This Easy Smoked Turkey Recipe is incredibly flavorful, juicy and so moist! Learn how to make the best whole smoked turkey recipe that you are going to want to make year after year! We also have a turkey brine recipe, turkey dry rub and gravy for you to use as well – get this on your Thanksgiving menu now!
Smoking a turkey for Thanksgiving or any big holiday meal can seem daunting, especially when working with a large bird like an 18 pounder. Having the right timing and technique is key to ending up with a juicy, flavorful smoked turkey that will be the centerpiece of your festivities. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know to smoke an 18 pound turkey perfectly.
Overview of Smoke Times
As a general rule of thumb when smoking a turkey, plan for approximately 30-45 minutes per pound at a temperature around 250°F. This means an 18 lb turkey will take 9-13 hours to smoke completely. I recommend planning for the longer end of that time range, as it’s always better for the turkey to finish early and rest wrapped in foil than to panic if it’s not quite done when guests arrive.
Here’s a quick overview of approximate smoke times based on turkey weight
- 10 lb turkey: 5-7 hours
- 14 lb turkey: 7-10 hours
- 16 lb turkey: 8-12 hours
- 18 lb turkey: 9-13 hours
While these timings are a helpful starting point always rely on a meat thermometer over cook times to determine doneness as factors like brining and weather conditions can affect total cooking time. Read on for more details on monitoring temperature.
Step-by-Step Process
Here are the key steps to perfectly smoke an 18 pound turkey:
1. Brine the Turkey
Brining is highly recommended to keep the turkey extra juicy and flavorful. Dissolve 1 cup kosher salt and 1/2 cup brown sugar into 2 gallons of cold water. Submerge turkey completely in brine and refrigerate 12-24 hours.
2. Prepare the Smoker
Set up your smoker to maintain 250°F using indirect heat, with no direct flame under where the turkey will sit. Add your choice of wood chunks or chips – fruit woods like apple, cherry, and pecan work very well with poultry.
3. Pat Turkey Dry
Remove turkey from brine and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels. Let sit at room temperature 30 minutes to 1 hour before smoking.
4. Apply Rub
Can I use a Regular Grill to Smoke a Turkey
Yes, you can use a gas or charcoal grill to smoke a whole turkey (or smoke a turkey breast) if you use a wood chip smoker box and then simply continue to add smoking chips throughout the cooking process. You just really need to keep an eye on the temp as it is easier for it rise on a gas grill or charcoal grill.
How to Smoke a Turkey in an Electric Smoker
This recipe can easily be used for an electric smoker as well – simply follow the timetable, keep an eye on that internal temp and your wood chips (you do NOT want to run out of chip mid-cook).
Easy Smoked Turkey Recipe for Thanksgiving (on a Pellet Grill!)
FAQ
How long does it take to smoke a 18 pound turkey?
How long to smoke a 18 pound turkey? 4-8 hours.
Is it better to smoke a turkey at 225 or 250?
- Crispy skin: Cooking at a slightly higher temperature like 250°F promotes crispier skin on the turkey compared to 225°F where the skin might become rubbery.
- Cooking time: Smoking at 225°F will take significantly longer than at 250°F.
- Smoke flavor: If you want a more intense smoky flavor, opt for the lower temperature of 225°F.
How do you keep a turkey moist when smoking?
- Brining helps prevent the turkey from drying out
- You can use a dry brine or wet brine
- Dry brining involves rubbing the turkey with salt or a spice rub and letting it sit in the fridge
- Brining helps season the turkey evenly and thoroughly
How long to smoke an 18 lb turkey Traeger?
With a crispy outside and a juicy inside, the Traeger smoked turkey calls for simple spices and primal wood-fired flavor. Garlic, butter, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper combine to create an herbal rub to maximize flavor while you smoke the meat for 3-4 hours.
How long does it take to smoke an 18 pound turkey?
Here’s our ultimate guide on smoking an 18 pound turkey to golden, juicy perfection. It should take 6 to 7-1/2 hours to smoke an 18-pound turkey if you set the smoker to 275 degrees. Make sure the unit is large enough to fit the turkey inside before you get started. An 18-pound turkey should feed 12 to 15 people.
What temperature should a Turkey be smoked?
The ideal temperature for smoking a turkey is between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey, but a good rule of thumb is to allow 30 minutes per pound. Wood chips or chunks
How long does it take to cook an 18 pound turkey?
However, if you set the temp too high, the turkey won’t take on enough smoke flavor. 275 degrees is a good compromise. At this temperature, you can estimate that the bird will cook at a rate of 20 to 25 minutes per pound. Therefore, your 18-pounder should be done in 6 to 7-1/2 hours.
How big should a Turkey be for a smoker?
For the most part, we prefer to select turkeys for the smoker that are on the lower end of the spectrum, size-wise. If you can find a bird that weighs 10 to 12 pounds, that’s probably your best bet. On the other hand, we recognize that it’s not always easy to find turkeys that small, as their average weight falls in the 17- to 30-pound range.
Should you smoke a Turkey?
Smoking a turkey is a delicious and flavorful way to prepare the bird for holiday gatherings or special occasions. However, it’s important to pay attention to the cooking time and temperature to ensure that the turkey is cooked to perfection.
Is it safe to smoke a Turkey at 275 degrees?
Since smoking occurs at low temperatures, the risk is even greater. As long as your smoker temperature remains steady at 275 degrees, the turkey should climb out of the danger zone within a reasonable time frame. If your unit tends to run on the cooler side, consider setting the target temp a bit higher, just to be safe.