What is a good smoked turkey recipe?

Smoked Turkey Recipe: Easy and Delicious

This recipe yields a juicy, flavorful smoked turkey that's perfect for your next holiday gathering or a casual weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

* 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey, thawed

* 1 cup butter, softened

* 1/2 cup apple cider

* 1/4 cup Dijon mustard

* 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

* 1 tablespoon garlic powder

* 1 tablespoon onion powder

* 1 teaspoon dried thyme

* 1 teaspoon salt

* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

* 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, sage, or thyme)

* 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (for basting)

Equipment:

* Large smoker or grill with a smoker box

* Meat thermometer

Instructions:

Prepping the Turkey:

1. Remove giblets and neck from turkey. Pat turkey dry with paper towels.

2. In a bowl, combine butter, apple cider, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.

3. Rub the butter mixture all over the turkey, inside and out.

4. Place turkey in the refrigerator uncovered for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Smoking the Turkey:

1. Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C).

2. Place a handful of soaked wood chips (apple, pecan, or hickory work well) in the smoker box.

3. Place the turkey in the smoker, breast side up.

4. Maintain a steady temperature of 225°F (107°C) and smoke for 3-4 hours.

5. Baste turkey every hour with apple cider vinegar.

Cooking the Turkey:

1. Increase smoker temperature to 325°F (163°C).

2. Continue cooking until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). This should take another 2-3 hours.

3. Remove turkey from smoker and let rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Tips:

* For extra flavor, stuff the turkey cavity with aromatics like onions, garlic, and herbs.

* You can also use a brine to enhance the turkey's moisture.

* If you don't have a smoker, you can use a grill with a drip pan and wood chips.

* Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked through.

* Rest the turkey for 15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Enjoy your delicious smoked turkey!

Variations:

* For a sweeter flavor, use a combination of maple syrup and apple cider for basting.

* For a spicier flavor, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the butter mixture.

* Experiment with different wood chips for varying smoke flavors.

This recipe is a great starting point, feel free to customize it to your liking!