Smoking a turkey may seem daunting, but we’ve simplified the process for you. Get ready for a juicy and delicious feast with our Easy Smoked Turkey Recipe, complete with helpful tips and answers to all your questions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Free Up Your Oven: This recipe not only delivers fantastic flavor but also frees up valuable oven space during the busy Thanksgiving preparation.
- Simple and Hassle-Free: With straightforward instructions, you just need to place your turkey on the smoker, adjust the temperature as per the recipe, and let the magic happen. Keep an eye on the temperatures, and you’re in for a stress-free cooking experience.
- Irresistible Smokiness: The smoky goodness adds a unique and delectable dimension to your turkey. You’re in for a treat!
Ingredients and Supplies You’ll Need:
- Smoker: We recommend using a Traeger pellet grill, but any type will work.
- Fresh Turkey: Opt for a fully thawed 13-pound turkey or adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Brine: Enhance flavor and moisture with a simple turkey brine (recipe provided).
- Butter: For a rich and savory taste, use softened butter (or olive oil for a dairy-free option).
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste, and feel free to add a turkey rub for extra flavor.
- Twine: Optional but useful for tying up the turkey legs.
- Aluminum Cooking Dish: Catch those flavorful drippings for a delicious homemade turkey gravy.
How to Prepare a Turkey for Smoking:
- Ensure Full Thawing: Plan ahead for a fully thawed turkey to avoid impacting the cooking time.
- Remove Giblets: Take out any gravy packet or giblets from the turkey’s cavity.
- Consider Brining: While optional, brining adds flavor and juiciness. Our recipe card includes a simple and effective turkey brine.
- Pat Dry: Use clean paper towels to pat the turkey dry after brining.
- Butter Rub: Rub the turkey with softened butter (or olive oil) for a deliciously moist result.
- Season: Apply our smoked turkey rub (recipe in the card) or keep it simple with salt and pepper.
- Smoking Process: Place the turkey on the smoker, follow the provided timetable, and watch as your delicious smoked turkey comes to life.
How Long Does it Take to Smoke a Turkey:
For a 13-pound turkey, the approximate smoking time is 4 hours and 10 minutes. Cooking schedules vary based on turkey size, stuffing, and thawing, so monitor temperatures for a perfectly smoked bird.
Traeger Smoked Turkey:
This recipe works wonderfully on a Traeger pellet grill, enhancing the flavor and elevating your Thanksgiving feast.
How to Know When a Turkey is Fully Cooked:
Use an internal meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F at its thickest part.
Leftover Smoked Turkey Ideas:
Extend the joy with creative leftover recipes like Turkey Noodle Soup, Turkey Salad, Homemade Turkey Broth, Turkey Cranberry Wrap, and Turkey Wild Rice Soup.
Storage:
Keep extra turkey in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Can I Freeze Leftover Smoked Turkey:
Absolutely! Freeze leftover turkey in a freezer-safe container, ensuring it stays airtight for up to 3 months.
Prepare for a mouthwatering Thanksgiving with our Easy Smoked Turkey Recipe, bringing simplicity and flavor to your holiday table.