Best Turkey Marinade: Top 15 Flavors To Try This Holiday Season

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and of course delicious food. If you’re like most people, you’ll be cooking a turkey this year. But how do you make sure your turkey is moist and flavorful? Best turkey marinades are the answer. 

We’ve put together a list of the 15 best turkey marinades to try this holiday season. Whether you’re looking for something sweet and savory or spicy and tangy, we’ve got you covered. So fire up the grill and get ready to wow your guests with some amazing Thanksgiving dinner!

Best Turkey Marinade Comparison 2024

No	Name	Image	Best For	Rating	Details
1	[amazon link=”B072B9Z7HX” /]	[amazon fields=”B072B9Z7HX” value=”thumb”]	Best For Overall	[amazon fields=”B072B9Z7HX” value=”star_rating”]	[amazon fields=”B072B9Z7HX” value=”button”]
2	[amazon link=”B0083OK16I” /]	[amazon fields=”B0083OK16I” value=”thumb”]	Runner-Up	[amazon fields=”B0083OK16I” value=”star_rating”]	[amazon fields=”B0083OK16I” value=”button”]
3	[amazon link=”B003UMVT3M” /]	[amazon fields=”B003UMVT3M” value=”thumb”]	Best Herbal	[amazon fields=”B003UMVT3M” value=”star_rating”]	[amazon fields=”B003UMVT3M” value=”button”]
4	[amazon link=”B09H4HWSX5” /]	[amazon fields=”B09H4HWSX5” value=”thumb”]	Best Spicy	[amazon fields=”B09H4HWSX5” value=”star_rating”]	[amazon fields=”B09H4HWSX5” value=”button”]
5	[amazon link=”B07RFNS14C” /]	[amazon fields=”B07RFNS14C” value=”thumb”]	Best Sweet	[amazon fields=”B07RFNS14C” value=”star_rating”]	[amazon fields=”B07RFNS14C” value=”button”]

• Best Overall: [amazon link=”B072B9Z7HX” title=”Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauce, Chipotle” /]
• Runner Up: [amazon link=”B0083OK16I” title=”Mojo Marinade Sauce” /]
• Best Herbal: [amazon link=”B003UMVT3M” title=”Roasted Chicken Glace Stock” /]
• Best Spicy: [amazon link=”B09H4HWSX5″ title=”Claude’s Fajita Marinade Sauce” /]
• Best Sweet: [amazon link=”B07RFNS14C” title=”Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce” /]

[amazon bestseller=”Best Turkey Marinade” items=”20″ ]

Best Turkey Marinade Reviews 2024

Best Overall – Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauce, Chipotle

[amazon box=”B072B9Z7HX” ]

If you’re looking for a smoky and sweet barbecue sauce that’s perfect for competition, look no further than Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauce, Chipotle. This sauce is gluten and soy free, with no added preservatives, making it ideal for commercial, restaurant, and residential applications.

The smell of this sauce is amazing. It’s a perfect balance of smoky and sweet, with just a hint of heat from the chipotle peppers. The flavor is even better. The smokiness from the peppers comes through, but it’s not overwhelming. The sweetness is there too, along with a little bit of acidity that helps to balance out the flavors.

This sauce would be great on turkey, chicken, ribs, or pulled pork. It’s thick enough to stick to the meat, but not so thick that it will gum up your grill. And it has just the right amount of heat to give your food a little bit of a kick without being too spicy. 

Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauce, Chipotle is a great choice for competition barbecue or for anyone who wants a delicious, smoky-sweet sauce for their grilled meats.

Pros:

• The smoky and sweet flavor
• No added preservatives
• Gluten and soy free
• Ideal for commercial, restaurant, and residential applications

Cons: 

• None

Runner Up – Mojo Marinade Sauce

[amazon box=”B0083OK16I” ]

Mojo Marinade Sauce is a great way to add flavor to your food. The sauce is made with all-natural ingredients, and it’s gluten-free. The sauce is also vegan, which makes it a great option for people who follow a vegan lifestyle. 

The sauce is made with sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. It’s the perfect way to add flavor to chicken, fish, or vegetables. The sauce is also great for marinating meat or tofu. When you make a turkey sandwich with Mojo Marinade Sauce, it’s sure to be a hit! 

This sauce is a great way to add flavor to your food without adding any unhealthy ingredients. It’s a healthy option for people who are looking for a way to add flavor to their food.

Pros:

• All-natural ingredients
• Gluten-free
• Vegan
• Sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs add great flavor to chicken, fish, or vegetables

Cons:

• None

Best Herbal – Roasted Chicken Glace Stock

[amazon box=”B003UMVT3M” ]

If you’re looking for a high-quality, roasted chicken glace stock, then you should check out Glace Poulet Gold. This product represents the original traditional French chicken stock that’s been manufactured to professional kitchen standards. 

What makes Glace Poulet Gold so special is the fact that it requires over 24 hours of reduction to achieve its deep, rich roasted color. Its taste is truly unique and incomparable to other chicken stocks on the market. 

This product is perfect for deglazing pans, making jus, or simply adding flavor to any dish. Glace Poulet Gold is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a high-quality roasted chicken glace stock.

Pros:

• Rich, deep-roasted flavor
• Made to professional kitchen standards
• Perfect for deglazing pans or adding flavor to any dish

Cons:

• Some may find the taste too unique and bold
• Requires over 24 hours of reduction to achieve the desired flavor profile

Best Spicy – Claude’s Fajita Marinade Sauce

[amazon box=”B09H4HWSX5″ ]

When it comes to fajitas, it’s all about the marinade. And when it comes to a good fajita marinade, Claude’s has got you covered. This sauce is perfectly balanced, with an authentic smoky and rich taste that will take your fajitas to the next level. 

It’s a pantry must-have for anyone looking for a quick and simple taste boost. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, smoking, or just looking to add some extra flavor to your dish, Claude’s Fajita Marinade Sauce is an excellent choice. 

And because it’s made in Texas, you know it’s the real deal. So next time you’re in the mood for some delicious fajitas, be sure to give Claude’s a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Pros:

• Perfectly balanced smoky and rich taste
• Made in Texas
• Quick and easy way to add flavor to your dish

Cons:

• None

Best Sweet – Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce

[amazon box=”B07RFNS14C” ]

When marinating turkey, chicken, pork, or seafood, Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce adds delicious teriyaki flavor. This all-purpose marinade can also be used as a versatile cooking sauce for grilling, broiling, stir-frying, or dipping. 

A blend of soy sauce, wine, vinegar, and spices, Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce has a well-balanced, slightly sweet flavor that enhances the taste of meat, poultry, and seafood without masking their natural flavors. 

Its smell is pleasant, and the taste is not too salty like some teriyakis can be. Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce is naturally brewed according to the centuries-old Japanese process of fermentation; no artificial colors or preservatives are added. 

We would recommend this product to others and will purchase it again in the future. 

Pros:

• All-purpose marinade
• The well-balanced, slightly sweet flavor
• Naturally brewed

Cons:

• None

RetailSource CaJohns Black Mamba Get Bitten Six Hot Sauce

[amazon box=”B071YPTDPY” ]

Do you like hot things? How about really, really hot? If so, then you need to check out the Black Mamba Get Bitten Six Hot Sauce from RetailSource CaJohns. 

This sauce is made with a carefully selected combination of Chocolate Habaneros and Vinegar, and it’s even more diabolical than its predecessor. Whether you’re marinating chicken, beef, or pork, adding it to your favorite soup or stew, or just want to give your eggs a little extra zip, it is sure to please. 

The Mamba 6’s aim is to cause misery with an endless barrage of poisonous fire! So be careful – avoid contact with the eyes and other sensitive areas, keep children and pets away, and apply responsibly! Use as an ingredient in spicy sauces, wing sauces, and chili!!!

Pros:

• A carefully selected combination of Chocolate Habaneros and Vinegar
• More diabolical than its predecessor
• Can be used with chicken, beef, pork, in soup or stew, or just on eggs

Cons: 

• May be too hot for some people
• Need to be careful when using it – avoid contact with eyes and other sensitive areas, and keep children and pets away

RetailSource Hot Jamaican Scotch Bonnett Pepper Sauce

[amazon box=”B01N5GJS9L” ]

If you’re a fan of spicy food, you need to check out RetailSource Hot Jamaican Scotch Bonnett Pepper Sauce. The sauce has a fiery flavor that’s perfect for adding spice to any dish. 

With its unique blend of spices, the sauce is perfect for adding flavor to chicken, fish, and rice dishes. Its smell is also amazing, and it will kick your taste buds. 

The sauce is made with Scotch Bonnet pepper, which is a popular ingredient in Jamaican cooking. Be careful though, because this sauce is hot! It’s best used sparingly to add flavor to savory dishes.

Pros:

• Adds fiery flavor to any dish
• The unique blend of spices
• Smells amazing
• Gives your taste buds a kick

Cons:

• May be too hot for some people
• Best used sparingly

Emperor’s Kitchen Mikawa Mirin Stir-fry Sauce

[amazon box=”B00121BQQ8″ ]

For any savory meal, the Emperor’s Kitchen Mikawa Mirin Stir-fry Sauce is a versatile and delightful healthy alternative to refined sugar. 

It is GMO-free which is very important to many people nowadays. It is also gluten-free for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. This product is also low in sodium and has no MSG. The taste is slightly sweet and very smooth, making it perfect for those who are avoiding artificial sweeteners. 

We used this sauce for stir fry and it was amazing! The flavor was perfect, and the consistency was just right. It clung to the vegetables and meat, coating them in a delicious glaze. We highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a healthier stir-fry sauce option.

Pros:

• GMO-free
• Gluten-free
• Low in sodium
• No MSG
• Slightly sweet and smooth taste

Cons:

• None

Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce

[amazon box=”B01J6D01UK” ]

There’s a lot to love about Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce. It’s a gourmet sauce that’s award-winning, and it delivers on flavor. The sauce is thick and has a rich, smoky taste that’s perfect for barbecuing pork or chicken. It also works great as a dipping sauce. 

When making pork or chicken in the oven, we like to slather on some of this sauce about halfway through cooking. It makes the meat moist and gives it a fantastic flavor. This is our go-to barbecue sauce and we always keep a bottle in our pantry. 

One thing to note is that the sauce is a bit on the sweet side, so if you’re looking for something tangier, this might not be the right choice for you. Though, Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce is a delicious and versatile sauce that’s sure to please BBQ fans of all stripes.

Pros:

• Gourmet and award-winning
• The rich, smoky taste
• Great for barbecuing pork or chicken
• Can also be used as a dipping sauce

Cons: 

• Slightly on the sweet side
• Some might prefer a more tangy sauce

VH Honey Garlic Cooking Sauce

[amazon box=”B07589828Z” ]

If you’re looking for a delicious and versatile sauce to add some sweet garlic flavor to your cooking, you need to try VH Honey Garlic Cooking Sauce. This sauce is gluten-free and low in fat, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions or who are watching their weight. 

Its flavor is a combination of savory and sweet, with just a hint of heat. And because it’s premade, it’s a huge time saver when you’re short on time but still want to make a tasty meal. 

VH Honey Garlic Cooking Sauce is perfect for grilling meats like steak, chicken, and pork but can also be used as a marinade or dipping sauce. So whatever your next meal is, don’t forget the VH Honey Garlic Cooking Sauce!

Pros:

• Gluten-free
• Low in fat
• The sweet and savory flavor
• Perfect for grilling meats

Cons: 

• Some may find the flavor too sweet
• Not as many uses as some other sauces

VH Lemon and Herb Peri Peri Sauce

[amazon box=”B08PD6TL4B” ]

If you’re looking for a delicious way to spice up your Thanksgiving turkey this year, look no further than VH Lemon and Herb Peri Peri Sauce. 

First of all, what is peri sauce? Peri peri sauce is a type of chili sauce that originates from Africa. It’s made with bird’s eye chilies, which are some of the hottest chilies in the world. 

But the sauce is more than just hot, it’s also flavorful with a zesty lemon flavor that will brighten up your turkey. And the herbs add a layer of flavor that makes this sauce special. 

So if you’re looking for something different this Thanksgiving, give VH Lemon and Herb Peri Peri Sauce a try. Your turkey will thank you for it.

Pros:

• A delicious way to spice up your Thanksgiving turkey
• Peri peri sauce is a type of chili sauce that originates in Africa
• Made with bird’s eye chilies, which are some of the hottest chilies in the world
• The sauce is also flavorful with a zesty lemon flavor
• Herbs add a layer of flavor

Cons:

• May be too spicy for some people
• Can be difficult to find in stores

Yoshida’s Original Gourmet Sweet and Savory Marinade

[amazon box=”B0B8WR3N68″ ]

When it comes to turkey, Mr. Yoshida’s Original Gourmet Sweet and Savory Marinade is the perfect way to add both flavor and moisture to your bird. This marinade is a blend of soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic, which all work together to create a wonderful savory taste. 

The honey also helps to keep the turkey moist during cooking, so you don’t have to worry about it drying out. With its bold flavor and moist texture, this marinade is sure to please everyone at your Thanksgiving table.

Simply marinate your turkey in this mixture for at least four hours, or overnight if possible, before cooking. You’ll be rewarded with a delicious and juicy turkey that everyone will love.

Pros:

• Adds both flavor and moisture to turkey
• Keeps turkey moist during cooking
• Bold flavor
• Easy to use

Cons:

• None

More Than Gourmet Turkey Glace Stock

[amazon box=”B003UMXEP8″ ]

If you’re looking for an intense, rich turkey flavor in your stocks, sauces, and gravies, More Than Gourmet Turkey Glace Stock is the perfect ingredient. It’s made with real roasted turkey, so the flavor is spot-on. And since it’s concentrated, a little goes a long way. 

This all-natural product is made with roasted turkey stock that’s been reduced by 20 minutes, so you can be sure of a robust flavor. Plus, it’s shelf-stable, so you can keep it on hand whenever you need that intense turkey flavor. 

Whether you’re making stuffing or gravy, this stock will give your dish that boost of flavor it needs. And your family and friends will be impressed with the results. 

Pros:

• Intense, rich turkey flavor
• Made with real roasted turkey
• Concentrated, so a little goes a long way
• Shelf-stable

Cons:

• None

Diana Sauce, Rib, and Chicken

[amazon box=”B07PM2TMN1″ ]

When it comes to Diana Sauce, Rib, and Chicken, you can expect only the best ingredients to be used in this recipe. This barbecue sauce is handcrafted with a distinct flavor that is perfect for grilling pork chops, steaks, or poultry. 

Additionally, the vinegar-based sauce is also excellent for dressing up a salad or for adding flavor to any dish. Its smell is very appetizing and makes you want to eat it immediately. 

We would recommend this product to anyone who wants to add a little bit of extra flavor to their food. This sauce is made with fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a variety of spices that give it its unique flavor.

Pros:

• Handcrafted with a distinct flavor
• Perfect for grilling pork chops, steaks, or poultry
• The vinegar-based sauce is also excellent for dressing up a salad or for adding flavor to any dish
• The smell is very appetizing

Cons:

• None

Badia Bitter Orange Sauce

[amazon box=”B00F031VCS” ]

For those who are looking for a delicious and authentic way to add flavor to their dishes, Badia Bitter Orange Sauce is the perfect option. Made from genuine Sevillian oranges, this sauce is a favorite marinade for chicken, turkey, and other fowl. 

Its Latin provenance makes it great for yucca with plantain dips and is essential for making the authentic ‘mojito.’ To use, simply mix the sauce with olive oil and vinegar and then apply it to your dish of choice. 

The result is a tart and savory flavor that is sure to please any palate. If you’re looking for an authentic Latin cooking experience, Badia Bitter Orange Sauce is a must-have.

Pros:

• Adds delicious and authentic flavor to dishes
• Made from genuine Sevillian oranges
• Great for yucca with plantain dips
• Essential for making the authentic ‘mojito’

Cons:

• May be too tart or savory for some palates

Factors To Consider When Choosing Best Turkey Marinade

When it comes to Thanksgiving, the star of the show is usually the turkey. This large, impressive bird can be a little daunting to prepare, but with the right marinade, it can be delicious and moist. So how do you choose the best turkey marinade for your big feast? Here are some tips.

Consider The Ingredients In Different Marinades

There are thousands of recipes for turkey marinade, and not all of them will be a good fit for your particular tastes or dietary needs. Some popular ingredients include honey, soy sauce, garlic, lime juice, oil, herbs like rosemary or thyme, and spices like ginger or paprika. 

Read the labels of different marinades to see what ingredients they contain and compare them to your personal preferences.

Look At Reviews

While you may be able to gather some information about a particular turkey marinade by reading the ingredients list, it can also be helpful to look at reviews from other people who have used that product. This will give you a better idea of whether the marinade tastes good, is easy to use, and gets results that are worth the effort.

Experiment With Different Brands And Recipes

If you want to try out different turkey marinades to see which ones work best for your needs, it’s a good idea to experiment with different brands and recipes. 

Order a few different products from stores or online, or try some of the many turkey marinade recipes available online. This will help you find the perfect turkey marinade for your Thanksgiving feast and make sure that you have plenty to choose from on the big day.

FAQs

Should I Use A Wet Or Dry Marinade?

There are pros and cons to both wet and dry marinades. 

A wet marinade is made with oil, vinegar, water, or a combination of liquids. Wet marinades are more effective in penetrating the meat than dry marinades. This is because the liquid forms a barrier on the surface of the meat, which prevents moisture from escaping. 

A wet marinade also helps to keep the meat moist while it cooks. However, a downside to using a wet marinade is that it can make the meat more susceptible to bacteria growth.

A dry marinade is made with herbs, spices, and seasonings. It is rubbed into the meat rather than being mixed with liquid. Unlike a wet marinade, a dry marinade does not penetrate the meat deeply. 

However, it is less likely to cause bacterial growth on the surface of the meat. Additionally, using a dry marinade typically results in less flavorful food than using a wet one. 

In general, it is recommended that you use a wet marinade if you have enough time to let it soak into the meat (at least 4 hours). If you are short on time, then use a quick-soaking method like brining. 

Ultimately, the choice between wet or dry marinades is a matter of personal preference and what works best for your particular cooking needs.

Can I Freeze Turkey After It Has Been Marinated?

Yes, you can freeze turkey after it has been marinated. However, you should follow a few specific steps to ensure that the turkey is properly frozen and thawed. 

Make sure that the turkey is completely covered in the marinade. You can do this by placing it in a large resealable bag or by pouring the marinade over top of the bird. Next, freeze the turkey for at least 2 days. 

Once it is frozen, you can place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Then, thaw the turkey before cooking it. You can either thaw it in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

What Is The Best Way To Cook A Turkey That Has Been Marinated?

The best way to cook a turkey that has been marinated is by roasting it in the oven. Turkey should be cooked at 325 degrees Fahrenheit and it will usually take around 3 hours to cook properly. Make sure to baste the turkey every 30 minutes or so while it is cooking to keep it moist.

Can I Use A Marinade As A Sauce?

Yes, you can use a marinade as a sauce. A marinade is a savory sauce that is used to flavor and moisten meat, poultry, seafood, or vegetables before cooking. It is typically made from olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices. A marinade can also be used as a basting sauce while the food is cooking.

How Long Should I Marinate My Turkey?

The amount of time you should marinate your turkey depends on the cut of meat, the ingredients in the marinade, and how much time you have. In general, however, it’s best to let poultry sit in a marinade for at least 4 hours or overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can quick-marinate your bird by using a hot marinade.

Should I Baste My Turkey While Cooking It?

Some people say that basting increases the chances of a juicy bird, while others claim that it does more harm than good, making the skin soggy. 

We would say to try it and see what you think – after all, it’s not going to ruin your turkey if you do it wrong! To baste your turkey, simply use a brush or spoon to spread melted butter (or another fat), herbs, or juices over the top of the bird.

What Are Some Good Ingredients To Add To A Marinade For Turkey?

When it comes to marinades, there are endless possibilities for delicious combinations. A few key ingredients, however, are essential for any good marinade.

Oil is a must-have in any marinade as it helps the flavorings penetrate the meat and also prevents sticking. Most commonly, olive oil or vegetable oil is used. Acid is another important component of a marinade. It helps to tenderize the meat and also adds flavor. 

Vinegar or citrus juice are good choices. Salty seasonings such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce or kosher salt add flavor as well as saltiness to the dish.

Herbs and spices give a marinade its characteristic flavor profile. Parsley, thyme, rosemary, basil, and oregano are all great options. Garlic and onions are also popular additions to marinades for their pungent flavors.

Conclusion

Don’t just use traditional turkey marinades like your family is used to, try new marinades to create a more unique dish. What’s more, you can try Asian marinades, and your diners and family will be in awe of your dish.

No	Name	Image	Best For	Rating	Details
1	[amazon link=”B072B9Z7HX” /]	[amazon fields=”B072B9Z7HX” value=”thumb”]	Best For Overall	[amazon fields=”B072B9Z7HX” value=”star_rating”]	[amazon fields=”B072B9Z7HX” value=”button”]
2	[amazon link=”B0083OK16I” /]	[amazon fields=”B0083OK16I” value=”thumb”]	Runner-Up	[amazon fields=”B0083OK16I” value=”star_rating”]	[amazon fields=”B0083OK16I” value=”button”]
3	[amazon link=”B003UMVT3M” /]	[amazon fields=”B003UMVT3M” value=”thumb”]	Best Herbal	[amazon fields=”B003UMVT3M” value=”star_rating”]	[amazon fields=”B003UMVT3M” value=”button”]
4	[amazon link=”B09H4HWSX5” /]	[amazon fields=”B09H4HWSX5” value=”thumb”]	Best Spicy	[amazon fields=”B09H4HWSX5” value=”star_rating”]	[amazon fields=”B09H4HWSX5” value=”button”]
5	[amazon link=”B07RFNS14C” /]	[amazon fields=”B07RFNS14C” value=”thumb”]	Best Sweet	[amazon fields=”B07RFNS14C” value=”star_rating”]	[amazon fields=”B07RFNS14C” value=”button”]

Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, we think you’ll love our list of the best turkey marinades. These flavors are sure to spice up your holiday cooking! We hope you enjoy trying out some of these recipes this season.

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy turkey marinade, we recommend using Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauce, Chipotle. This sauce is flavorful and will add a smoky depth of flavor to your bird. 

[amazon box=”B072B9Z7HX” ]

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to use: just mix it with some oil and smear it all over the turkey before cooking. Whether you’re roasting, grilling, or smoking your turkey, this marinade will enhance the flavor and ensure juicy, tender meat. 

Comment below to let us know which marinade you like best. Happy cooking!