This recipe for smoked turkey consists of coating an entire turkey with a homemade spice rub and slow-smoking it until it is perfectly juicy and tender. A super easy and impressive holiday main course that won’t take up any oven space!.
Looking for something a little different from your typical roasted turkey? This smoked turkey is a one-of-a-kind Thanksgiving dish that looks stunning and is so easy to make even a non-cook can create a beautiful and delectable masterpiece. Serve your turkey with homemade cranberry sauce and watch the rave reviews come in!.
Although I enjoy cooking turkey for the holidays, I dislike how much oven space it takes up on the big day. Now that I’ve started smoking my turkey instead of roasting it, the outcome is simply amazing.
Smoking a turkey is a fantastic way to achieve a flavorful and juicy bird for your Thanksgiving feast. But how long does it take to smoke a 10lb turkey? The answer depends on several factors including the smoker’s temperature and the turkey’s size.
Smoking Time at Different Temperatures
Here’s a general guideline for smoking times at different temperatures:
- 225°F: Approximately 30 minutes per pound.
- 250°F: Approximately 25 minutes per pound.
- 275°F: Approximately 20 minutes per pound.
- 300°F: Approximately 18 minutes per pound.
Example: If you’re smoking a 10lb turkey at 225°F, you can expect it to take around 5 hours.
Additional Factors Influencing Smoking Time
- Smoker type: Different smoker types may have varying heat distribution and efficiency, affecting cooking times.
- Turkey size and preparation: A larger turkey will naturally take longer to cook than a smaller one. Additionally, factors like whether the turkey is brined or stuffed can also influence cooking times.
- Internal temperature: The most reliable way to determine if your turkey is done is by checking its internal temperature. The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 165°F for the breast and 175°F for the thigh.
Tips for Smoking a Turkey
- Brine your turkey: Brining helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
- Use a good quality smoker: A well-maintained smoker will help to ensure even cooking and consistent results.
- Monitor the temperature closely: Use a reliable thermometer to monitor the temperature of both the smoker and the turkey.
- Rest the turkey before carving: Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Smoking a turkey is a rewarding experience that can result in a delicious and memorable meal. By following these guidelines and tips, you can ensure that your smoked turkey is cooked to perfection. Remember, the best way to determine if your turkey is done is by checking its internal temperature. Happy smoking!
How do you smoke a turkey?
If brining, immerse the turkey in the brine mixture two days prior to cooking. Preheat your smoker with the wood of your choice. Place the turkey in a disposable aluminum pan, and tuck the wings under the bird. After adding the onion, lemon, and herbs to the turkey’s cavity, fasten the legs together with twine. Place the BBQ rub all over the outside of the turkey. After moving the pan of turkey to the smoker, cook it, bashing it periodically, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the turkey rest, then carve it and serve.
Tips for the best smoked turkey
- I find that leaving the turkey in the disposable pan while it smokes makes cleanup much simpler than moving it straight onto the rack.
- A probe thermometer is a must-have when making smoked turkey. Always go by the temperature rather than the cooking time because smokers can occasionally have inconsistent temperatures.
- I usually use an electric smoker because I find they are easy to use, even for complete novices, and they regulate heat well.
Starting early in the day will ensure that the turkey is finished by dinnertime because smoking a turkey can take a while. Typically, it takes at least 5 hours to smoke an average sized turkey at 250 degrees F. Plan on having your turkey cook for about 25-30 minutes per pound. Depending on the kind of smoker you’re using and how well it maintains a constant temperature, this timing may change. It’s imperative to use a thermometer rather than a clock to gauge when the turkey is ready.
I like to use apple wood to smoke poultry, as it imparts a mild and sweet flavor. Apple wood is readily available in most stores. Other great choices are cherry wood or hickory.
When a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit, the turkey is done. I use a digital thermometer that I leave in the turkey while it smokes so that I can use a temperature remote from inside the house to keep an eye on its progress.
Since nobody likes a dry turkey, I prefer to baste my smoked turkey, sometimes adding a little chicken broth while it cooks to keep the turkey moist. If you’ve brined your turkey before hand, you can skip the basting step.
Assuming one pound of turkey per person will help you determine the approximate size of turkey you will need. If you want a lot of turkey left over, plan on 1 1/2 pounds of turkey per person.
This recipe is delicious as-is, but you can also customize the flavors to your tastes if you prefer.
- Spice Rub: If you’re not in the mood for barbecue, this recipe also tastes great with blackened, Creole, or Cajun seasoning.
- Brine: You can vary the taste of the brine by adding different fruits, like pears or apples, or utilizing different herbs and honey as a sweetener.
- Stuffing: You can try other ingredients like apples, a halved head of garlic, carrots, orange slices, or leeks instead of stuffing the bird with onion and lemon.
The end result is a beautifully browned turkey that’s tender, juicy and full of flavor. A smoked turkey is always a good choice, and I appreciate that it clears up some oven space so I can bake the sides and desserts for the big feast.
AWESOME Smoked Turkey Recipe For Beginners!
FAQ
How long does it take to heat a 10 lb smoked turkey?
Is it better to smoke a turkey at 225 or 250?
How long does it take to smoke a 10lb Spatchcock turkey?
What size turkey is safe to smoke?