“Captain Ron,” also known as “Eggspert” Ron Dimpflmaier, is a contributing writer for Kamado and Big Green Egg cookers. In the same amount of time as cooking it in your oven, he shows you how to cook an entire turkey in these appliances for perfectly cooked, smoked turkey flavor.
This time of year, every home cook in the country gets to impress their friends and family with their Thanksgiving turkey-cooking prowess. Thankfully, the Pilgrims started this long tradition which only seems to grow more and more each year!.
It’s okay even though it’s been proven that after their famous landing on Plymouth Rock, the Pilgrims did not eat turkey. Thanksgiving always makes me think of turkey, and I don’t believe that 46 million turkeys would be consumed in the US on the final Thursday of November if they hadn’t made that historic journey across the ocean.
Smoking a turkey on a Big Green Egg is a fantastic way to achieve a flavorful and juicy bird that will impress your family and friends. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from preparing the turkey to achieving the perfect smoky flavor
Ingredients:
- 12-14 lb. whole turkey
- Big Green Egg Sweet and Smoky Seasoning
- Canola oil
- Kosher salt
- ½ orange, cut in half
- ½ onion, cut in half
- 2 sprigs sage
- 2 sprigs rosemary
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 1 whole head of garlic
- Big Green Egg Apple Smoking Chunks
Equipment:
- Big Green Egg
- Rectangular Drip Pan
- convEGGtor
- Big Green Egg Rib and Roast Rack
- Apple Smoking Chunks
Instructions:
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Prepare the Big Green Egg: Set up your EGG for indirect cooking with the convEGGtor at 225ºF/107ºC. Add apple smoking chunks for a smoky flavor.
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Season the Turkey: Coat the turkey in canola oil and place it on the rib rack inside the roasting pan. Season generously with salt and Big Green Egg Sweet and Smoky Seasoning, ensuring you season the cavity as well.
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Add Aromatics: Place the orange, onion, garlic, and herbs into the cavity of the turkey for added flavor.
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Smoke the Turkey: Smoke the turkey inside the egg until the dark meat reaches 185°F and the breast meat reaches 165°F internally. This usually takes thirty minutes per pound, for a total cooking time of six to eight hours.
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Rest and Serve: Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving.
Tips:
- Use avocado oil instead of canola oil for a healthier option.
- Remove the garlic from the cavity before serving, as some people find the taste overpowering.
- Baste the turkey with melted butter or apple juice during the last hour of cooking for extra flavor and moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches the correct internal temperature.
Additional Resources:
- Big Green Egg Smoked Turkey Recipe: https://biggreenegg.com/recipes/smoked-turkey-2/
- How to Smoke a Turkey on a Big Green Egg (YouTube video): https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PbU0texTuug
It’s a satisfying experience to smoke a turkey on a Big Green Egg, and the result is a tasty and impressive meal. A perfectly smoked turkey will be the talk of the party if you follow these instructions and make use of the available resources.
How long do I cook the turkey?
Plan on about 12 minutes per pound at 350°. However, this is merely a guideline. Remember, we cook to temperature, not time. The turkey is done when the thickest part of the breast and thigh, measured with an internal read thermometer like the Thermapen, reads 165°. Cooking without one could result in overdone white meat and a dry bird, but it could also cook the dark meat to a temperature of 185°. That is not what you want your guests to remember about your big holiday meal, either.
Never forget to be kind to one another and that, in spite of outward appearances, there is always much for which to be thankful. So eat your turkey, stuff yourself on side dishes, and don’t forget the dessert. Remember that as you celebrate Thanksgiving with your loved ones, friends, food, and football, there are only thirty days left until Christmas.
Should you brine your turkey?
We could debate this point endlessly, but brining your turkey will surely help it be the juiciest and moistest it can be. We at GrillGirl recommend brining. Check out our Pickle Juice Brined Turkey Recipe or All-Purpose Brine Recipe.
Smoked Turkey on Big Green Egg | How To Smoke A Turkey BGE with Malcom Reed HowToBBQRight
FAQ
How long does it take to smoke a turkey on the Big Green Egg?
Is it better to smoke a turkey at 225 or 250?
What is the best wood for smoking turkey on Big Green Egg?
How big of a turkey will fit on a large Big Green Egg?
How do you smoke a Turkey on a big green egg?
When ready to smoke, soak your wood chips and preheat the EGG to 325°F. Remove the turkey from the brine, pat dry, stuff the cavity with lemon and herbs, and smoke the turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Did you make this recipe? How Long Does it Take to Smoke Turkey on a Big Green Egg?
How do you cook a Turkey in a big green egg?
For the turkey: Prepare your Big Green Egg for indirect cooking at 350° to 375°. Place a drip pan with the 6 cups of water, giblets and neck in between the convEGGtor and the cooking grate. Remove the turkey from the wrapper. Remove all giblets, the neck and anything else in the cavity of the bird.
How do you smoke an enhanced Turkey?
Pat the turkey skin dry with a paper towel and add a light dusting of kosher salt to help crisp up the skin. I don’t salt to the inside of an enhanced turkey. It has been salted by the enhancement injection already. Once your turkey is prepped, get your egg running at your desired cooking temperature. I like to smoke roast turkeys at 350°f.
How long do you smoke a Turkey?
Put the turkey on a roasting rack with a drip pan underneath and place the pan in the EGG. For every pound the turkey weighs, you should allow it to smoke for 12 minutes. You’ll know the turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.