Are you prepared to take a tasteful trip into the world of smoked perfection? Then get ready to dive right in to the world of Oklahoma Joe Smoked Turkey! Hold on to your hats, people!
Are you looking for a simple yet flavorful way to prepare turkey wings? Look no further than slow cooking them in the oven! This method allows for tender, succulent wings that fall off the bone, bathed in a sweet and tart homemade cranberry sauce. It’s an easy weeknight dinner idea that’s sure to please the whole family, and it can also be a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving feast.
Here’s why you should consider slow cooking your turkey wings:
- Simple and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or techniques. Simply toss the wings in oil, herbs, and seasonings, add some broth, and let the oven do its magic.
- Flavorful and Hearty: The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in wings that are both tender and flavorful. The addition of the homemade cranberry sauce adds a touch of sweetness and tartness, making it an irresistible dish.
- Versatile: This dish can be served as a main course for a special occasion or a comforting family meal. It’s also a great option for potlucks and gatherings.
- Nutrient-Rich: Turkey is a lean protein source, and cranberries are packed with antioxidants. This recipe provides a delicious and nutritious meal for you and your loved ones.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its sweet and savory flavors, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. It’s a crowd-pleasing option that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Turkey Wings:
- 12 turkey wing flats (approximately 1/2 pound each), wing tips removed
- 1/4 cup olive oil (extra-virgin or your preferred oil)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (chopped)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup unsalted broth (vegetable or chicken)
For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 16 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 navel orange (juice of 1/2 and remaining cut into chunks for the sauce)
- 1 sliver of fresh ginger (optional, about the size of a garlic clove, peeled)
Instructions
Turkey Wings:
- Preheat your oven to 275°F.
- Pat the turkey wings dry with paper towels and transfer them to a large bowl.
- Toss the wings with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Transfer the wings to a large roasting pan. Pour the broth into the pan and cover it snugly with foil.
- Roast the wings for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is very tender.
Cranberry Sauce:
- While the wings are roasting, prepare your cranberry sauce. In a medium bowl, rinse the cranberries with cool water and remove any stems or blemished berries. Drain the cranberries in a colander.
- In a 3-quart saucepan, heat water and sugar to boiling over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
- Continue boiling for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the cranberries, orange juice and chunks, and ginger.
- Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Continue boiling for another 5 minutes, or until the cranberries begin to pop.
- Simmer for about 20 minutes.
Final Steps:
- Once the turkey wings are done, remove them from the oven and brush them with the cranberry sauce during the last 6-8 minutes of cooking. This will create a gorgeous glaze and crispy wings.
- Let the wings rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious slow-cooked turkey wings with the homemade cranberry sauce!
Tips
- For extra crispy wings, turn your oven to broil on low for the last few minutes of cooking time. Keep a close eye on the wings to prevent burning.
- If you don’t have fresh cranberries, you can use a can of whole cranberry sauce. However, be mindful that canned sauces usually contain more sugar.
- For a healthier alternative to sugar in the cranberry sauce, consider using honey or maple syrup.
- This recipe is easily adaptable to different herbs and spices. Feel free to experiment with rosemary, oregano, or other seasonings to create your own unique flavor profile.
- If turkey wings aren’t readily available, consider using turkey thighs or legs instead. The cooking time may need to be adjusted as they are usually smaller than wings.
- You can choose to cook the wings whole or halved, depending on the size of your baking pan or casserole dish.
Slow cooking turkey wings in the oven is a simple and flavorful way to prepare this versatile protein. With its tender texture, delicious cranberry sauce glaze, and ease of preparation, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy this delightful dish!
How to Make Smoked Turkey on Oklahoma Joe
Let’s get right to the point, or should I say, the carving: Here’s how to use your Oklahoma Joe to transform a turkey into a smokey masterpiece:
- Prep that Bird:First things first, get yourself a quality turkey. Fresh is the best option, so forget about the frozen nonsense and give that bird a thorough cleaning and pat down. We’re getting it ready for the flavor party, after all.
- Brine Time, Baby:Throw that turkey into a flavorful brine. I am referring to a mixture of herbs, sugar, salt, and possibly a couple of secret ingredients. Let it soak up the goodness overnight.
- Wood Wisdom: Pecan, my friend, is the best wood to smoke turkey with. Its nutty, sweet flavor will make your taste buds jive joyfully.
- Rub-a-Dub-Dub:Hit your turkey with a BBQ rub that’s got personality. I enjoy adding paprika, garlic powder, and a dash of sass together.
- It’s time to smoke: Preheat your Oklahoma Joe to a perfect 275°F. Slow and steady wins the race. Place the turkey inside, shut the cover, and let the aromatic symphony commence.
- Padawan, have patience. This is the part where you have to fight the impulse to check in every five minutes. Have faith in the procedure, and give the turkey several hours to absorb the delicious smoky flavor.
- Golden Glory: Crispy skin and succulent meat are the desired results, and your bird is ready to showcase when its internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Brine, Baby, Brine: A Soak of Flavors
Brining is akin to treating your turkey to a spa treatment; it emerges feeling revitalized, full of flavor, and refreshed. My go-to brine includes kosher salt, brown sugar, garlic, and a splash of apple cider for good measure. Let that bird take a flavorful dip overnight, and you’ll thank me later.
When it’s rub time, don’t hold back. Mix up a concoction that speaks to your taste buds. I like to throw in a pinch of cayenne for a little kick. Give your turkey a massage as though it were a spa treatment—trust me, it deserves it.
Now, let’s not forget the supporting cast. A smoked turkey deserves some A-list sides. I’m talking about a flavorful stuffing that will make your taste buds jig, creamy mashed potatoes, and tart cranberry sauce.
Oklahoma Joe’s Perfectly Smoked Turkey Breast
FAQ
How do you smoke a turkey breast on a Oklahoma Joe smoker?
Is smoked turkey breast fully cooked?
How do you keep a turkey breast from drying out in the smoker?
How do you smoke a Turkey on an Oklahoma Joe smoker?
A: There are a few different ways to smoke a turkey on an Oklahoma Joe smoker, but the most common method is to use indirect heat. This means that you will place the turkey on the indirect side of the smoker, away from the heat source. You will then need to maintain a temperature of 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit for the duration of the cook.
How to cook a turkey breast in a smoker?
Combine brown sugar, paprika, onion flakes, garlic flakes, oregano and black pepper in a bowl. Mix with fingers to break up any clumps. Lightly season the turkey breasts on all sides with the seasoning blend. 6. Place turkey breasts in your smoker with 3 to 4 wood chunks on top of the hot coals. 7.
How do you cook on an Oklahoma Joe’s smoker?
6. Preheat – Preheat your Oklahoma Joe’s® Smoker to 300-325°F. Fill the firebox or charcoal basket with hardwood lump charcoal and place a water pan in the cooking chamber next to the firebox opening. Light one corner, and leave the side door open until the grill gets to 250°F. Shut the door and start with the vents fully open.
What is a southwestern smoked turkey?
This Southwestern Smoked Turkey is a fun and flavorful departure from the ordinary herb-laden, oven-roasted bird. The spicy compound butter does double duty as an injection and seasoning. The result is a juicy turkey with bold and bright flavors. 1. Mix the compound butter – Mix the softened butter, Southwestern Seasoning, and lime juice. 2.