What Are Smoked Turkey Tails? An Underrated Delicacy Worth Discovering

Smoked turkey tails may sound unfamiliar but these juicy, flavorful morsels are quickly gaining popularity among backyard barbecue aficionados and Southern cuisine lovers. Keep reading to learn all about this unique and indulgent cut of meat.

Turkey tails come from an often overlooked part of the bird – literally the tail section! Located right above the rear of the turkey, the tail is actually a muscle that holds those iconic fan-shaped tail feathers

While the tail section is usually removed and discarded when carving a whole turkey it turns out this humble cut is quite delicious when prepared properly. According to the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, the turkey tail is composed of dark meat much like the thigh or drumstick. This makes it naturally fatty, juicy and full of rich, meaty flavor.

In fact, turkey tails are sometimes referred to as “the pork belly of the bird” due to their high fat content. A 4 ounce serving contains a whopping 36 grams of fat! In comparison, the same portion of pork belly has around 60 grams of fat.

So while they aren’t exactly health food, turkey tails are prized by many cooks for their succulent, meaty taste and velvety texture when slowly smoked or braised. Let’s explore why smoked turkey tails in particular have become such a coveted delicacy.

The Appeal of Smoked Turkey Tails

There’s just something magical that happens when turkey tails kiss smoke. The combination of their rich flavor and ample fat content makes turkey tails ideal for low and slow smoking.

As the fat slowly renders during the long smoking time, it bastes the meat from the inside out. This results in turkey tails that are melt-in-your-mouth tender and juicy. The smoke also penetrates deep into the meat, imparting nuanced flavors. A subtle fruitwood like apple or cherry complements the turkey beautifully.

When smoked properly, the turkey skin becomes wonderfully crispy and colored a deep, burnished mahogany. A quick brush with a sweet glaze at the end adds a gorgeous glossy sheen. Simply put, perfectly smoked turkey tails are a masterpiece!

Beyond their fantastic flavor, turkey tails have also become a celebrated ingredient because they reflect generations of resourcefulness in the kitchen. Using every single part of the animal from beak to tail has long been important in many food cultures. Smoked turkey tails honor that nose-to-tail cooking ethos.

Step-By-Step Guide to Smoking Turkey Tails at Home

If you want to experience smoked turkey tails in all their glory, here is a simple step-by-step guide:

Ingredients

• Turkey tails
• Dry rub or marinade of your choice
• Hickory, apple, cherry or pecan wood chips/chunks

Prep the Tails

• Rinse the turkey tails and pat dry
• Carefully remove any quills or feather follicles
• Apply rub or marinate if desired

Set Up Your Smoker

• Heat smoker to 250-275°F
• Use indirect heat with a drip pan underneath
• Add soaked wood chips/chunks for smoke

Monitor Doneness

• Smoke for 2-3 hours until mahogany color develops
• Meat should reach 205°F internally
• Brush with glaze during last 10-15 minutes if desired

Rest and Serve

• Let tails rest 5-10 minutes before slicing or pulling meat
• Chop or shred the meat and skin off the bones
• Serve whole or chopped on sandwiches, nachos, tacos and more!

clever Cooking Tips and Serving Suggestions for Smoked Turkey Tails

Beyond the standard smoking method, there are lots of fun ways to put a creative spin on turkey tails:

• Marinate or brine the tails before smoking to infuse extra flavor

• Glaze with tangy barbecue sauce or sweet & spicy glazes

• Chop smoked turkey tail meat and mix into dips, salads or rice dishes

• Quick sear or broil chopped smoked tails to crisp them up

• Stuff turkey tails with cheese and chiles before smoking for a spicy, melty version

• Pair smoked turkey tails with classic soul food sides like collard greens, yams and cornbread

• Use the chopped smoked meat in gumbos, jambalaya or dirty rice

• Pile smoked turkey tail meat atop nachos, baked potatoes or fries

Let your imagination run wild! The rich flavor and tender texture of smoked turkey tails enhances everything it touches.

Health Considerations of This Indulgent Treat

It’s true that turkey tails are high in fat and calories compared to leaner poultry cuts. A 4 ounce serving provides around 820 calories and 65 grams of fat. However, they also supply 25 grams of protein and minerals like calcium, iron and zinc.

Moderation and balance are key when indulging. Try serving smoked turkey tails in smaller portions along with lighter sides and plenty of veggies. Or use the chopped meat sparingly to add richness to beans, greens, soups and more.

Overall, smoked turkey tails can absolutely be part of a healthy diet with proper portion control. Just think of them as an occasional treat to savor!

Satisfy Your Curiosity by Trying Smoked Turkey Tails

For the adventurous home cook or backyard barbecue pro, smoked turkey tails are a must-try delicacy. Their rich, meaty flavor and ultra-tender texture after low and slow smoking is an experience every griller should have. Just be sure to share with friends – these juicy morsels are too good not to be enjoyed together!

turkey tails – 23
smoked – 16
fat – 5
smoke – 5
meat – 4
flavor – 3
juicy – 3
tender – 3
indulgent – 2
morsels – 2
slow – 2
tail – 2