On Thanksgiving, everyone loves a good turkey dinner, so make sure you serve the best turkey you can! Oven-baked turkey is good, but this perfectly smoked turkey recipe is even better!
Smoking a turkey is a delicious way to prepare it, but keeping the meat moist can be tricky. A dried out smoked turkey is disappointing, but with some simple preparation you can ensure your bird stays juicy and flavorful. We swear by wet brining our turkey before smoking because it not only adds a ton of flavor but also helps the turkey retain moisture during the smoking process. In this article, I’ll share my tips on how to keep your smoked turkey moist from start to finish.
Choose the Right Size Turkey
When choosing a turkey for smoking smaller is better. Opt for a bird that is 14 lbs or less. Larger turkeys take longer to cook at the low smoking temperatures, increasing the chance of drying out. The longer cook time also makes it harder to keep the breast meat at the ideal finished temperature without overcooking the legs and thighs.
Brine the Turkey
Brining is a must for a moist smoked turkey. Brining involves soaking the raw turkey in a saltwater solution before cooking. The brine seasons the meat and helps it retain moisture. Here is a simple brine recipe:
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 gallon water
- Herbs and spices of your choice
Combine the salt, sugar and seasonings with the water and stir to dissolve Place the turkey in a container and cover completely with the brine Refrigerate for 8-12 hours. Rinse the turkey and pat dry before smoking.
Prepare the Skin
Soggy skin is the enemy of a crispy smoked turkey. Make sure the skin is as dry as possible before smoking Pat the skin thoroughly with paper towels. Place the turkey on a rack set in a pan and refrigerate uncovered overnight The exposure to air will dry out the skin.
Use a Water Pan
Adding a water pan to your smoker provides moisture to the cooking environment. Place a disposable foil pan filled with water on the grill near the turkey. As the water evaporates it keeps the turkey from drying out. Replenish the water as needed during smoking.
Maintain Proper Temperatures
Keep your smoker temperature between 225-250°F. Any higher can cause the turkey to cook too quickly, before the heat can penetrate to the center. Cook until the breast meat reaches 150°F and the thighs 160°F. The temperature will continue rising as the turkey rests.
Spritz the Turkey
Misting the turkey with apple juice or broth helps add flavor and moisture. Spritz every 45-60 minutes during smoking. Take care not to knock off the rub or over-saturate the skin when spritzing.
Wrap at Stall Point
The stall point refers to the phase during smoking when the internal temperature stops rising. This happens as moisture evaporates from the turkey. Once the turkey hits 150°F, wrap it in butcher paper or foil. The wrap prevents further moisture loss.
Let It Rest
Never slice into a smoked turkey straight out of the smoker. Let it rest tented with foil for at least 30 minutes, up to 1 hour. During this time the juices redistribute through the meat, making it juicier.
Serve with Gravy
A rich turkey gravy adds moisture and flavor when serving. Make gravy from the smoked turkey drippings, using a roux to thicken. Baste sliced turkey with gravy before serving.
Smoking a turkey may take longer than roasting, but the juicy, smoky flavor is well worth the wait. With the right techniques, you can enjoy smoked turkey that is moist and delicious. Let your turkey soak up the smoky goodness of the grill without drying out with this foolproof guide. Your holiday table or summer cookout will be amazed at your mouthwateringly moist smoked turkey.
Charcoal Grill / Gas Grill
I dont recommend using a charcoal grill when smoking a turkey. Keeping a temperature for several hours is not done best with a grill.
Video – How to smoke the perfect turkey
You can’t get a smoky or woodsy flavor in turkey any other way than by smoking it. Sure, oven baked turkey is good, but a juicy smoked turkey with crispy skin is to DIE for!.
This turkey not only tastes great, but it also looks great, with nice color on the skin and meat. This is hands down the best way to smoke a turkey.
How do you keep a turkey moist while smoking?
FAQ
How to smoke a turkey without making it dry?
How do you keep turkey skin moist when smoking?
Should I spray my turkey while smoking?
How to keep a smoked turkey moist overnight?
How do you keep a smoked turkey moist?
Once water reaches its boiling point of 212°, the water starts to evaporate into water vapor. The more water vapor in the air the more humidity you can expect. Creating a humid environment in your smoking chamber is another easy way to help keep your smoked turkey moist. 3. Inject your turkey.
Is it dangerous to quit vaping nicotine cold turkey?
Quitting vaping nicotine ‘cold turkey’ is not dangerous, but it can be very unpleasant. This is because nicotine alters the way your brain functions such that your body feels dependent on it. Some of the unpleasant side effects of quitting abruptly are tremors, headaches, and nausea. These side effects can make it very hard to quit and often cause people to relapse. Fortunately, these unpleasant side effects can be partially or completely avoided by gradually cutting down your use instead of quitting abruptly. Your primary care physician can help you design a plan to quit vaping nicotine.
Can you smoke a Turkey at a lower temperature?
In fact smoking a turkey at lower temperatures only does more harm than good. The longer you leave your turkey on the smoker, the more time you are giving it to dry out. Also, when you smoke poultry at a lower temperature, it causes the skin to come out rubbery and unappetizing. Instead, you should aim to smoke turkey and chicken around 325°-400°.
Should you rub a Turkey before smoking?
A rub, particularly when smoking, really adds flavor and helps retain the moisture. It’s best to apply the rub the night before, but don’t panic if that’s not possible. Many turkeys come already trussed so you don’t need to do anything though you may want to use toothpicks to tidy up the neck flap or just tuck it in.
Does smoked turkey need to be dry?
The good news is you don’t have to settle for dry turkey! Our top 10 tips here will ensure your smoked turkey is always moist and juicy. As with all food, good ingredients are key. Ideally, the turkey you choose should be fresh, free-range, and all-natural. It will stay moist, have the best texture, and have the most flavor.
Why does my Turkey dry out if I smoke in low humidity?
Just as our skin dries out in low humidity, smoking a turkey in low humidity will cause the moisture in the meat to evaporate easier leaving a dry turkey. We counteract this process by using a water pan to increase the humidity in your smoker. Have you ever noticed what happens to a pot of boiling water over a period of time? you lose water!