A Guide to Perfectly Preparing Members Mark Hickory Smoked Young Turkey

Members Mark hickory smoked young turkey from Sam’s Club is a convenient and delicious choice for holiday meals and everyday cooking. Pre-rubbed with seasoning and smoked over real wood chips, these fully cooked turkeys offer tender, juicy meat infused with sweet, smoky barbecue flavor.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to select, prepare, and serve flawless Members Mark smoked turkey.

Benefits of Members Mark Smoked Young Turkey

There are several advantages to choosing Members Mark hickory smoked turkey

• Fully cooked – Just heat and serve for easy holiday feasts. Minimal hands-on cooking time.

• Pre-smoked – Real hardwood hickory smoke permeates the meat for authentic flavor without the work of smoking yourself.

• Tender and juicy – Smoking seals in moisture and breaks down connective tissue for succulent texture.

• Young turkey – Younger birds have more tender meat and smaller size for quicker, more even cooking

• Affordable – Prices average just $1.48 to $1.98 per pound for gourmet smoked turkey.

• Convenient – Widely available frozen at Sam’s Club stores for hassle-free holiday shopping.

With pre-smoked flavor in a convenient fully cooked product, Members Mark turkey offers quality and ease perfect for feast dishes or everyday meals.

Selecting the Right Turkey Size

Members Mark provides whole hickory smoked young turkeys ranging from 10 to 16 pounds. Choose the size that best fits your gathering:

• 10-12 pounds – Feeds 8-12 people
• 14-16 pounds – Feeds 12-16 people

Allow 1 to 1 1⁄4 pounds of turkey per person for ample portions. Size up if you want plentiful leftovers. Young turkeys have a better meat-to-bone ratio compared to larger birds.

Inspect packaging carefully for any tears before purchasing. Store frozen until ready to thaw and cook.

Thawing Your Turkey Safely

Always thaw frozen Members Mark turkey safely using one of these methods:

• Refrigerator – Place wrapped turkey in fridge 2-3 days before cooking. Allow 24 hours thaw time per 4-5 pounds.

• Cold Water – Submerge wrapped turkey in cold tap water, changing water every 30 minutes. About 30 minutes thaw time per pound.

• Microwave – Follow appliance directions to thaw in microwave if turkey will be cooked immediately after.

Avoid thawing turkey at room temperature, which allows bacterial growth. Cook from frozen if needed.

Seasoning and Preparing

Members Mark turkeys come lightly pre-seasoned, but you can add more flavor:

• Loosen the skin from the breast and directly rub seasoning onto the meat before cooking for maximum flavor infusion.

• Try a simple blend of olive oil, salt, pepper, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Get creative with spice rubs!

• Coat the outside of the turkey with oil or melted butter to help it brown while cooking.

• For extra moisture and flavor, brine the turkey 1-2 days before cooking in a saltwater solution.

Stuffing and basting are not needed since the turkey already has plenty of moisture and flavor from smoking.

Cooking Your Turkey

Members Mark smoked turkey just needs reheating since it’s fully cooked. Follow these easy tips:

• Preheat oven to 325°F. Use a roasting pan. Allow 20-25 minutes per pound.

• For food safety, reheat turkey until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Check with a meat thermometer.

• Loosely cover with foil to prevent over-browning. Let rest 20 minutes before carving to allow juices to absorb.

• Alternatively, bake frozen turkey at 325°F for 1-2 hours until 165°F internal temperature.

• Slice turkey and serve warm. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Serving Suggestions

The versatile flavor of Members Mark smoked turkey works for many dishes:

• Serve carved turkey with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and veggies.

• Slice for sandwiches, wraps, tacos, soups, salads, and more.

• Dice or shred meat for casseroles, pot pies, pasta, pizza, chili, and chowders.

• Mix with barbecue sauce for sliders, nachos, baked potatoes, and tacos.

• Add to breakfast dishes like omelets, burritos, hash, and quiche.

The smoky taste pairs well with creamy, tangy, and robust ingredients. Get creative with leftovers!

Tips for Smoked Turkey Success

Follow these additional tips for the best results when cooking Members Mark smoked turkey:

• Allow the cooked turkey to rest 15-30 minutes before carving so juices redistribute for easier slicing.

• Use a sharp knife to carve thin, even slices, cutting parallel to the breastbone.

• Serve warm turkey within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate leftovers quickly.

• Store leftovers up to 4 days refrigerated or 2-3 months frozen. Reheat fully to 165°F before serving again.

With minimal preparation needed, Members Mark hickory smoked young turkeys offer incredible convenience along with moist, flavorful meat perfect for special meals or everyday recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about cooking Members Mark smoked turkey:

How long does it take to cook a fully cooked smoked turkey?

In a 325°F oven, allow about 20-25 minutes per pound to fully reheat a Members Mark smoked turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can you cook a Members Mark turkey from frozen?

Yes, Members Mark turkeys can be cooked directly from the frozen state. Add 1-2 hours on top of the recommended cook time and check the internal temperature.

What is the best way to thaw a frozen Members Mark turkey?

The safest thawing methods are in the refrigerator, in cold water (changed every 30 minutes), or in the microwave only if cooking immediately after. Never thaw at room temperature.

Do you need to baste or stuff a Members Mark smoked turkey?

No, Members Mark turkeys come pre-smoked and fully cooked so no basting or stuffing is required. The meat stays tender and flavorful on its own when reheated.

How long will leftovers last in the fridge or freezer?

Leftover Members Mark turkey will last 3-4 days refrigerated and 2-3 months in the freezer. Reheat thoroughly before serving again.

With minimal effort, Members Mark pre-smoked young turkeys offer convenience along with delicious, moist flavor perfect for crafting festive meals or everyday dishes. Follow this guide for foolproof results.