How to Smoke a 17-Pound Turkey Like a Pro

Smoking a 17-pound turkey is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful bird for your family or friends. It’s a relatively simple process, but there are a few things you need to know to do it right. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of smoking a 17-pound turkey, from brining the bird to choosing the right wood chips. We’ll also provide tips for making sure your turkey is cooked perfectly. So whether you’re a seasoned smoker or a complete beginner, read on for all the information you need to know about smoking a 17-pound turkey.

Step	Instructions	Notes
1	Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees F.
2	Rub the turkey with a mixture of your favorite spices.	You can use a store-bought rub or make your own.
3	Place the turkey in the smoker and cook for 1 hour per pound.	The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
4	Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Preparing the Turkey

When it comes to smoking a turkey, the most important step is to prepare the bird properly. This means choosing the right turkey, thawing it properly, brining it (optional), and drying it.

Choosing the Right Turkey

The first step is to choose the right turkey. You want to choose a turkey that is fresh and has a good weight. A good rule of thumb is to choose a turkey that is about 1 pound per person. If you are smoking a turkey for a large group, you may want to choose a larger turkey.

When choosing a turkey, you also want to consider the breed. There are two main types of turkeys: heritage turkeys and commercial turkeys. Heritage turkeys are raised on small farms and are typically more flavorful than commercial turkeys. Commercial turkeys are raised in large barns and are typically less flavorful than heritage turkeys.

Thawing the Turkey

Before you can smoke a turkey, you need to thaw it. If you are thawing a frozen turkey, you can do so in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in a microwave.

To thaw a turkey in the refrigerator, place the turkey in a large bowl or pan and cover it with plastic wrap. Place the turkey in the refrigerator and allow it to thaw for 24 hours per pound. For example, a 10-pound turkey will take 240 hours to thaw, or 10 days.

To thaw a turkey in cold water, place the turkey in a large sink or container and cover it with cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure that the turkey stays cold. A 10-pound turkey will take about 4 hours to thaw in cold water.

To thaw a turkey in a microwave, place the turkey in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with plastic wrap. Microwave the turkey on low power for 5 minutes per pound. For example, a 10-pound turkey will take about 50 minutes to thaw in a microwave.

Brining the Turkey (Optional)

Brining is a process of soaking a turkey in a salt water solution before cooking it. Brining helps to add moisture to the turkey and make it more flavorful.

To brine a turkey, you will need a large container, salt, water, and any other seasonings that you would like to add. The ratio of salt to water should be about 1 cup of salt per gallon of water.

To brine the turkey, place the turkey in the container and cover it with the salt water solution. Make sure that the turkey is completely submerged in the solution. Refrigerate the turkey for 12-24 hours.

Drying the Turkey

Before you smoke a turkey, you need to dry it. This will help to create a crispy skin on the turkey.

To dry the turkey, remove it from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. You can also place the turkey in a roasting pan and leave it uncovered in the refrigerator for several hours. This will help to dry the skin out even more.

Setting Up the Smoker

Once you have prepared the turkey, you need to set up the smoker. The type of smoker that you use will depend on your personal preference. There are a variety of different smokers available, including charcoal smokers, gas smokers, and electric smokers.

Choosing the Right Wood

The type of wood that you use will also affect the flavor of the turkey. Some of the most popular woods for smoking turkey include hickory, oak, and maple. You can also use fruit woods, such as apple or cherry, for a more delicate flavor.

Setting the Temperature

The ideal temperature for smoking a turkey is between 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the turkey to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird.

Adding the Wood Chips

Once you have set the temperature of the smoker, you can add the wood chips. Wood chips are used to create smoke, which will add flavor to the turkey.

To add the wood chips, open the door of the smoker and place a handful of wood chips on the coals. You can also add the wood chips to a smoker box, which is a metal container that is placed inside the smoker.

Smoking the Turkey

Now that you have prepared the turkey and set up the smoker, it is time to start smoking it. The smoking process will take several hours, so be patient.

To smoke the turkey, place it in the smoker and close the door. Smoke the turkey for 3-4 hours per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit

Smoking the Turkey

Smoking a turkey is a great way to cook it for a special occasion. The low and slow cooking process results in a juicy, flavorful turkey that is perfect for a holiday meal.

To smoke a turkey, you will need the following ingredients:

* A 17-pound turkey
* A smoker
* Wood chips (apple, hickory, or oak)
* Salt
* Pepper
* Garlic powder
* Onion powder
* Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Season the turkey inside and out with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Spray the turkey with cooking spray.
5. Place the turkey in the smoker and cook for 10-12 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Spritz the turkey with apple juice every hour or so to help keep it moist.
7. When the turkey is cooked through, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Spriting the Turkey with Apple Juice

Spriting the turkey with apple juice during the smoking process helps to keep it moist and flavorful. The apple juice also helps to create a delicious glaze on the turkey.

To spritz the turkey, simply use a spray bottle to mist the turkey with apple juice every hour or so. You can also use a basting brush to brush the turkey with apple juice.

Monitoring the Temperature

It is important to monitor the temperature of the turkey while it is smoking. The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit before it is removed from the smoker.

You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, away from the bone. The turkey is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Carving and Serving the Turkey

Once the turkey is cooked through, let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey.

To carve the turkey, use a sharp knife to cut along the breastbone. Then, cut each breast in half. Cut each thigh and drumstick in half.

Serve the turkey immediately or keep it warm in a chafing dish or slow cooker.

Smoking a turkey is a great way to cook it for a special occasion. The low and slow cooking process results in a juicy, flavorful turkey that is perfect for a holiday meal.

Here are some tips for smoking a turkey:

* Use a good quality smoker.
* Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Season the turkey inside and out with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
* Spray the turkey with cooking spray.
* Place the turkey in the smoker and cook for 10-12 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Spritz the turkey with apple juice every hour or so to help keep it moist.
* When the turkey is cooked through, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
* Serve the turkey immediately or keep it warm in a chafing dish or slow cooker.

Q: What is the best temperature to smoke a 17 lb turkey?

A: The ideal temperature for smoking a 17 lb turkey is between 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the turkey to cook evenly and slowly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird.

Q: How long does it take to smoke a 17 lb turkey?

A: A 17 lb turkey will take approximately 3-4 hours to smoke, depending on the temperature of your smoker and the size of your turkey.

Q: What wood should I use to smoke a turkey?

A: There are many different woods that can be used to smoke a turkey, but some of the most popular options include hickory, oak, and apple. The type of wood you use will impart its own unique flavor to the turkey, so experiment with different woods until you find one that you like.

Q: What should I do if my turkey is getting too dark?

A: If your turkey is getting too dark, you can either reduce the temperature of your smoker or tent the turkey with aluminum foil. This will help to slow down the cooking process and prevent the turkey from getting too brown.

Q: What should I do if my turkey is not cooked through?

A: If your turkey is not cooked through, you can either return it to the smoker or cook it in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: How can I make sure my turkey is cooked all the way through?

A: The best way to make sure your turkey is cooked all the way through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, and make sure the temperature reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: What are some tips for smoking a 17 lb turkey?

A: Here are a few tips for smoking a 17 lb turkey:

* Use a high-quality wood for smoking.
* Brine the turkey before smoking it.
* Smoke the turkey at a low temperature for a long period of time.
* Baste the turkey with melted butter or apple juice every hour or so.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving it.

By following these tips, you can smoke a delicious and juicy 17 lb turkey that will be the star of your next Thanksgiving dinner.

Smoking a 17 lb turkey is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful bird for your family or friends. In this blog post, we discussed the steps involved in smoking a turkey, including brining, smoking, and resting. We also provided tips for choosing the right turkey, smoking wood, and temperature. By following these tips, you can smoke a perfect turkey that everyone will enjoy.

Here are the key takeaways from this blog post:

* Brining a turkey before smoking it will help to keep it moist and flavorful.
* The best wood for smoking a turkey is a fruitwood, such as apple or cherry.
* The ideal temperature for smoking a turkey is between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
* A turkey should be smoked for about 3 hours per pound.
* It is important to rest a turkey for at least 30 minutes before carving it.

By following these tips, you can smoke a delicious and flavorful turkey that everyone will enjoy.