Cajun Turkey Injection Marinade

Written by
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches is a grilling and barbecue expert. He has written two cookbooks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Derrick Riches
Updated 09/16/20
Cajun Turkey Injection Marinade

The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 30 mins
Servings: 24 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
85 Calories
8g Fat
2g Carbs
1g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24
Amount per serving
Calories 85
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 8g 11%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 13mg 4%
Sodium 28mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Protein 1g
Calcium 8mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Deep-fried turkey actually started as a Cajun dish and the first step is a delicious injection marinade. This traditional recipe is combined and then injected straight into the turkey. Make sure that you mix this marinade well before you load it into the needle. If you are deep-frying this turkey, make sure to wipe off any excess marinade before it hits the oil.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup liquid crab boil
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 2 tablespoons onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Tabasco Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Cajun Turkey Injection Marinade ingredients

    The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi

  2. Place everything in a saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat until butter is melted. Stir and continue heating until the sauce has completely liquefied.

    Cajun Turkey Injection Marinade ingredients in a saucepan

    The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi

  3. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 5 minutes.

    pour sauce into a bowl

    The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi

  4. Use while still warm enough to remain in a liquid state. Inject directly into the breast, leg, and thigh meat. Do this a few times to make sure the marinade is well dispersed throughout the turkey.

    inject sauce / Cajun Turkey Injection Marinade into the turkey

    The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi

  5. Wipe away any excess that may leak out. Deep fry or roast as desired.