Perfect Smoked Turkey
Perfect smoked turkey - the best recipe for a restaurant style turkey that is juicy, tender, and full of smoky flavor the family will love!
Prep Time1 hour hr
Cook Time6 hours hrs
Total Time7 hours hrs
Course: Thanksgiving Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: main dish, smoked turkey, thanksgiving, turkey
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 110kcal
Author: Courtney ODell
- Brine:
- 1 cup kosher salt
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 gallon vegetable stock
- 2 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1 ½ teaspoons allspice berries
- 1 ½ teaspoons rosemary
- 2 teaspoons savory
- 1 gallon iced cubes
- Turkey:
- 1 turkey 12-14lb
- Bag of charcoal
- Chips or chunks for smoking fruit wood or oak
Bring all ingredients, except ice to a boil.
After you reach a rolling boil, turn off heat and let cool.
Combine cooled brine with ice inside a garbage bag in a beverage cooler.
Submerge turkey and seal cooler.
Remove turkey from brine and allow to come to room temperature. Leave uncovered and allow to air dry.
2. Light your smoker 30-45 minutes before you intend to start cooking your turkey.
3. Cover the turkey with a wet cheese cloth or thin kitchen towel (one you’re prepared to throw away).
4. When your smoker reaches 235-250 degrees, add the turkey directly on the cooking grates.
5. Check your fire and rotate your turkey every 30 minutes, adding charcoal and wood chips/chunks as necessary.
6. Smoke your turkey at 235-250 degrees for 30-40 minutes per pound (a 12lbs turkey will take approximately 6 hours to smoke), until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees.
7. Remove for smoker, cover, and let rest for 30 minutes before carving.
Serving: 1g | Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 8917mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 15g