into the turkey's meat. These tools have a needle or multiple needles that allow you to inject the marinade deep into the turkey, ensuring that it's evenly distributed. This method is particularly useful for larger cuts of turkey, like whole turkeys or turkey breasts.

  2. Ingredients: Turkey marinades can vary widely in terms of flavor and ingredients. Common components include olive oil, vinegar, citrus juice, herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or sage), spices (such as paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper), and sweeteners (like honey or brown sugar). The choice of ingredients depends on your personal taste and the flavor profile you want to achieve.

  3. Marinating Time: The duration of marinating depends on the thickness and size of the turkey pieces. For smaller cuts, a few hours in the refrigerator may be sufficient, while a whole turkey might benefit from overnight marinating to absorb the flavors fully.

  4. Safety: When using marinades, it's essential to follow food safety guidelines. Keep the turkey and marinade in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth, and never reuse marinade that has come into contact with raw poultry.

  5. Kitchen Utensils and Gadgets: In addition to injectors, other kitchen tools that can be helpful for turkey marinades include mixing bowls, measuring cups, and basting brushes for applying marinade to the turkey's surface during cooking.

  6. Flavor Variations: Turkey marinades can be customized to match different cuisines and preferences.For example, you can create a spicy marinade with chili peppers and hot sauce for a Cajun-style turkey or opt for a citrus-infused marinade with lemon and herbs for a Mediterranean twist.

  7. Cooking Methods: Turkey marinated with a flavorful mixture can be cooked using various methods, including roasting, grilling, smoking, or frying. The cooking method you choose will further influence the turkey's taste and texture.

  8. Resting: After cooking, allow the turkey to rest for a few minutes before carving. This helps redistribute juices, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.

  9. Accompaniments: Consider serving your marinated turkey with complementary side dishes like stuffing, cranberry sauce, or roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded meal.

Overall, turkey marinades and the tools used in their preparation are versatile and allow for creative culinary experimentation. By choosing the right ingredients and techniques, you can transform a simple turkey into a mouthwatering centerpiece for your meal.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best turkey marinades on the market
  

King Kooker 96048 16-Ounce Garlic Butter With Herbs Injectable Marinade

Based on 201 reviews Check latest price

Product description

King kooker garlic butter with herbs injectable marinade, 16-Ounce

  • Garlic Butter with Herbs Injectable Marinade
  • 16-Ounce container
  • Inject your holiday turkey with King Kooker Garlic Butter with Herbs Marinade for moist delicious flavor
  • Marinate your pork, beef or poultry for moist buttery flavor

User questions & answers

Question: Can you use this for an oven baked turkey
Answer: I’m not sure that it uses casing. It is made for more jerky than slim jims
Question: Anyone try it when smoking a turkey
Answer: The tube is plastic and the nozzles are metal. Works great. Love mine
Question: Is this for garlic bread
Answer: Of course! Fix sausage cover on the round nozzle after loading the meat and then squeeze the handle. This sausage maker stuffer is made of food-grade material.
Question: is it spicy
Answer: You can use lean meat, suc as beef, pork, elk, deer, turkey, and other types of wild game. By the way, It can hold 1 pound each tube.

Tony Chachere Injectable Marinades with Injector, Creole Style Butter, 3 Count

Tony Chachere's

Based on 202 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Are you tired of the same ole' flavored meats?. Get ready for a tender and juicy taste. Use our creole butter marinade as a basting sauce or inject your meat of choice right before cooking it.

  • Contains 3 - 17 ounce marinades
  • Tender, juicy taste
  • Injectable marinade
  • Tony chachere's makes everything taste great

User questions & answers

Question: Do you guys add salt or any other seasoning to this? The last time I bought this one, I felt that it wasnt seasoned at all
Answer: Yes i did a few times its delicious. Injected the whole botle of 16 oz. It was not over poweing. It had a good hint of the flavor. We thought it was great. I injected the thighs breast legs. Good eating. Hope this helps
Question: can this bacon honey barbecue be used to marinade a turkey
Answer: NO, IT'S TO INJECT INTO TURKEYS.
Question: Why does it say 3 count
Answer: no the one I got was not spicy at all just butter and garlic it was really good

Product features

Simply, the Best way to Marinate.

Are you tired of the same ole' dried out Turkey, Chicken, Pork & Beef Roast? Get ready for the most tender and juicy Turkey or Roast ever! Use our Creole Butter Marinade to inject directly into your Turkey before cooking it. Great for Frying, Smoking or Baking.

Tony Cacheres Creole Style Butter Injectable Marinade and Injector

Tony Chachare's

Based on 253 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Order early. This product goes quickly from the middle of October until end of holiday season. Everyone in the south uses Tony's in their holiday receipe. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Eve. It's delicous

  • The only way to cook a turkey for Thanksgiving.
  • Use this marinade for roasting, baking, smoking, or frying
  • Cajun delight

User questions & answers

Question: Is it gluten free
Answer: Inject bird of choice thoroughly. Pour some inside n out. Put Morton’s Nature’s Seasoning n garlic (not salt) inside n outside. Add smoked paprika to outside for color n flavor. Been doing for years. Everybody loves it.
Question: What are the ingredients
Answer: I think it might make the turkey too sweet. For turkey, I use the creole marinade.
Question: Is this a 2-pack
Answer: Because there’s three containers in a package.
Question: Is this spicy? I don’t mind spicy food, but some of My guests might not like it if it’s too spicy
Answer: You bet. It works great in the oven and in deep fried turkeys.

Tony Chacheres Creole Style Butter Marinade 17oz

Tony Chachere's

Based on 726 reviews Check latest price

Product description

In the 70's the ole master mixed his first recipe for an injectable marinade . Today his years of knowledge culminates in his creole injectable marinades .

  • 17 Ounce Bottle and Injector

User questions & answers

Question: Does this marinade contain MSG
Answer: It doesn’t state Gluten Free and I usually always avoid anything that states “natural flavors “ I’m extremely Gluten Sensitive and my sister used the Garlic Butter injectable on a prime rib and I had absolutely no reaction at all so I’m going to say Yes it’s probably Gluten Free or I would have known within 15-20 minutes! It also made the prime rib fabulous!
Question: Everybody is talkilng turkey, Im thinking mostly of Johnsonville Brats any recommendations
Answer: water,salt,dried red chilli peppers, chilli powder, garlic, soybean oil, xantham gum, citric acid, natural butter flavor, sodium phosphate, calcium disodium...... really made the turkey and chickens I have injected in very moist and good tasting.
Question: Can you marinate chicken pieces before baking
Answer: no...but used on 2 turkeys for Thanksgiving, and on two roasting chickens after that. really good results
Question: Is this just one bottle
Answer: Not spicy at all. Great flavor

King Kooker 96348 Deep Fried Turkey Seasoning Pack

King Kooker

Based on 210 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Metal Fusion King Cooker is a deep fried turkey seasoning that is packed with mouth-watering flavors turning any deep fried turkey into a deliciously irresistible meal. Includes 16oz garlic butter with herbs injectable marinade, 7 oz Cajun seasoning and an easy-to-use marinade injector.

  • 16oz garlic butter with herbs injectable marinade
  • 7 oz Cajun seasoning
  • Easy-to-use marinade injector
  • King kooker deep fried turkey seasoning pack
  • This pack contains one of each of the seasoning components you need to prepare turkey for your holiday feast served up the king kooker way
  • 1 16-Ounce King Kooker Garlic butter injectable marinade
  • 1 7-Ounce Cajun seasoning
  • 1 1-Ounce Marinade injector

User questions & answers

Question: This good for oil less fryer
Answer: My brother in law is a big guy. Not sure exactly what size glove he wears, but he wears a 12 shoe. He's about 6' 3", 260. These gloves fit him well. And, he loves them.
Question: What size turkey is this good for? Just wondering if i should get 1 or 2. I usually make anywhere from a 21 to 25 lb turkey
Answer: Dear Customer, Sorry, we currently offer one size fit all, we will offer more size in the future. RAPICCA INC.
Question: What are all the ingredients
Answer: From description on the product's page. Extremely easy to clean - The flexible waterproof neoprene coating on this glove is resistant to heat, grease, oil, water and stains even chemical liquid, just wash the gloves with a little soap, and hang them to dry, no oil or stains left, pleasure to use
Question: what is the expiration date on this and what size turkey would use a whole bottle? How long would it lasts in the frig after opening
Answer: I'm so sorry that people answered you so horribly! I don't know the answer to your question. I do know that everyone mis-speaks sometimes. I also know that 40% of our country struggles with reading and writing because it is not taught correctly im most schools.

Zatarain's Cajun Injectors Creole Butter Recipe Injectable Marinade with Injector, 16 oz

Zatarain's

Based on 615 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The name says it all. Fat free Creole Butter Injectable Marinade for chicken, pork, turkey, & lamb. A buttery concoction with just the right amount of spice.

  • Buttery, Creole-seasoned marinade – Original Injector included
  • Inject into chicken, pork or turkey
  • Delivers tender, juicy meat full of bold flavor
  • Marinates in minutes from the inside of meat out
  • Quick, three-step injecting process: assemble needle, pull marinade into needle, inject

User questions & answers

Question: Is it medium Spicy or ? Can’t have heat
Answer: I didn’t think it was very spicy. A little heat- not overbearing. I used it for a Turkey Breast. Made it very flavorful!
Question: Can I use this on a pot roast- in slow cooker
Answer: I haven't tried it with a roast but I am definitely going to try it and next I can give an honest answer. Give it a try, can't hurt.

Product features

Keeping it Real Since 1889

We were born and raised in New Orleans, so we hold all of our products to our hometown’s high standard of flavor. For over 130 years, we’ve been cooking up fun and flavorful recipes to bring the one-of-a-kind spirit of NOLA to every kitchen.

A Little Somethin’ for Everyone

We know making a meal that everyone in the family will love can be tricky. So work smarter, not harder with our wide variety of dinner mixes like jambalaya, gumbo, and even pasta dishes. No messin’ or fussin’ - Zatarain’s makes it easy.

Make Every Day Zaturday

At Zatarain’s, we know there’s no room at the dinner table for bland or boring. That’s why we give you what you need to spice up your meals with any one of our rice or pasta sides, breadings or boils.

Your Secret Ingredient

Whether you’re spicing up a crawfish boil in Baton Rouge or whipping up a Tuesday night family meal in Chicago, you can count on Zatarain’s. It’s the can’t-miss ingredient for bringing authentic NOLA flavor to any dish on your table.

Tony Chachere Injectable Marinade Variety Pack, Butter Jalapeno and Roasted Garlic, 3 Count

Tony Chachere's

Based on 438 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Get ready for a tender and juicy taste. Use our injectable as a basting sauce or inject your meat of choice right before cooking it.

  • Contains: butter, jalapeno, roasted garlic
  • Tender, juicy taste
  • Injectable marinade
  • Tony chachere's makes everything taste great

User questions & answers

Question: Do you get
Answer: About the product Contains: (2) butter, (1) roasted garlic
Question: Does the injector get clogged with spices
Answer: Never. I have been using this for over 10 years this same brand and it has never gotten clogged. I always wash the syringe after use if I don’t use the entire bottle. This makes everything taste better
Question: Does this product come with an injector
Answer: Yes sir. Each bottle has a nice injector attached.
Question: Is it gluten free
Answer: There is a list of ingredients on the product page...

Tony Chacheres, Butter Creole, 17 Ounce

Tony Chachere's

Based on 141 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Use this marinade to inject your "bird" this season with a wonderful creole cuisine flavor..........................

  • Meals

User questions & answers

Question: if using this for a Normal size chicken for a family dinner do you use the entire bottle? If not can you store the remainder in the refrigerator
Answer: Yes. Look at the item description. 1 17 Oz Bottle. You can order packs of 2 or 3 at a cheaper price per bottle by searching.

World Harbors Marinade Maine's Own Lemon Pepper & Garlic (Pack of 2)

World Harbors

Based on 128 reviews Check latest price
  • Use as a Sauce or Marinade
  • 2

User questions & answers

Question: What's the sodium content
Answer: Yes .. better to do it before than after!

Zatarain's Cajun Injectors Creole Butter Recipe Injectable Marinade with Injector, 16 oz

Zatarain's

Based on 308 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Cajun Injector 21953 creole butter. Marinade w/Injector. This product is manufactured in United States. Food products, marinades & seasonings.

  • Cajun Injector 21953 creole butter
  • Marinade w/injector
  • Manufactured in United States

User questions & answers

Question: How long before you fry a Turkey do you inject it
Answer: Not sure, bottles no longer here to read, sorry.
Question: Is this spicy
Answer: I wouldn’t use the entire bottle and I’d follow any directions on the bottles label regarding storage. Possibly freeze the remainder for longer storage.
Question: Does the injector come with needles? mine did not and seems pretty useless otherwise
Answer: It states on the front of the bottle...No MSG.
Question: Is this product gluten free
Answer: We injected our turkey with it. Also a couple weeks ago we made a foil pocket, put some in the foil pocket with shrimp and lobster. Then put the foil pocket on the grill, it tasted good. I guess you could cook brats in it too.

Product features

Keeping it Real Since 1889

We were born and raised in New Orleans, so we hold all of our products to our hometown’s high standard of flavor. For over 130 years, we’ve been cooking up fun and flavorful recipes to bring the one-of-a-kind spirit of NOLA to every kitchen.

A Little Somethin’ for Everyone

We know making a meal that everyone in the family will love can be tricky. So work smarter, not harder with our wide variety of dinner mixes like jambalaya, gumbo, and even pasta dishes. No messin’ or fussin’ - Zatarain’s makes it easy.

Make Every Day Zaturday

At Zatarain’s, we know there’s no room at the dinner table for bland or boring. That’s why we give you what you need to spice up your meals with any one of our rice or pasta sides, breadings or boils.

Your Secret Ingredient

Whether you’re spicing up a crawfish boil in Baton Rouge or whipping up a Tuesday night family meal in Chicago, you can count on Zatarain’s. It’s the can’t-miss ingredient for bringing authentic NOLA flavor to any dish on your table.

Cajun Injector 22174.01606 Lemon Butter Garlic Marinade

Cajun Injector

Based on 195 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Great on all types of meat. We knew we were onto something great when we introduced a new way to marinate by blending premium ingredients, including fine herbs, and select spices. Our marinades impart flavor deep inside the meat. Today, flavor infusion is one of the hottest trends in the food industry. Cajun Injector is the only brand of injectable marinade that is slow-cooked so watch out for imitations. Deep injection techniques are what made us famous, but quality ingredients and innovative processing procedures are what keep our customers coming back and discovering new flavors of marinades. As we like to say "Special Occasions Taste Better with Cajun Injector". No Fat, No Waiting and No Waste. With Cajun Injector you marinate in minutes, not hours. And with Cajun Injector you can try a variety of flavors developed specifically for turkey, chicken, beef, pork, or wild game to make the best meals you’ve ever tasted. Cajun Injector is both The Original and America’s Favorite Injectable Marinade. Try Cajun Injector -- leading the way to flavor great meals with our complete line of premium-blended injectable marinades.

  • Great on all types of meat
  • 16 fluid ounces
  • Serves as a tenderizer and flavor enhancer
  • A tangy blend of lemon, butter, and Garlic that will leave your Mouth watering
  • For marinating and injecting; Use with an original cajun marinade injector (not included)

User questions & answers

Question: What are the ingredients (I especially need to check the spices to make sure there are no nightshades
Answer: Cajun Injector Creole Butter marinades in minutes. You can fry your turkey 15-20 minutes after injecting. ~ Erica
Question: where is the ingredient list
Answer: Cajun Injectors Creole Butter Marinade is mildly spicy with a butter flavor. ~ Erica
Question: Hi everybody, has anyone tried this with lamb or mutton, and what cut would be best? Much thanks in advance
Answer: Cajun Injectors Creole Butter comes with a injector and a needle. The needle is wrapped with the injector. We ask that you please work directly with Amazon or the seller; any refunds, customer service and ordering issues must be handled directly through them. ~ Erica
Question: where is the ingredient list
Answer: Does not say on container.Ingredients:water,salt,red peppers,spices,dehydrated garlic,natural butter flavoring,citric acid,less than,0.1% sodium benzoate as a preservative.

Ofargo Plastic Marinade Injector Syringe with Screw-on Meat Needle for BBQ Grill, 1-oz, Red, Recipe E-Book (Download PDF)

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Plastic Meat Injector:

A 100% safe, super lightweight compact-packaged kitchen tool, portable to carry for indoor and outdoor cook, bake, roast, BBQ and grill, dishwasher safe-Stay safe and healthy.



Portable Cooking/BBQ/Gill Gadget

60g weight, equals to an egg; compact Slide-Card package, a little bigger than iphone X; such a portable seasoning injector kit to slip into your backpack pocket/bag to carry or kitchen container/cabinet to store.



Shorter Cooking Preparation

Marinade injection for multiple meats and poultry shortens food ingredient preparation for upcoming party dinner, BBQ or grill to add flavors.



Sturdy Meat Needle

Turkey injector needle is solid, designed for avoiding clogged, weak suction, bottom leak, broken; ultra-sharp to pierce the toughest cuts of meats or poultry.



Ergonomic Design for Comfort

Easy to use by one-hand. Ergonomic handles offer a comfortable grip and friendly pressure control experience. Dual measurement markings in ml and oz up the side for 1-OZ/30ml capacity syringe.



What You Get

1-oz capacity flavor injector

1 stainless steel turkey needle

2 spare silicone O-rings

1 cleaning brush

1 free recipe e-book



Worry-Free

At Ofargo, we believe in our products. That is why we can give a 100% Unconditional Return Policy. Our friendly customer service team are at your disposed.



WARNING:

* Marinade needles are pretty sharp! KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN!

* Remove the tiny plastic protection tip that covers the needle before use.

* Seasoning herbs should be grounded up to be quite smaller than needle hole.

  • ✅【100% Safe & Healthy Kitchen Tool】all components are 100% safe: 304 stainless steel for meat marinade needle and plunger rod; eco-friendly plastic materials for syringe barrel, handles and pump plate; safe silicone for seals; keep your family safe and healthy
  • ✅【Lightweight, Compact Package, Portable for Party】super lightweight (0.13lbs/60g=an egg) turkey injector syringe kit; ultra compact package (Slide Card), easy to put into your backpack/storage bag; all in one portable package, easy to carry for party activities: indoors cooking, holiday dinners, baking, toasting, roasting, and outdoors BBQ, bonfire smoked grill
  • ✅【Juicy, Tender & Yummy for Every Bite】our food injector is solidly built to last to intensify flavors of Thanksgiving / Christmas turkey, steak, brisket, beef, pork, lamb, chicken, goose, duck; inject seasoning like garlic/honey butter, red wine/rum, buffalo sauce, even jelly/pudding, strawberries, brine into home-cured meats; practical for kitchen tools
  • ✅【Easy to One-Hand Use & Dishwasher Safe】ergonomically designed for one-hand injecting handles; graduated injection chamber: 1-oz/30ml capacity measurement markings in ml and oz up the side; 3” sturdy seasoning injector needle with hole for deep penetration and perfect sauce distribution with liquid brine/marinades; easy clean for meat needle with the small cleaning brush
  • ✅【Kindly Reminders】remove the tiny plastic protection tip that covers the syringe needle before use; seasoning herbs should be grounded up to be quite smaller than needle hole; this 1-oz plastic injector is designed for temporary uses, and our 2-oz stainless steel version is recommended if you want heavy duty one for many years as your long-term kitchen tool

User questions & answers

Question: Will these for stuffed donuts
Answer: Yes, this does fit the charger that comes with the switch.
Question: what is the diameter at the end of the syringe
Answer: No, it cannot. Only Nintendo Switch Games.
Question: Any instructions for cleaning needle after use this plastic syringe
Answer: It has a little latch in the front. see image for reference https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71jq1ibpnBL._AC_.jpg
Question: Would this work well for injecting vodka into capri sun pouches
Answer: no, it will not but the amazon travel storage case comes with 10 slots to hold games

Product features

Inject All of Enjoyment into Your Every Juicy Bite!

You might have such an embarrassing experience of cooking occasional large meat on holidays or parties: spending 1 night even much longer in soaking or marinating meat or turkey, yet, you will find your cooked meat is dry and bland for your family or party members. Such a mess! Thanks to Ofargo’s economic meat injector kit, marinade injection gives you a juicy, tender flavor every bite! You guys will want to eat all the time.

Two Measurement Markings Display (ml & oz)

There are two measurement markings on injector barrel showing figures both in ml and oz, so you can get perfect amount of marinade for meat or poultry. Easy to control your favorite flavor amount.

Clog-Resistant Stainless Steel Needles

2 types of needles for different meat and poultry applications. Made of #304 stainless steel, clog-resistant to both fluid and chunky marinades.

Your Handy & Practical Kitchen-Hand

Traditional marinating, soaking or brine process takes 1 night even much longer for meat to absorb flavor, still resulting dry and bland taste. But marinade-injecting drastically shortens the preparation time to 1~2 Hours. Fast injection, fast cook, especially for occasional big dinner on holidays.

All-in-One Ofargo eBOOK (PDF)

Ofargo eBOOK (PDF) is awesome, including USE & CARE instructions, BBQ/grill tips, homemade marinade secrets and full-meal recipes. It can be downloaded free via scanning QR code or we'll send it to you. Get it, then be a Marinade Injecting Master!

Step 1: Clean and Smear Food Oil Before Use

Before your first use, please wash all components gently by using a dime-sized amount of dishwashing liquid and warm

Water or on the top rack of dishwasher for cleaning. Then smear a thin film of food oil (like canola, olive oil) around the inside of injector barrel whenever you use it for lubrication, otherwise the plunger will be very hard to push! (See PDF eBook Page 11 for details)

Step 2: Load Marinades into Injector (2 Methods)

2 types of filling your marinades: A) choose suitable needle and screw it on injector barrel, then put needle tip into your marinade container and draw the marinade up into the barrel chamber by pulling the O-ring handle like doctor taking an injection. B) screw needle clockwise onto injector barrel until needle O-ring is tightened, then unscrew the plunger assembly top cap, and fill the barrel with your marinade by pouring or spooning-in. (See PDF eBook Page 12 for details)

Step 3: Injector Barrel Air Removal

After filling injector barrel with marinades, Reverse your injector holding a chamber of marinade. With the needle tip pointing upwards, firmly tap the side of the barrel to shake all the ingredients down to the plunger end of the barrel. Then, slowly push the plunger in until all the air is expelled and the ingredients start to come out the end of the needle. (See PDF eBook Page 16 for details)

Step 4: Tricks of Injecting Marinades

When it comes to injecting your marinade into meat or poultry, believe it or not, you’re not simply stabbing a giant needle into the center of your meat and pushing the plunger. Oil your meat needle-> Map Your Injection Points -> Limit the Number of Entry Points -> Keep Your Needle In The Meat -> Parallel Injection & Plunge While Pulling-> Apply Pressure Steadily. (See PDF eBook Page 18 for details)

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