Smoked Turkey Recipe #77292
My cousin, Mike Koury, taught me how to smoke turkey about 25 years ago, and I have been doing it ever since. This tastes great! The smell while smoking is guaranteed to drive your neighbors crazy!
by Toby Jermain
½ day | 30 min prep
SERVES 8 -10
- 14-16 lbs turkey, fresh or thawed completely
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon & herb seasoning
- garlic granules
- salt & freshly ground black pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 5-6 wood chunks, hickory,applewood,oak,pecan,or other smoking hardwood,soaked in water at least overnight (not chips)
- 10-15 lbs good quality charcoal (NOT self lighting, and DO NOT use charcoal lighter fluid!)
- This recipe requires a water-smoker such as the Brinkmann"Smoke'n Pit" or the"Cook'N Ca'jun" (http://thebrinkmanncorp. com).
- If you don't own one, buy one.
- They are great.
- The night before the big meal, wash the thawed turkey thoroughly, inside and out, and pat dry.
- Save the neck and innards for making gravy, if desired.
- Season inside and out with lemon-herb seasoning, granulated garlic, and salt and pepper to taste, and coat with olive oil.
- Do not stuff the turkey.
- If you want stuffing, use your favorite recipe, and cook it in the oven, out of the bird.
- Refrigerate until ready to start smoking.
- Soak 5-6 fairly large chunks of hardwood in water for as long as possible.
- DO NOT USE CHIPS!
- Set your alarm clock for for about 12 hours before dinner.
- Prepare the smoker as follows.
- Place 10 pounds charcoal in the fire-pan.
- Light the charcoal just barely, but make sure it is enough to keep burning.
- (Use an electric starter, or a butane torch, or place charcoal under your oven broiler just until lit. DO NOT use liquid charcoal lighter unless you want kerosene flavored turkey!) Place 2-3 chunks of wet hardwood on top of the charcoal, place water-pan above fire-pan, and fill with water.
- Place turkey on the rack above water-pan, cover smoker, and go back to bed.
- After about 6 hours, check the smoker.
- Stir up the charcoal and add a little more if necessary.
- Place remaining soaked hardwood chunks on top of charcoal, add more water if necessary, close the smoker, and relax for another 5-6 hours.
- It is almost impossible to overcook the turkey using this method, because it is cooking at a very low temperature.
- It will be juicy and tasty.
- Obviously the smoking should be done outside.
- Smoking indoors can be hazardous to your health.
- If the weather is freezing or below, add about 2-3 hours to the cooking time.
- The turkey is done when the leg can be moved easily.
- Carve immediately before serving.
- Notes: I usually use hickory wood, though pecan or oak are also great.
- You can add aromatic herbs or spices to the water pan if desired, but they will mostly be covered by the smoky taste.
- You can also add beer or wine to the water pan, but again, it is mostly covered by the smoke.
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5 stars