Looking for a mouthwatering, tender turkey that will wow your guests at your next special gathering? This recipe for smoked turkey is designed to make your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any occasion truly memorable. Infused with rich flavors and that signature smoky taste, this turkey is a surefire way to elevate your holiday meal. The slow-smoking process not only makes the turkey juicy but also creates a beautiful golden-brown crust, giving it that upscale restaurant feel without the high price tag.
Ingredients for Smoked Turkey
To prepare this exceptional smoked turkey, you’ll need:
1 (15-pound) defrosted turkey
2-3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
2-3 tablespoons of Sweet Rub
How To Make:
Preheat Your Grill or Smoker:
Begin by setting up your grill for indirect smoking. If you’re using a gas grill, ignite half of the burners to medium-low and leave the other half off. For charcoal, wait until the coals are ashed over, and arrange them on one side of the grill. Leave the vents open to about 25%. If you’re using a dedicated smoker, set the temperature to 225°F (107°C). Add wood chips or chunks to create a thin blue smoke, which is essential for infusing flavor into your turkey.
Prepare the Turkey:
Once the turkey has thawed, remove it from the packaging and take out the neck and giblets from inside the cavity. If the turkey has been brined, rinse it with cold water to remove any excess salt. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, ensuring that the skin is as dry as possible for a crisp finish. Use butcher’s twine to tie the legs together, and tuck the wing tips behind the shoulder joint to prevent them from burning during the smoking process.
Season the Turkey:
Coat the outside of the turkey with a generous amount of olive oil or melted butter. This will help the seasoning stick to the skin and add flavor. Sprinkle the turkey with your Sweet Rub, ensuring that it’s evenly coated on all sides.
Smoke the Turkey:
Place the seasoned turkey on the grill grate, directly over the heat source. Close the lid and let it smoke at 225°F (107°C). On average, you’ll need to cook the turkey for around 30 minutes per pound. For a 15-pound turkey, this will take approximately 7.5 hours. However, always add an extra 30 minutes to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.
Monitor the Temperature:
Use a reliable instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. Test both the breast and thigh, making sure the thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in both areas. If you find any temperature discrepancies, check both sides of the turkey, as grilling on gas or charcoal may result in uneven heat.
Rest the Turkey:
After reaching the perfect temperature, remove the turkey from the grill and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful bird. If the turkey is done earlier than expected, you can keep it warm by loosely covering it with foil and insulating it with towels to maintain the temperature.
Carve and Serve:
Now comes the fun part—slicing into that beautifully smoked turkey! Whether you’re a fan of dark meat or prefer the white meat, this turkey is sure to satisfy every palate. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy the delicious flavors of this perfectly smoked bird.
FAQs for Smoking a Turkey
Can I use a different rub for the turkey?
Absolutely! You can substitute the Sweet Rub with any of your favorite turkey seasonings. Just make sure it complements the smoky flavor.
What type of wood is best for smoking turkey?
Pecan, apple, and cherry woods are great options for smoking turkey. These woods impart a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the turkey.
How do I know when the turkey is done?
The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the breast and thigh. Always check both areas for accuracy.
Can I brine the turkey before smoking it?
Yes, you can brine your turkey ahead of time for added moisture and flavor. Just be sure to rinse it well if it’s brined to avoid an overly salty taste.
Can I smoke a smaller or larger turkey?
Yes, this recipe works for turkeys of various sizes. Just adjust the cooking time, allowing approximately 30 minutes per pound at 225°F.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
While smoking the turkey is best done the day of your event, you can prepare the turkey by seasoning it the night before and refrigerating it. Smoke it on the day of for the best results.
Easy Smoked Turkey Recipe
If you’re short on time and just want the basics, this simple smoked turkey recipe will have you covered. It’s perfect for busy days or anyone looking to prepare an easy yet delicious turkey that’s sure to impress.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours
Resting Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 7 people
Ingredients
1 (15-pound) defrosted turkey
2-3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
2-3 tablespoons Sweet Rub
Instructions
Preheat your grill or smoker to 225°F (107°C). If you’re using a gas grill, turn on half of the burners to medium-low, leaving the other half off. For charcoal, wait until the coals are ashed over and arrange them on one side. If using a smoker, set it to 225°F and add wood chips for smoke.
Prepare the turkey by removing the packaging, giblets, and neck. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and tie the legs with butcher’s twine. Tuck the wings behind the shoulder joint.
Season the turkey with olive oil or melted butter, and coat it evenly with the Sweet Rub on all sides.
Place the turkey on the grill over indirect heat. Smoke for approximately 30 minutes per pound, or 7.5 hours for a 15-pound turkey.
Check the temperature with an instant-read thermometer. The turkey is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the breast and thigh.
Rest the turkey for 15 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist turkey.
Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Calories: 697 kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 100g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 331mg
Sodium: 524mg
Potassium: 1059mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Vitamin A: 369 IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 97mg
Iron: 5mg
Notes
For a unique twist, feel free to experiment with different wood flavors like apple or hickory. You can also substitute the Sweet Rub with your preferred seasoning blend for added variety.
