Keywords: Malcom Reed, smoked turkey recipe, smoking turkey, Thanksgiving turkey, turkey brine, turkey injection, smoker recipes
Are you looking for a delicious and unique way to cook your Thanksgiving turkey this year? Look no further than Malcom Reed’s smoked turkey recipe! This recipe is guaranteed to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through every step of the process from brining and injecting the turkey to smoking it to perfection. We will also answer frequently asked questions about smoking turkey, so that you can feel confident in your ability to create a masterpiece.
The Malcom Reed Smoked Turkey Recipe:
Malcom Reed is a renowned pitmaster and barbecue expert and his smoked turkey recipe is one of the most popular on the internet. This recipe is known for its simplicity and its ability to produce a juicy, flavorful turkey that is sure to please even the most discerning palate.
Ingredients:
- 10-12 lb turkey
- 2 gallons of water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1/4 cup Killer Hog’s The BBQ Rub
- 3-4 bay leaves
- Fresh thyme bundle
- 1 tbsp whole peppercorns
- 1 stick real butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp granulated garlic
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- Kosher salt
- Granulated garlic
- Poultry seasoning
- Apple cider vinegar
- Pecan or fruit wood
Instructions:
Brining the Turkey:
- In a large stock pot, bring 1 gallon of water to a boil and add the brown sugar, molasses, honey, BBQ rub, and bay leaves.
- Once the ingredients have dissolved, turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool.
- Place the turkey inside a large ziplock bag and pour in the brine.
- Add the thyme bundle and peppercorns, and top off the bag with an additional gallon of water.
- Close the bag and lay a bag of ice on top to keep the turkey submerged.
- Let the turkey soak for 24 hours, replacing the ice as needed.
Injecting the Turkey:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the chicken broth, hot sauce, garlic, and Cajun seasoning.
- Whisk the ingredients together and remove from heat.
- Inject the turkey in 3-4 locations on each side, as well as in the legs and thighs.
- Secure the legs and wings with butcher twine.
Smoking the Turkey:
- Preheat your smoker to 275-300 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the turkey on the smoker and set a timer for 1.5 hours.
- Rotate the turkey on the rack to ensure even cooking.
- After 3.5 hours, check the internal temperature of the turkey. It should be at least 165 degrees in the breast and 175 degrees in the thigh.
- If the turkey is not done, continue smoking it until it reaches the desired temperature.
- Once the turkey is done, let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving.
Tips:
- You can baste your turkey with apple juice every few hours to give it more flavor and keep it moist.
- If you are using a gas smoker, you may need to add wood chips every hour or so to maintain the smoke level.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How long does it take to smoke a turkey?
A: The cooking time for a smoked turkey will vary depending on the size of the bird and the smoker you are using. However, a general rule of thumb is that it will take about 3.5 hours to smoke a 10-12 lb turkey.
Q: What kind of wood should I use for smoking turkey?
A: Pecan or fruit wood is a good choice for smoking turkey. These woods will give the turkey a mild, smoky flavor.
Q: Do I need to brine the turkey?
A: Brining the turkey is not required, but it is highly recommended. Brining will help to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
Q: Can I use a different type of injection?
A: Yes, you can use any type of injection that you like. However, Malcom Reed’s injection recipe is a good option because it is simple and flavorful.
Q: What should I serve with smoked turkey?
A: Smoked turkey is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
Malcom Reed’s smoked turkey recipe is a surefire way to impress your guests this Thanksgiving. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a delicious and flavorful turkey that will be the star of your holiday feast. Be sure to check out the frequently asked questions section for answers to common questions about smoking turkey. With a little preparation and effort, you can easily create a masterpiece that will leave everyone wanting more.
Additional Resources:
- Malcom Reed’s website: https://howtobbqright.com/
- Malcom Reed’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/howtobbqright
- Malcom Reed’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/howtobbqright/
Keywords: Malcom Reed, smoked turkey recipe, smoking turkey, Thanksgiving turkey, turkey brine, turkey injection, smoker recipes