How to Smoke a Turkey this Thanksgiving
Hello Journeymen, Apprentices and BBQ Enthusiasts! Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I’m helping your prepare and smoke a turkey that’s going to be the talk of your Thanksgiving holiday feast! It's easy and delicious! You can cook this turkey with whatever method you choose after following the initial brine and seasoning instructions as long as you keep your temperature at 275-300 degrees until the turkey reaches 160 degrees internally.
For this cook I decided to use my @yodersmokers YS-640 because I felt as though more people would have tendency to use the pellet smoker as opposed to an offset smoker. It's a little less complicated and time consuming. Here's the breakdown!
INGREDIENTS:
1 gal. Buttermilk
7 tbsp. Kosher Salt
-13lb. Turkey
Frederik's By Meijer Lemon Herb Compound Butter (Or your butter of choice!)
- @kindersflavors Lemon Pepper Seasoning (Or your seasoning of choice!)
RECIPE:
48 Hours prior to smoking your turkey, brine the turkey in one gallon of buttermilk and seven tablespoons of salt. You can brine in a stock pot, vacuumed sealed bag, etc.
Preheat your pellet smoker/oven, etc to 275 degrees.
Strain the buttermilk off your turkey after the 48 hour brine and dry your turkey thoroughly.
Spatchcock your turkey by removing the neck and breastbone.
Spread your compound butter/regular butter over the turkey and then coat liberally with Kinder's Lemon Pepper Seasoning.
Smoke your turkey for two hours at 275-300 degrees. After two hours start sprinkling your bird with melted compound butter to continue to keep it moist. Do this every 30 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees.
-ENJOY!
I encourage you to try this recipe, or experiment with your own seasonings and butter compounds. I also encourage you to spatchcock your turkey to help ensure that it cooks evenly. You won't be disappointed! This turkey truly was the most delicious turkey I've ever smoked and tasted. It was different than your typical Thanksgiving bird, which is what I liked about it the most!
Let me know if you have any questions in the comments! Also, reach out if you tried this recipe on your own! Comment or email me at [email protected]
I'm wishing you the most wonderful holiday season!
-Rich "The Journeyman"
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