This holiday season is shaping up to be a much different than years past. Due to COVID-19 and social distancing measures, there might be smaller crowds to feed this thanksgiving. If you are responsible for cooking the turkey this year and you have never done it before, what would you do?
Fortunately for you, we will walk you through the process of cooking a turkey, including the best way to cook it and how to present it to your guests. Weve tested several methods and will reveal the winning cooking method below. Psst. its foolproof if its the first time youre cooking the turkey for Thanksgiving.
Whether this is your first time cooking turkey at home or you’re an expert, these tips will give you the advantage in obtaining the tastiest and most flavorful turkey possible as well as the easiest method for you to follow.
Generally, thawing a frozen turkey is in the refrigerator will take about 3 days for a 15-pound bird.
Another method for defrosting a turkey is to immerse it in ice water in a sink, cooler, or other container. A 15-pound turkey will take about eight hours to thaw this way.
No matter your method of cooking, preparing your turkey for cooking is the first step. Your turkey will cook more evenly if it is thoroughly thawed. An hour or so before you intend to cook it, take your turkey out of the fridge or ice bath; if it’s too cold, it may cook less evenly.
Unwrap, remove the giblets and thoroughly dry your turkey. Brine or season your turkey depending on your preference or cooking method.
So, you’re planning to smoke a turkey in your Pit Barrel Cooker for Thanksgiving or another special occasion? That’s fantastic! Smoking a turkey is a great way to infuse it with delicious smoky flavor and achieve juicy, tender results. But how long should you actually smoke it?
The answer my friend depends on a few factors:
- The size of your turkey: This is the most crucial factor. A smaller turkey will cook faster than a larger one.
- The temperature of your Pit Barrel Cooker: The higher the temperature, the faster the turkey will cook.
- Whether you’re stuffing the turkey: Stuffing will add extra cooking time.
Here’s a handy table to give you a rough estimate of how long to smoke your turkey:
| Turkey Size | Pit Barrel Cooker Temp | Estimated Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10-15 lbs | 225°F | 3.5-5 hours |
| 16-20 lbs | 225°F | 5-7 hours |
| 21-25 lbs | 225°F | 7-9 hours |
Remember, these are just estimates. The best way to ensure your turkey is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Here are some additional tips for smoking a turkey in your Pit Barrel Cooker:
- Brine the turkey: This will help keep it moist and flavorful. You can find many different brining recipes online.
- Use a good quality rub: This will add flavor to the turkey and help create a crispy skin.
- Don’t overcook the turkey: Overcooked turkey will be dry and tough.
- Let the turkey rest before carving: This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender bird.
Now, let’s talk about the Pit Barrel Cooker specifically. This unique cooker uses a vertical design and charcoal to create a consistent cooking environment. This means your turkey will cook evenly and come out perfectly juicy and flavorful.
Here are some specific instructions for smoking a turkey in a Pit Barrel Cooker:
- Light your Pit Barrel Cooker according to the instructions.
- Remove the turkey from the package and remove the giblets and neck.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Season the turkey generously with your favorite rub.
- Insert a turkey hanger through the cavity of the turkey.
- Hang the turkey in the center of the Pit Barrel Cooker.
- Cook the turkey for the estimated time based on its size.
- Check the turkey’s temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
- Remove the turkey from the Pit Barrel Cooker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
And there you have it! You’re now equipped with the knowledge to smoke a delicious turkey in your Pit Barrel Cooker. Just remember to relax, have fun, and enjoy the process. After all, that’s what cooking is all about!
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- Pit Barrel Cooker Turkey Recipe: https://pitbarrelcooker.com/blogs/food/holiday-turkey
- Video Tutorial on How to Smoke a Turkey in a Pit Barrel Cooker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvP2UOdHr4
Happy smoking!
Brine vs. No Brine
In the cooking world, brining is a popular topic. People’s views on the subject vary greatly, including whether or not to brine your holiday turkey. Proponents claim that brining—soaking poultry in a bath of salty water for several hours—tenderizes and preserves the moisture of your turkey during cooking. Critics claim brining is labor-intensive and yields little benefit, necessitating several hours of refrigeration while the turkey is immersed in its briny solution.
If you want to get the benefits of brining with less hassle, we suggest looking into dry brining. Dry brining is just what it sounds like: you rub your turkey with a mixture of salts and let it rest for several hours. This way, you can still enjoy the benefits of a moist turkey without having to deal with the hassle of a wet brine.
Last but not least, there’s really no need to brine if you’re smoking your Thanksgiving turkey in a drum smoker because the juices will stay in the meat. Weve tested the different methods several times and the winner was a clear no brine in drum smoker.
No matter your preference, different cooking methods matter most when deciding the best way to cook your turkey. Your choice of cooking technique will decide whether your turkey is flavorful and juicy or dry and bland.
Winner: Hook ‘N Hang Drum Cooker
Hanging the turkey in a drum cooker is an easier method of cooking turkey and often more flavorful. You get the flavor of the seasoning that was used on your turkey, but you can also enhance the flavor by using your preferred wood to give it a smoky flavor. Unlike other methods, the hanging method (see Turkey Hangers) allows you to cook two smaller birds at the same time in a drum cooker.
Of course, the Pit Barrel® is the perfect cooker to prepare your turkey. A hassle-free, set-it-and-forget-it method, the drum smoker is among the simplest ways to cook turkey for beginners. It cooks evenly, unlike an oven, resulting in a juicy turkey with more flavor than is possible there. The Pit Barrel® produces flawless color and crispy skin without using as much oil and grease as a deep fryer. And best of all? No need to baste, monitor or babysit your turkey!.
Turkey on your Pit Barrel Cooker
FAQ
How long does it take to smoke a turkey in a barrel smoker?
How long does it take to smoke a turkey at 225 degrees?
Can you smoke in a Pit Barrel cooker?