Smoking is a delicious way to prepare a whole turkey. All you need is the turkey, seasonings, time, and patience. You also need the right equipment. That would be an electric smoker, like the Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker, in my opinion.
I tried smoking a whole turkey once, and it was a huge failure. Before buying my enormous turkey, I forgot to measure the height of my charcoal smoker from the grill surface to the underside of the dome lid. The bird’s height prevented the lid from closing snugly.
I did unleash my inner MacGyver and managed to devise a smaller grill rack that was positioned inside the smoker on rocks in order to ensure that the top closed securely. Regretfully, the turkey was cooking unevenly because it was too near the heat source. Needless to say, after attempting to adjust the smoker for three hours, I finally finished the main attraction in the oven.
Purchase a bird that will fit into your smoker, regardless of the kind you use. I really like to maintain a weight range of 12 to 14 pounds. You could fit two smaller birds on the upper and lower shelves of a tall electric smoker box, and you could even rotate them halfway through the cooking process.
Indulge in the smoky goodness of a perfectly cooked turkey with Masterbuilt’s expert guidance and two mouthwatering recipes,
Traditional Smoked Turkey
This classic recipe provides a straightforward approach to smoking a delicious turkey, perfect for beginners and seasoned grillers alike
Ingredients:
- 10-12 lb turkey
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your smoker to 275°F.
- Coat the turkey with a thin layer of olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the turkey directly on the bottom rack of your smoker.
- Smoke the turkey for 3.5-4 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Tips:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Baste the turkey with additional olive oil or butter during the smoking process for added flavor and moisture.
- Experiment with different wood chips or chunks to add unique smoke flavors to your turkey.
Smoked Whole Turkey – Gravity Series
This recipe is specifically designed for Masterbuilt’s Gravity Series smokers, offering a convenient and flavorful way to smoke a whole turkey.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (about 19 pounds), thawed if frozen
- Your favorite Cajun seasoning
- Your favorite injectable marinade or chicken broth
Instructions:
- Remove the intake slides from your Gravity Series grill. Ensure the grates are positioned with the “smoke” side up. Open the charcoal hopper doors, add charcoal if needed, and light it. Turn on the grill and set the temperature to 275°F. Add wood chunks to the Gravity Series Ash Bucket for additional smoke flavor.
- Rinse and dry the thawed turkey. Inject the turkey with your preferred injectable marinade using a marinade injection syringe. Season the inside and outside of the turkey with your favorite Cajun seasoning, rubbing it into the skin.
- Place the turkey on the grates and close the lid. Smoke for 5 1/2 hours or until the internal temperature in the breast reaches 165°F. Remember to adjust the total cooking time based on the weight of your turkey. The estimated time at 275°F is approximately 18 minutes per pound. Ensure the internal temperature in the breast reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Smoking Tip: Enhance the smoky flavor by adding wood chunks to the Gravity Series Ash Bucket.
Additional Tips:
- For a crispy skin, pat the turkey dry before seasoning and smoking.
- Consider brining the turkey before smoking for added moisture and tenderness.
- Experiment with different wood types to create unique flavor profiles.
- Rest the turkey for 15-20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Masterbuilt: Your Ultimate Smoked Turkey Resource
With Masterbuilt’s comprehensive guides and delectable recipes, you’re equipped to master the art of smoked turkey. From selecting the right wood to achieving crispy skin, Masterbuilt provides all the information you need to impress your guests with this flavorful and satisfying dish.
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Preparing the Turkey before Smoking
The turkey needs to go through a few steps before it’s ready to be smoked. Follow these tips and you should get great results.
1. Size Matters. Buy a turkey that fits inside the smoker.
2. Thaw the turkey completely and slowly. If you buy a frozen turkey, keep it in the fridge in a big pan with the wrapping still on. The full thawing process will take two to three days. Avoid leaving it out on the counter to defrost faster.
3. Remove the neck and giblets. Yes, this is one of those “duh” moments. I am aware of numerous home cooks who have served turkeys that still had the giblets bag inside of them. Save them for making stock or gravy.
4. Should you brine? To be completely honest, I can’t really tell the difference between a really well-seasoned smoked turkey and one that has been brined. I’ve tried brining a few times, but I just can’t handle the work involved.
Don’t buy a pre-brined or already seasoned bird. You can never be sure how long something has been left in the brine. Based on my observations, you might wind up with a soggy bird or a salt bomb.
If brining, fully submerge the bird in a mixture of 1/2 cup salt and 1/2 cup sugar for each gallon of water. A cooler that has a plastic bag inside of it functions fairly well. Let the turkey rest in this for a duration of 12 to 14 hours.
5. Rinse and dry. Thoroughly rinse the bird under cool running water whether you brine it or not. Once the turkey is completely dry, pat both the inside and outside with plenty of paper towels.
The recipe for smoking a turkey in a Masterbuilt Electric Smoker is now available. Recipe below is a herb rubbed smoked turkey recipe. If you’re looking for instructions on how to make the ideal smoked Thanksgiving turkey, we also have another page. A lot of home cooks enjoy using Cajun seasoning to season turkeys before smoking them. I am somewhat traditional in that I prefer turkey to taste and smell like Thanksgiving. Traditional poultry seasonings are used in my recipe, which seems to suit a wide range of palates. You can vary it by adding Cajun spices or even just salt and pepper.
Herb Rubbed Smoked Turkey Recipe
How to Smoke a Turkey in Masterbuilt Electric Smoker | Dry Brine, Inject & Season
FAQ
How long does it take to smoke a turkey on a Masterbuilt smoker?
How long does it take to smoke a whole turkey at 225?
Is it better to smoke a turkey at 225 or 250?
Do you wrap a turkey with foil on an electric smoker?