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10 hrs 20 mins Jump to Nutrition Facts This year, opt to smoke your holiday turkey. Why? Smoking results in an aromatic bird with a delicate, smoky flavor and a beautifully tender and juicy texture. Learn how to smoke a turkey, and get our best seasoning and storage tips, right here. How to Smoke a TurkeyIt's easier than you think to make a perfectly smoked turkey. You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect: Rinse and Rub TurkeyRinse the turkey in cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Rub the entire turkey with crushed garlic, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the turkey in an aluminum roasting pan. Stuff the Turkey(Note: The turkey should already be clean, with the neck and giblets removed). Stuff the hollowed cavity with butter, cola, apple, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cover the seasoned and stuffed turkey loosely with foil. Smoke the TurkeyAdd wood chips to the smoker according to the manufacturer's directions and place the covered turkey in the pre-heated smoker. Smoke the turkey, basting regularly, until the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink at the bone. How Long to Smoke a TurkeyHow long to smoke a turkey depends on multiple factors, including the size of the turkey and the type of smoker. When you cook it according to this recipe, a 10-pound turkey should be done in about 5 hours. You'll know the turkey is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone, reads at least 180 degrees F. At What Temperature Should You Smoke Turkey?For this recipe, you'll preheat your smoker to 225 to 250 degrees F. Low and slow smoking ensures a juicy texture and perfect flavor. Can You Smoke a Frozen Turkey?We don't recommend smoking a frozen turkey, as a frozen bird may not cook evenly (which may cause foodborne illness). Make sure your turkey is completely thawed before smoking. Learn more: How to Safely Thaw a Frozen Turkey Seasoning for Smoked TurkeyThe outside of this smoked turkey is simply seasoned with garlic and salt. The cavity is stuffed with a variety of ingredients (cola, apple, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper) to infuse the bird with irresistible flavor from the inside out. Should You Brine a Turkey for Smoking?When it comes to smoking a turkey, brining is completely optional. The low and slow cooking actually draws the moisture into the turkey instead of out, so you don't need to add anything to keep it juicy. This top-rated recipe doesn't require a brine. What to Serve With Smoked TurkeyOf course, the smoked turkey will be the star of your holiday table. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't leave room for sides! Peruse these collections to complete your holiday meal:
15 Best Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes Explore our entire library of Thanksgiving Side Dishes for more delicious inspiration. How to Store Smoked TurkeyStore leftover smoked turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat until warmed through in the microwave, in the oven, or on the stove. Allrecipes Tips and Praise"I absolutely love this recipe, it is always my family's favorite way of eating our Thanksgiving turkey," says Sabrina Leigh Millward. "It always turns out so juicy with so much flavor!! I love to save the bones and make the best bone broth." "This was delicious, better than deep-fried," according to MichaelORO. "The skin is perfect, the meat is moist, and the flavor is consistent throughout." "This was an excellent recipe for smoked turkey," raves Tammy. "The flavors blended together nicely. We smoked it with an apple juice/water mixture. We used a Granny Smith apple in the cavity with the other ingredients. Very little leftovers." Editorial contributions by Corey Williams Ingredients
Directions
TipsI like to use hickory chips or hickory wood in my smoker. Hickory generates a more even smokiness than other woods, and it does not matter whether the wood is green or seasoned. For best results, maintain a temperature of 225 to 250 degrees F (110 to 120 degrees C) while cooking and basting the turkey. Nutrition Facts (per serving)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. ** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data. (-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption. Powered by the ESHA Research Database © 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved How long does it take to smoke a 12 pound turkey on a charcoal grill?If you smoke your turkey around 225F degrees, it will take around 30 minutes per pound.
How long does it take to smoke a 20 pound turkey on a charcoal grill?Generally, though, you should allow for about 30-40 minutes of smoking per pound. So, if you have a 20-pound turkey, it'll probably take 10-12 hours to completely smoke it.
How do you smoke a turkey in a pit smoker?Place the turkey in the Pit Barrel using hooks or the special turkey hanger. You can also just set it on the included grate if you prefer. Let the turkey cook in the PBC for approximately 4 hours or until a thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part of the breast or thigh.
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