Marinating Turkey Overnight: Should You Do It and How Long?

Marinating is a great way to infuse flavor and moisture into turkey before roasting. But is it safe to marinate turkey overnight? How long should you really marinate a turkey? This guide covers everything you need to know about marinating turkey overnight versus quick marinades.

Should You Marinate Turkey Overnight?

Marinating turkey overnight offers some advantages compared to a quick marinade

• Deeper flavor penetration An overnight marinade gives more time for the flavors to permeate into the meat
• Tenderizes the meat. Salt and acids in the marinade help break down proteins for a more tender turkey.
• Keeps it juicy. The marinade seals in moisture so the turkey stays succulent when cooked.
• Adds versatility. You can marinate the day before for easy holiday prep.

As long as basic food safety guidelines are followed, marinating turkey overnight poses little risk. Turkey breast meat and marinades are low risk environments for bacterial growth compared to dark meat.

How Long to Marinate Turkey? Overnight vs Quick Marinades

Overnight marinades allow 8-24 hours for the turkey to soak. Quick marinades work in just 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Overnight turkey marinades are best for:

• Large whole turkeys over 12 lbs
• Deep flavor penetration
• Advanced meal planning

Quick turkey marinades are best for:

• Boneless turkey breasts under 5 lbs
• Weeknight meals and hurried cooks
• Adding a subtle flavor accent

Food Safety Tips for Marinating Turkey Overnight

To safely marinate turkey for extended periods:

• Use the refrigerator. Marinate turkey in the fridge at 40°F or below. Don’t marinate at room temperature.
• Marinate fresh, not frozen. Only marinate fully thawed turkey to allow marinade absorption.
• Use a non-reactive dish. Glass, stainless steel, and plastic containers won’t react with acidic marinades. Avoid aluminum.
• Submerge completely. The turkey should be fully submerged in the marinade. Use a bag or weighted lid.
• Don’t reuse marinade. Use leftover marinade only for basting, not as a sauce, due to bacteria transfer risk.
• Cook within 2 days. Cook marinated turkey within 1-2 days for food safety. Don’t marinate for longer storage.

Make an Easy Overnight Turkey Marinade

This basic formula makes enough marinade for a 12-14 lb turkey:

• 1 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1⁄4 cup lemon juice
• 1⁄4 cup orange juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1⁄2 cup chopped parsley
• 1⁄4 cup chives
• 1⁄4 cup chopped sage
• 2 Tbsp chopped rosemary
• 1⁄4 cup chopped thyme
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Whisk ingredients together until smooth. Coat turkey inside and out. Refrigerate 8-24 hours. Discard used marinade. Pat turkey dry and roast as desired.

More Easy Marinade Recipes

For an Italian-herb marinade: Use basil, oregano, rosemary, garlic, olive oil, lemon, pepper, and red wine vinegar.

To add citrus flavors: Orange, lemon, lime juice and zest lend bright flavor. Add cilantro and chili powder for a Latin twist.

For an Asian-inspired marinade: Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, rice vinegar, chili paste and 5-spice powder.

To use mustard: Blend Dijon or whole grain mustard with herbs, lemon, garlic, maple syrup and olive oil for a zingy marinade.

For Mediterranean flavors: Olives, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, oregano, olive oil, garlic, and red wine vinegar marry nicely with turkey.

To use yogurt and spices: Mix plain Greek yogurt with garam masala, cumin, paprika, cayenne and ginger for an Indian take.

Alternatives to Marinating Turkey

If you’re short on time, there are other great ways to infuse flavor besides overnight marinating:

• Dry brine: Rub a salt/herb mixture under the skin before roasting.
• Quick rub: Coat with an oil-based spice paste 30-60 minutes before cooking.
• Compound butter: Loosen skin and spread herb butter over meat and under skin.
• Aromatic stuffing: Stuff the cavity with lemons, herbs, onions or garlic.
• Smoke or grill: Add deep, smoky flavor from charcoal, wood chips or pellets.
• Baste while roasting: Frequently spoon juices, butter, broth or glaze over turkey.

Frequently Asked Questions about Marinating Turkey

How long does it take to marinate turkey parts? Boneless breasts only need 2-4 hours marinating time since the marinade can penetrate faster. Legs, wings and thighs can marinate 4-12 hours.

Can you marinate turkey too long? If kept refrigerated, turkey won’t over-marinate. But for food safety, don’t exceed 48 hours even with refrigeration. Discard used marinade.

Do you wash turkey after marinating? Yes, gently rinse marinade off before cooking and pat the skin dry for best crisping. This prevents burning or smoking in the oven.

Should turkey marinade be thick or thin? A thinner marinade spreads more evenly. But thick rubs and pastes help flavor stay on the meat. Both work well as long as ingredients stay incorporated.

Can I inject marinade into turkey? Yes, injecting is a quick way to infuse flavor throughout the meat. Use a thin marinade formulated for injectors. Refrigerate after and cook within 2 days.

Marinating turkey overnight helps deliver incredibly moist, flavorful holiday centerpieces with minimal hassle. Follow safe handling tips and use quality ingredients for delicious results.