Our Thanksgiving turkey is so delicious that my husband has been smoking it for the past few years! Everyone loved it on Thanksgiving Day, and the leftovers were so much better than a regular oven-roasted turkey! It works well with soups like turkey noodle or gumbo or even just on its own; not a scrap will be wasted. Here’s what he’s learned from his experience and how you can smoke your own Thanksgiving Turkey this year.
I love smoked meat, but at first I didn’t think it would be easy to replicate the mouthwatering flavors I’ve had at restaurants and BBQ places.
I’ve done a lot of experimenting to determine what I think is the best (read: most reliable and convenient) smoker to use, and I’ve created a recipe that should appeal to both traditionalists and smokers on Thanksgiving. I really appreciate the flexibility of only needing 3. 5 hours total cook time (for a 12-pound turkey). Jump to the recipe down below or read on to learn about smokers.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and, of course, food. The centerpiece of the Thanksgiving feast is usually a big, juicy turkey But what if you want to try something different this year? What if you want to cook your turkey on a Kamado Joe?
A Kamado Joe is a type of ceramic grill that is known for its ability to hold heat and cook food evenly This makes it a great option for cooking a turkey, as it will help to ensure that the turkey is cooked through and juicy.
There are a few different ways to cook a turkey on a Kamado Joe. Here are three of the most popular methods:
Classic Roasting
This is the most traditional way to cook a turkey, and it is also the easiest. Simply prepare the turkey as you would for an oven, and then place it on the grill. Cook the turkey at 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 13 minutes per pound.
Spatchcock Roasting
Spatchcocking is a method of preparing a turkey that involves removing the backbone and flattening the bird. This allows the turkey to cook more evenly and reduces the overall cooking time. To spatchcock a turkey, simply cut out the backbone and then press down on the breastbone to flatten the bird. Once the turkey is spatchcocked, season it and cook it on the grill at 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 7-8 minutes per pound.
Smoked Turkey
Smoking a turkey is a great way to add flavor and moisture to the bird. To smoke a turkey, simply prepare the turkey as you would for an oven, and then place it on the grill. Add wood chips to the grill and cook the turkey at 225 degrees Fahrenheit for about 1 hour per pound.
No matter which method you choose, cooking your Thanksgiving turkey on a Kamado Joe is a surefire way to make sure your Thanksgiving turkey is delicious and memorable.
Tips for Cooking Thanksgiving Turkey on a Kamado Joe
Here are a few tips for cooking Thanksgiving turkey on a Kamado Joe:
- Brine the turkey before cooking. This will help to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure that the turkey is cooked through. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the turkey more tender.
Cooking Thanksgiving turkey on a Kamado Joe is a great way to add a little extra flavor and excitement to your Thanksgiving feast. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily cook a delicious and memorable turkey that your family and friends will love.
Additional Resources
- Kamado Joe Blog: Ways to Cook Thanksgiving Turkey on a Kamado Joe
- Kamado Joe YouTube: How to Smoke a Turkey on a Kamado Joe
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to cook a turkey on a Kamado Joe? The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey and the cooking method you choose. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect to cook a turkey for about 13 minutes per pound for roasting, 7-8 minutes per pound for spatchcock roasting, and 1 hour per pound for smoking.
- What temperature should I cook a turkey on a Kamado Joe? The ideal cooking temperature for a turkey on a Kamado Joe is 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit for roasting, 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit for spatchcock roasting, and 225 degrees Fahrenheit for smoking.
- Do I need to brine the turkey before cooking it on a Kamado Joe? Brining the turkey is not required, but it is highly recommended. Brining will help to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
- How do I know when the turkey is done cooking? The turkey is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the thigh. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
- How long should I let the turkey rest before carving? You should let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the turkey more tender.
I hope this information is helpful!
Choosing A Smoker for Making Smoked Turkey
There are many different kinds of smokers available, but I’ll limit my discussion to the three that I have firsthand experience with.
Although these smokers can produce delicious smoked meat, this was our first purchase, and I was unsure of how long it would take to cook. This can make for a stressful situation when entertaining family and friends!.
I remember one Thanksgiving I actually had to cut the turkey into parts to speed up the process. Even though it tasted amazing, Lisa was a little bummed that she couldn’t serve the family a whole turkey, as is customary, and we still ate later than expected. :(.
Pros: Inexpensive, lightweight, no charcoal or wood fuel required (you still need wood chips to create smoke, but the heat comes from the electric heating element).Cons: Low-heat only and no insulation can result in unpredictable/long cooking times, especially when it’s cold out.Good for: Budget-conscious, occasional use. A basic electric smoker, available on Amazon