19+ Smoked Turkey Recipe For Thanksgiving Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 6, 2024
As Thanksgiving approaches, many families are already planning their holiday menu. While the traditional roasted turkey is a staple for this festive occasion, why not add a twist to your Thanksgiving feast by trying out a smoked turkey recipe? Not only does it add a unique flavor to the meat, but it also frees up your oven for other dishes. Follow this step-by-step guide to impress your guests with a delicious and juicy smoked turkey this Thanksgiving.
Main Ingredients: Brine, Turkey, Kosher Salt, Coarsely Ground Black Pepper
For a twist on the classic beer can chicken, try this Smoked Turkey recipe. The turkey is slow-cooked with a beer can and a variety of herbs and spices to create a juicy and flavorful bird. The beer not only adds moisture, but also infuses the turkey with a subtle hickory flavor. Serve with your favorite sides for a delicious and unique meal.
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Honey Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Chopped Fresh Sage, Ground Black Pepper, Celery
Sweet and savory come together in this Honey Smoked Turkey recipe. The turkey is coated in a honey glaze and then slow-smoked over a beer can for a tender and flavorful result. The glaze caramelizes on the skin, creating a deliciously crispy texture. This recipe is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
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Smoked Turkey Brine
Main Ingredients: Water, Kosher Salt, Large White Onion, Garlic
Take your beer can chicken to the next level with this Smoked Turkey Brine recipe. Brining the turkey before smoking adds moisture and flavor to the meat. This recipe uses a combination of beer, herbs, and spices to create a delicious and aromatic brine. Your taste buds will thank you!
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The Best Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Coarse Kosher Salt, Brown Sugar, Black Pepper
Looking for the ultimate beer can chicken recipe? Look no further than The Best Smoked Turkey. This recipe combines a flavorful dry rub with a beer can and a smoker to create a mouthwatering and tender turkey. The result is a perfectly seasoned bird with a crispy skin and juicy meat.
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Traeger Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Olive Oil, Garlic, Rosemary, Poultry Seasoning
If you have a Traeger grill, you have to try this Traeger Smoked Turkey recipe. The turkey is coated in a flavorful dry rub and then slow-smoked over a beer can for a delicious and smoky flavor. The Traeger grill adds an extra layer of flavor to the meat, making this recipe a must-try for any Traeger owner.
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Spatchcock Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Unsalted Butter
For a quicker cooking time and even cooking, try this Spatchcock Smoked Turkey recipe. The turkey is butterflied and then slow-smoked over a beer can for a flavorful and tender result. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a delicious beer can chicken without spending hours on the grill.
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Whole Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Small Onion, Apple, Bay Leaf, Garlic Clove
If you prefer to cook your bird whole, this Whole Smoked Turkey recipe is for you. The turkey is brined, coated in a flavorful dry rub, and then slow-smoked over a beer can for a delicious and juicy result. This recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion.
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Disneyland Smoked Turkey Legs
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Bbq Rub, Warm Water, Meat Tenderizer, Liquid
Bring the magic of Disneyland to your own backyard with this Disneyland Smoked Turkey Legs recipe. These giant turkey legs are coated in a savory dry rub and then slow-smoked over a beer can for a delicious and flavorful result. Close your eyes and you'll feel like you're at the happiest place on earth.
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Best Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Coarse Sea Salt, Garlic Powder, Cayenne
For a classic and foolproof beer can chicken recipe, try this Best Smoked Turkey. The turkey is brined and then coated in a simple yet flavorful dry rub before being slow-smoked over a beer can. This recipe is perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a delicious and easy chicken dish.
Spice up your Thanksgiving dinner with this Thanksgiving Smoked Turkey recipe. The turkey is brined, coated in a flavorful dry rub, and then slow-smoked over a beer can for a juicy and flavorful result. This recipe will be the star of your holiday meal.
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Pellet Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Water, Kosher Salt
If you have a pellet grill, this Pellet Smoked Turkey recipe is a must-try. The turkey is slow-smoked over a beer can using wood pellets to create a delicious and smoky flavor. The result is a tender and flavorful bird that will have your family and friends asking for seconds.
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Applewood Smoked Turkey for Traeger
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Beer, Teriyaki Sauce, Apple, Pork
For Traeger owners, this Applewood Smoked Turkey for Traeger recipe is a must-try. The turkey is coated in a flavorful dry rub and then slow-smoked over a beer can using applewood pellets for a sweet and smoky flavor. This recipe is perfect for any occasion.
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The Ultimate Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Oranges, Lemons, Rosemary, Large Garlic Cloves
This Ultimate Smoked Turkey recipe lives up to its name. The turkey is brined, coated in a flavorful dry rub, and then slow-smoked over a beer can for a tender and flavorful result. The combination of brine and dry rub creates a perfectly seasoned and juicy bird that is sure to impress.
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Smoked Turkey Breasts
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Cherry, Hot Water, Cold Water, Sea Salt, Brown
If you prefer white meat, try this Smoked Turkey Breasts recipe. The turkey breasts are brined and then coated in a flavorful dry rub before being slow-smoked over a beer can. The result is a tender and flavorful dish that is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a main course.
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Cajun Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Cold Water, Apple Cider, Kosher Salt, Turbinado Sugar
Spice up your chicken game with this Cajun Smoked Turkey recipe. The turkey is coated in a Cajun dry rub and then slow-smoked over a beer can for a delicious and spicy result. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a little heat in their food.
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Hickory Smoked Turkey with Lemon and Herbs
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Chopped Fresh Rosemary, Chopped Fresh Oregano
For a flavorful and aromatic beer can chicken, try this Hickory Smoked Turkey with Lemon and Herbs recipe. The turkey is coated in a delicious herb and lemon rub and then slow-smoked over a beer can for a tender and flavorful result. This recipe is perfect for any occasion.
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Oven-Baked Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Large Onion, Garlic, Low Sodium
For a side dish that is both healthy and delicious, try these Oven-Baked Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey. The collard greens are cooked with smoked turkey for added flavor and then baked in the oven for a crispy and flavorful result. This recipe is perfect for any meal and is a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet.
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Apple Brined And Hickory Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Apple Juice, Brown Sugar, Kosher Salt, Oranges, Fresh
For a turkey that is bursting with flavor, try this Apple Brined and Hickory Smoked Turkey recipe. The turkey is brined in a combination of apple juice and spices, and then slow-smoked over a beer can using hickory wood for a delicious and smoky result. This recipe is perfect for any special occasion.
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Texas Style Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Freshly
For a taste of the Lone Star State, try this Texas Style Smoked Turkey recipe. The turkey is coated in a flavorful dry rub and then slow-smoked over a beer can for a tender and flavorful result. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a touch of Southern flavor in their food.
Preparing the Turkey
Choosing the Right Turkey
The first step to a successful smoked turkey is choosing the right bird. Look for a fresh or thawed frozen turkey that is ideally between 10-12 pounds. This size is perfect for smoking as it cooks evenly and retains its moisture. Choosing a high-quality turkey is crucial, so it's best to purchase it from a trusted local farmer or butcher.
Brining the Turkey
Brining the turkey is essential to keep the meat moist and flavorful throughout the smoking process. In a large container, mix together 1 cup of kosher salt, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1 gallon of water. Submerge the turkey in the brine solution, making sure it is completely covered. Let it sit in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.
Preparing the Smoker
Choosing the Wood
The type of wood you use in your smoker will greatly impact the flavor of your smoked turkey. Popular options include hickory, apple, cherry, and mesquite wood. Soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes before using them in the smoker.
Setting Up the Smoker
Once the turkey has been brined and the wood chips have been soaked, it's time to set up the smoker. Place a drip pan filled with water or apple juice at the bottom of the smoker to keep the meat moist. Then, add the soaked wood chips to the smoker's designated tray. Preheat the smoker to 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Smoking the Turkey
Seasoning the Turkey
Before placing the turkey in the smoker, pat it dry and season it with your favorite dry rub or herbs. For an extra burst of flavor, you can also stuff the turkey with fruits, herbs, and onions.
Smoking Time
Place the turkey on the smoker's rack and close the lid. Let it smoke for 30 minutes per pound, checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The turkey is ready when the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Serving the Smoked Turkey
Once your smoked turkey is done, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. Carve and serve your smoked turkey as the star of your Thanksgiving dinner.
In conclusion, a smoked turkey is a delicious and unique addition to your Thanksgiving menu. With the right turkey and proper preparation, you can achieve a perfectly smoked bird that will impress your guests and have them coming back for seconds. So why not give this smoked turkey recipe a try this holiday season and elevate your Thanksgiving feast to a whole new level.