This smoked turkey recipe is the perfect turkey to serve on Thanksgiving or other special occasions. The turkey is delicious and tender, and the whole bird tastes like it came from an upscale restaurant. I can guarantee this smoked turkey will take your holiday meal to the next level!.
Thanksgiving turkey cooked at home is the best! This recipe for smoked turkey won’t scare you; in fact, it will help you make the best smoked turkey you’ve ever had! Smoking a turkey can be just as easy as cooking it in your kitchen.
It is possible to prepare a smoked turkey at home using any kind of deck grill. Since you never forget your first, our first smoked turkey was actually cooked on our old gas grill and is still one of the best smoked turkeys I’ve ever had.
I now prefer to use my Camp Chef SmokePro pellet smoker because it reduces the amount of babysitting I have to do by maintaining the temperatures and smoke for me. However, you can use any kind of smoker you own, including a gas or charcoal grill, to prepare this smoked turkey. The most crucial thing is to use a grill that allows you to add wood smoke, maintain steady temperatures, and produce indirect heat.
The post below is loaded with lots of information to help you get the best smoked turkey around. Please take the time to read through the entire post before you smoke your first bird. Following all the recommendations below will help you avoid any pitfalls on the big day.
What’s the secret to a juicy, flavorful turkey that’ll have everyone at your Thanksgiving table begging for seconds? Smoking it, of course! But before you fire up your smoker, there are a few things you need to know.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the smoking process, from choosing the right bird to achieving the perfect internal temperature. We’ll also share some helpful tips and tricks along the way, so you can be confident that your smoked turkey will be the star of the show.
Let’s get started!
Choosing the Right Turkey
The first step to smoking a delicious turkey is choosing the right bird. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Size: For smoking, it’s best to choose a turkey that is 15 pounds or less. This is because larger turkeys can take a long time to cook, and you risk the meat drying out.
- Freshness: Make sure your turkey is fresh, not frozen. Frozen turkeys can take longer to cook and may not be as flavorful.
- Brining: Consider brining your turkey before smoking it. Brining helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
Brining Your Turkey (Optional)
Brining is a great way to ensure your smoked turkey is moist and flavorful, Here’s how to do it:
- Dissolve 1 cup of salt in 1 gallon of water. You can also add other spices and herbs to your brine, such as peppercorns, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Submerge your turkey in the brine and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
- Remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels.
Seasoning Your Turkey
Once your turkey is brined (or not), it’s time to season it. There are many different ways to season a turkey, but we recommend using a simple rub of salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
Here’s a basic rub recipe:
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
Rub the seasoning all over the turkey, making sure to get it under the skin as well.
Setting Up Your Smoker
Now it’s time to get your smoker ready.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Temperature: Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wood: Use a mild wood, such as apple or cherry, for smoking your turkey.
- Water pan: Add a water pan to your smoker to help keep the turkey moist.
Smoking Your Turkey
Once your smoker is ready, it’s time to put the turkey on.
Here’s how to do it:
- Place the turkey on the smoker, breast side up.
- Close the lid and smoke the turkey for 30 minutes per pound. So, for a 15-pound turkey, you would smoke it for 7.5 hours.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the breast and 175 degrees Fahrenheit in the thigh.
Resting Your Turkey
Once your turkey is done smoking, it’s important to let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird
Carving and Serving Your Turkey
Now it’s time to carve and serve your delicious smoked turkey! Here are a few tips:
- Use a sharp knife to carve the turkey.
- Start by carving the breast, then the thighs and drumsticks.
- Serve the turkey with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, gravy, and stuffing.
Smoking a turkey is a great way to impress your guests and create a memorable Thanksgiving meal. By following the tips in this guide, you can be sure that your smoked turkey will be juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about smoking a turkey:
- What is the internal temperature of a smoked turkey? The internal temperature of a smoked turkey should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the breast and 175 degrees Fahrenheit in the thigh.
- How long does it take to smoke a turkey? It takes about 30 minutes per pound to smoke a turkey. So, for a 15-pound turkey, you would smoke it for 7.5 hours.
- What kind of wood should I use to smoke a turkey? Use a mild wood, such as apple or cherry, for smoking your turkey.
- Do I need to brine my turkey before smoking it? Brining is optional, but it can help to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
- What are some good sides to serve with smoked turkey? Some good sides to serve with smoked turkey include mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
Additional Resources
- Thermoworks Turkey Smoking Guide: https://blog.thermoworks.com/turkey/smoking-a-turkey/
- Hey Grill Hey Smoked Turkey Recipe: https://heygrillhey.com/smoked-turkey/
I hope this guide has been helpful!** If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Happy smoking!
Fuel & Wood Chips
Ensure you have plenty of propane, gas, pellets, or wood prior to smoking the turkey. You do not want to run out while you are in the middle of the smoking process.
I recommend using apple, cherry, or hickory wood chips for smoking a turkey. These woods give the turkey a wonderful BBQ smokiness without overpowering it with flavor.
An instant-read meat thermometer or remote meat thermometer is going to be your best friend while cooking this smoked turkey. Temperature is key when smoking a turkey, so make sure you have a good thermometer on hand to monitor the temperature of the various parts of the turkey while it is cooking.
This smoked turkey recipe can be cooked on whatever smoker you prefer. It’ll taste great cooked on a pellet grill, offset smoker, or even an electric smoker. Choose your favorite (or even what’s on hand)! An offset grill will add amazing flavor, and a pellet smoker is a great, simple grill.
How Much Turkey Per Person?
A good rule of thumb is to plan on 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of turkey per person. Remember, you will be cooking a whole turkey with bones, skin, wings, etc. that won’t necessarily be consumed at the Thanksgiving table.
Personally, I estimate 1 1/2 pounds of turkey per person. This will ensure everybody gets enough, and you’ll have leftovers for sandwiches the next day.