If you can beer can a chicken, you can beer can a turkey. Which means you can also can the brine yet still grill a juicy turkey.
As the chicken cooks, steam from the beer evaporating inside a can inside the bird gives it moisture. The same goes for a turkey. You just need a bigger can of beer.
Sure, you can brine your turkey before grilling to keep it from drying out. Provided you have a bucket large enough to hold your turkey and the brine liquid. And provided your fridge can accommodate your turkey-brine-filled bucket.
I did find a brine kit that comes with seasonings and a large plastic bag, making it easier to fit your brine operation in the refrigerator. The kit cost $9. A can of Pabst Blue Ribbon will only set you back $2.
If you have an endless budget and refrigerator space this holiday season, here’s what you need know to make a beer can turkey.
Elevate your Thanksgiving feast with this mouthwatering Smoked Beer-Can Turkey recipe, guaranteed to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds. This recipe combines the juicy tenderness of a brined turkey with the smoky flavor of applewood, resulting in a culinary masterpiece that will leave everyone wanting more.
Why Use a Beer Can?
Although the beer alone doesn’t enhance the flavor or moisture content of the turkey, the can fulfills a vital function by providing stability. The tall, 24-ounce can perfectly supports the weight of the bird, ensuring that it cooks on the grill or smoker uniformly and upright.
The Magic of Brining:
Brining the turkey for 12 hours is the secret to achieving incredibly moist and flavorful meat. The apple juice and molasses brine infuses the turkey with a subtle sweetness while the kosher salt enhances the natural flavors.
Aromatic Applewood Smoke:
The applewood smoke adds a distinct and delightful smokiness to the turkey complementing the sweet and savory notes of the brine and rub.
Aromatic Spice Rub:
This simple rub combines paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cumin, and cayenne pepper for a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Brine: Combine apple juice, salt, brown sugar, and molasses in a large container. Submerge the turkey in the brine and refrigerate for 12 hours.
- Make the Rub: Combine all rub ingredients in a small bowl.
- Remove and Season the Turkey: Pat the turkey dry and gently separate the skin from the meat. Apply the rub under the skin and all over the turkey.
- Set Up the Smoker or Grill: Preheat your smoker or grill to 325°F and add the applewood chunks.
- Smoke the Turkey: Place the beer can on the smoker and carefully lower the turkey onto it, legs down. Adjust the legs for stability. Smoke until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast reaches 160°F, approximately 2-3 hours.
- Rest and Carve: Remove the turkey from the smoker and let it rest uncovered for 20-30 minutes. Remove the beer can and carve the turkey for serving.
Tips and Tricks:
- For an extra smoky flavor, soak the applewood chunks in water for 30 minutes before adding them to the smoker.
- If you don’t have a tall beer can, you can use a smaller can and prop up the turkey with vegetables or aluminum foil.
- Baste the turkey with the pan drippings during the last 30 minutes of smoking for added flavor and moisture.
Additional Resources:
- Video Tutorial: Check out this helpful video tutorial for a visual guide to making Smoked Beer-Can Turkey: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YDL-7Sbuirs
- More Turkey Recipes: Explore a variety of other delicious turkey recipes for your Thanksgiving feast: https://www.seriouseats.com/thanksgiving-turkeys
With its stunning mahogany skin, incredibly moist meat, and irresistible smoky flavor, this Smoked Beer-Can Turkey is sure to be the star of your Thanksgiving table. So gather your ingredients, fire up the smoker, and get ready to impress your guests with this culinary masterpiece!
Start with the right size can of beer
This may be the most difficult task: finding a 32-ounce can of beer. Most tall cans are 24 ounces and too thin to keep turkeys from toppling. If your bird weighs around ten pounds, the easier-to-access Fosters “oil can” may be more appropriate. While using a craft beer for this seems wasteful, you could request a Crowler—a 32-ounce can of beer without a label—from your neighborhood brewer. Yes, you could fill the now empty can with cheap beer using a funnel after drinking the craft beer, but that would take a lot more work. That would probably happen the next day.
Rub the turkey with your favorite seasonings
Apply a quarter to a half cup of your favorite spice mixture to the turkey’s exterior. Dont have a favorite blend? Theres no shortage of recipes on the internet. I used to make my own rub, but ever since I used Fox Valley Technical College’s Sweet Mama BBQ Rub on guests and received great feedback, it has replaced my homemade rub. (Not just for turkey, but most barbecue foods. ) In addition, all sales proceeds from Sweet Mama go toward the program’s scholarship fund for culinary arts.
Beer Can Turkey 101: Master the Art of Succulent, Juicy Poultry
FAQ
Why put beer in turkey?
Is beer can turkey good?
How long does it take to smoke a turkey at 225 degrees?