Perfect for Thanksgiving, this recipe for Epic Maple Smoked Turkey is simple enough even for a novice to prepare. Every time, a perfectly juicy turkey is achieved by first stuffing it with citrus and smoking it after applying a Sweet ‘n Spicy Maple Spice Rub.
Are you looking for a show-stopping dish to wow your guests this Thanksgiving? Look no further than this Smoked Turkey with Maple Glaze. This recipe combines the smoky flavor of the smoker with the sweetness of maple syrup, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
- Flavorful: The combination of smoky and sweet flavors is irresistible, making this turkey a standout dish.
- Juicy and Tender: The brining process ensures that the turkey stays moist and tender throughout the smoking process.
- Easy to Follow: This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, even for novice smokers.
- Versatile: The maple glaze can be adjusted to your taste preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 12-15 lb turkey (minimally processed with 8% or less solution added)
- Maple turkey brine (recipe below)
- Brining container or zip top bag
- Maple Syrup
- Jeff’s original rub (or your preferred turkey rub)
- Maple barbecue mop sauce (recipe below)
- Shallow foil pan (optional)
Equipment:
- Smoker (gas, charcoal, or electric)
- Wood chips (pecan, apple, or cherry)
- Digital probe meat thermometer
- Aluminum roasting pan
- Basting brush or mop
- Instant-read thermometer
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Turkey:
- Brine the Turkey: This step is crucial for ensuring a juicy and flavorful turkey. Follow the instructions in the provided recipe to create a maple turkey brine and soak the turkey for 10-12 hours or overnight.
- Season the Turkey: After brining, rinse the turkey and pat it dry. Apply maple syrup all over the turkey and then sprinkle Jeff’s original rub (or your preferred turkey rub) evenly. For extra flavor, work the rub under the skin of the turkey.
- Prepare the Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 240°F and add pecan, apple, or cherry wood chips for smoke flavor.
Smoking the Turkey:
- Place the Turkey in the Smoker: Place the turkey directly on the grate or on a baking sheet in a shallow foil pan. Smoke the turkey for about 2 hours without touching it.
- Baste the Turkey: After 2 hours, start basting the turkey with the maple barbecue mop sauce every hour until it’s done.
- Monitor the Temperature: Use a digital probe meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done when the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F.
- Rest the Turkey: Once the turkey is done, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
Making the Maple Barbecue Mop Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat 6 oz of maple syrup.
- Add 2 heaping tablespoons of Jeff’s original rub (or your preferred turkey rub) and mix well.
- Continuously mix the sauce while using it to baste the turkey.
Tips for Success:
- Use a good quality turkey rub that complements the maple flavor.
- Don’t overcook the turkey. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the turkey rest before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.
This Smoked Turkey with Maple Glaze is sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering. With its smoky, sweet, and juicy flavor, it’s a dish that everyone will rave about. So gather your ingredients, fire up your smoker, and get ready to create a Thanksgiving masterpiece!
How to Prepare a Turkey for Smoking?
Completely Thaw Turkey. It is extremely important that your turkey is thawed before you start the cooking process. Make sure you account for at least 3-4 days for the turkey to thaw in the refrigerator. For more details about thawing times, look here.
After thawing, take the turkey out of its packaging and put it in the sink. Drain all the water from the turkey’s cavity by holding it so that its hole faces the sink. Remove the turkey’s neck and giblets, which should be placed in a bag, and set them aside. Hint: If you’d like, you could use these to make gravy later. Make there is no ice left in the cavity. I like to give my turkey a quick rinse under cold water to make sure any salt residue from the bag has been removed.
Using a paper towel, pat the turkey dry before placing it breast side up on an aluminum roasting pan.
Make your Smoked Turkey Maple Spice Rub. Instructions below.
Turkey Seasoning: Use salt and pepper to season the turkey’s cavity, or the hole!
Rub spice rub all over turkey. Apply the homemade turkey spice rub evenly over the entire turkey using your hands.
Stuff Butter under Skin. With your fingers, take the turkey’s skin off of its meat. Stuff butter equally under the skin on both turkey breasts.
Stuff the cavity with fresh citrus. The herbs add another depth of flavor, and the citrus juice will keep the turkey moist!
Fill the pan with vegetables, fresh herbs, and chicken stock. This will collect all of the drippings, which are incredibly flavorful and excellent for basting the turkey while it roasts. You can simply top up the roasting pan with more broth if it evaporates during cooking.
Can I Smoke my Turkey on a Regular Grill?
Yes, you can use a gas grill or charcoal grill as a smoker. Although, in my opinion, it’s just not the same and does take a bit more work. To smoke your turkey on a grill you’d need to buy one of these wood chip smoker boxes. You’d place the turkey over indirect heat and then add wood chips to the smoker box throughout the smoking process to maintain the correct temperature.
MAPLE GLAZED TURKEY Pieces Smoked On The Weber Kettle
FAQ
What is turkey glaze made of?
Should I baste my smoked turkey?
Is it better to smoke a turkey at 225 or 250?
How do you make a glaze on a Turkey?
When the wood is ignited and producing smoke, place the turkey in smoker or grill and cover. To make the glaze: While the turkey smokes, whisk together syrup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small saucepan set over medium-high heat. Bring to boil, reduce heat low, and let simmer until glaze thickens slightly, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
How do you rub a Turkey with maple syrup?
Pour the maple syrup all over the turkey. Use a silicon brush or your hands to get it all over. For a little extra flavor, work your hands down under the skin of the turkey and try to get some maple syrup and rub in there. My rub is not salty at all and it goes amazingly well with the maple syrup.
How do you spice up a smoked turkey?
Make your Smoked Turkey Maple Spice Rub. Instructions below. Season Turkey: Season the cavity of the turkey (the hole) with salt and pepper! Rub spice rub all over turkey. Using your hands evenly coat the entire turkey with the homemade turkey spice rub. Stuff Butter under Skin. Using your fingers, separate the skin from the meat of the turkey.
How to smoke a Turkey in a smoker?
Heat smoker to 275°-300°F. Place Turkey over Indirect Heat: This is important, place your prepared turkey in an aluminum roasting pan over indirect heat so it doesn’t burn the bottom of the bird. We used ceramic plates on a Kamado Joe Smoker to ensure indirect heat. Place the turkey in the smoker uncovered. Close smoker and cook for 45 minutes.