Looking for a delicious and unique way to cook your Thanksgiving turkey this year? Look no further than the Meat Church Maple Bourbon Spatchcock Turkey! This recipe is not only flavorful and juicy, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make
What is a Spatchcock Turkey?
A spatchcock turkey is a turkey that has been butterflied, meaning that the backbone has been removed and the turkey has been flattened out. This method of cooking allows the turkey to cook more evenly and quickly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird.
The Meat Church Maple Bourbon Spatchcock Turkey Recipe
The Meat Church Maple Bourbon Spatchcock Turkey recipe is a great way to add a touch of sweetness and smokiness to your Thanksgiving turkey. The maple syrup and bourbon in the brine and the Texas Sugar rub give the turkey a delicious flavor that is sure to please everyone at the table
Ingredients:
- 1 12-15 lb turkey
- Meat Church Texas Sugar (or your favorite seasoning)
- 1 gallon water
- 1 package Meat Church Bird Bath Poultry Brine
- 3/4 C, grade A maple syrup
- 3/4 C, Bourbon
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1/4 C, grade A maple syrup
- Instant Read Thermometer
Instructions:
Prepare the Brine:
- Thoroughly mix the entire contents of the Bird Bath Poultry Brine package with 4 cups of water in a medium stock pot.
- Add the maple syrup and bourbon, stir, and bring to a boil.
- Remove from the heat and add 8-12 cups of ice water to completely cool the liquid.
- Place the turkey in a food-safe container and fill the container with the brine mixture, making sure to completely submerge the turkey. Add water if necessary.
- Refrigerate overnight or for an average of 45-60 minutes per pound.
Spatchcock the Turkey:
- This step can be done before or after the brine. Using a pair of poultry shears, cut along each side of the backbone of the turkey to remove it (you can use the backbone to make gravy).
- Press the turkey flat. You can watch a video on how to easily spatchcock a turkey here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JfVF12Ph8KE
- Optionally, remove the keel bone if you like, but it is not necessary.
Prepare Your Smoker:
- Prepare your smoker at a temperature of 275 degrees F.
- Use a medium smoking wood or pellet such as hickory or pecan.
Prepare the Turkey:
- Remove the turkey from the brine, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry.
- Combine 1 stick of butter and 1/4 C maple syrup in a small pot to act as a binder for the seasoning and for basting during the cook. Heat to combine and allow to cool.
- Brush the binder all over the turkey, preserving the remaining for basting during the cook.
- Season the outside of the turkey very evenly with Texas Sugar, making sure to season underneath and in all the cracks and crevices. Allow to adhere for at least 15 minutes.
Cook the Turkey:
- Place the turkey in the smoker with the breast towards the fire. Pull the skin down so it cooks as evenly as possible.
- Rotate the turkey or cover any tips with foil during the cook if you feel parts are getting too dark.
- Baste as often as you like during the cook, but at least once after you pass 150 internal in the breast.
- Smoke the turkey until it reaches 160 in the deepest part of the breast. The turkey will continue to carryover cook a few more degrees to get to the USDA recommended 165.
- Remove the turkey from the smoker and allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes. Garnish with herbs and cranberries.
Enjoy!
Tips:
- For a crispier skin, you can finish the turkey under the broiler for a few minutes.
- If you don’t have a smoker, you can also cook this turkey in the oven at 325 degrees F.
- Be sure to let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
Additional Resources:
- Meat Church Maple Bourbon Spatchcock Turkey Recipe: https://www.meatchurch.com/blogs/recipes/maple-bourbon-spatchcock-turkey
- Meat Church How To YouTube Video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JfVF12Ph8KE
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the best way to spatchcock a turkey?
There are many different ways to spatchcock a turkey. You can watch a video on how to easily spatchcock a turkey here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JfVF12Ph8KE
- What kind of wood should I use to smoke a turkey?
A medium smoking wood or pellet such as hickory or pecan is a good choice for smoking a turkey.
- How long should I smoke a turkey?
The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey. A general guideline is to smoke the turkey until it reaches 160 degrees F in the deepest part of the breast. The turkey will continue to carryover cook a few more degrees to get to the USDA recommended 165 degrees F.
- What should I serve with a smoked turkey?
There are many different side dishes that go well with smoked turkey. Some popular choices include mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.
The Meat Church Maple Bourbon Spatchcock Turkey is a delicious and easy way to cook your Thanksgiving turkey. This recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. So give it a try this year and see for yourself how amazing it is!