How to Smoke a Moist and Delicious Turkey on a Weber Smokey Mountain

Smoking a Turkey on a Weber Smokey Mountain

There’s nothing quite like the smell of a smoked turkey on Thanksgiving Day. The rich, smoky flavor is sure to make your guests’ mouths water. And if you’re using a Weber Smokey Mountain, you can be sure that your turkey will be cooked to perfection.

In this article, we’ll show you how to smoke a turkey on a Weber Smokey Mountain. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right turkey to smoking it to carving it. So whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a complete novice, you’ll be able to smoke a delicious turkey this Thanksgiving.

Choosing the Right Turkey

The first step to smoking a turkey is choosing the right bird. You’ll want to find a turkey that’s about 12-14 pounds. This size is large enough to feed a crowd, but not so large that it will be difficult to smoke.

When choosing a turkey, look for one that is plump and has a firm breast. The skin should be smooth and free of tears. You should also avoid turkeys that have been injected with a solution of water and salt. These turkeys will not produce as much smoke flavor as a natural turkey.

Preparing the Turkey

Once you’ve chosen your turkey, it’s time to prepare it for smoking. The first step is to rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. This will help to remove any bacteria.

Next, you’ll need to remove the giblets from the turkey. The giblets are the internal organs, and they’re usually found in a bag inside the turkey’s cavity. You can discard the giblets or use them to make gravy.

Now it’s time to season the turkey. You can use any seasonings that you like, but we recommend using a simple rub of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add some herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or sage.

Once the turkey is seasoned, it’s time to cook it.

Smoking the Turkey

To smoke a turkey on a Weber Smokey Mountain, you’ll need the following:

* A Weber Smokey Mountain smoker
* A charcoal chimney
* Wood chunks
* A meat thermometer
* A spray bottle filled with water

First, you’ll need to prepare your smoker. Fill the charcoal chamber with charcoal and light it. Once the charcoal is lit, add a few wood chunks to the fire.

Next, place the turkey in the smoker. You can either place the turkey directly on the grates or use a roasting rack. If you’re using a roasting rack, make sure that the turkey is not touching the sides of the smoker.

Close the smoker and let the turkey smoke for about 3 hours. During this time, you’ll need to spritz the turkey with water every 30 minutes or so. This will help to keep the turkey moist.

After 3 hours, check the internal temperature of the turkey with a meat thermometer. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Carving the Turkey

Once the turkey is done, it’s time to carve it. To carve a turkey, you’ll need a sharp knife. Start by cutting off the legs and wings. Then, cut the turkey in half along the breastbone. Finally, slice the turkey into thin pieces.

Serve the turkey with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Step	Instructions	Image
1	Preheat your Weber Smokey Mountain to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2	Rub your turkey with a dry rub of your choice.
3	Place the turkey in the smoker, breast-side up, and cook for 8-12 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
4	Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving and serving.

Choosing the Right Turkey

When choosing a turkey for smoking, there are a few factors to consider.

Size and Weight

The size of the turkey will determine how long it will take to cook. A general rule of thumb is to allow 1 hour of cooking time per pound of turkey. So, a 10-pound turkey will take about 10 hours to cook.

If you are new to smoking turkey, it is a good idea to start with a smaller bird. This will help you get a feel for the process and make sure that you have enough time to cook the turkey through.

Fresh or Frozen

You can smoke a turkey that is either fresh or frozen. However, there are some advantages to using a fresh turkey. Fresh turkeys are typically more flavorful and juicy than frozen turkeys. They also tend to cook more evenly.

If you are using a frozen turkey, it is important to thaw it completely before smoking it. You can thaw a turkey in the refrigerator, in a sink full of cold water, or in a microwave oven.

Brining or Dry-Rub

Brining is a process of soaking a turkey in a salt water solution before smoking it. Brining helps to add moisture to the turkey and make it more flavorful. Dry-rubbing is a process of applying a spice rub to the turkey before smoking it. Dry-rubbing can help to add flavor to the turkey and help to keep it moist.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to brine or dry-rub your turkey is a personal one. Both methods will produce a delicious smoked turkey.

Preparing the Turkey

Before you can smoke a turkey, you need to prepare it. This involves removing the giblets, trussing the turkey, and applying a rub.

Removing the Giblets

The giblets are the internal organs of the turkey. They are typically found in a bag inside the turkey’s cavity. To remove the giblets, you will need to reach into the cavity and find the bag. Once you have found the bag, you can carefully cut it open and remove the giblets.

The giblets can be used to make gravy or stock.

Trussing the Turkey

Trussing a turkey is a process of tying the legs and wings together to help the turkey cook evenly. To truss a turkey, you will need a piece of kitchen twine.

Start by tying the legs together at the ankles. Then, tie the wings together at the tips. Finally, tie the neck to the body.

Applying the Rub

Once the turkey is trussed, you can apply a rub. Rubs can be made with a variety of spices and herbs. You can use a store-bought rub or make your own.

To apply the rub, simply rub it all over the turkey. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.

Smoking the Turkey

Now that the turkey is prepared, it is time to smoke it. Smoking a turkey is a relatively simple process. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Temperature and Time

The ideal temperature for smoking a turkey is between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey. A general rule of thumb is to allow 1 hour of cooking time per pound of turkey.

It is important to keep the temperature of the smoker consistent. If the temperature gets too high, the turkey will cook too quickly and dry out. If the temperature gets too low, the turkey will take too long to cook and may not be cooked through.

Wood Smoke

The type of wood smoke you use will affect the flavor of the turkey. Some popular choices for smoking turkey include hickory, oak, and applewood.

You can use either wood chips or wood chunks for smoking turkey. Wood chips will produce a more intense smoke flavor, while wood chunks will produce a more subtle smoke flavor.

Mopping

Mopping is a process of brushing or spraying the turkey with a liquid during the smoking process. Mopping can help to keep the turkey moist and add flavor.

You can use a variety of liquids for mopping, such as apple juice, water, or wine.

Resting

After the turkey is done smoking, it is important to let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the turkey to firm up.

Conclusion

Smoking a turkey is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful bird. By following these tips, you can smoke a turkey that is sure to impress your guests.

Here are some additional tips for smoking a turkey:

* Use a meat thermometer to make sure that the turkey is cooked through.

Smoking the Turkey

Temperature and time

The ideal temperature for smoking a turkey is between 225F and 250F. This will allow the turkey to cook slowly and evenly, while also developing a delicious smoky flavor.

The amount of time it takes to smoke a turkey will vary depending on its size. A small turkey (about 10 pounds) will take about 3 hours to smoke, while a large turkey (about 20 pounds) will take about 5 hours.

Wood chips or pellets

The type of wood you use to smoke your turkey will affect the flavor of the finished product. Some popular choices for smoking turkey include hickory, oak, and apple.

When using wood chips, you will need to add them to the smoker every hour or so to maintain a consistent level of smoke. With pellets, you can simply set the smoker to the desired temperature and let it do its thing.

Maintaining the temperature

The most important factor in smoking a turkey is maintaining a consistent temperature. If the temperature gets too high, the turkey will cook too quickly and become dry. If the temperature gets too low, the turkey will take too long to cook and may become tough.

The best way to maintain a consistent temperature is to use a smoker with a built-in thermometer. This will allow you to monitor the temperature of the smoker and make adjustments as needed.

Carving and Serving the Turkey

Resting the turkey

Once the turkey is done smoking, it is important to let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy turkey.

Carving the turkey

To carve the turkey, start by removing the legs and wings. Then, cut the breast meat into slices. Be careful not to slice through the breast bone, as this will make the meat difficult to eat.

Serving the turkey

The turkey can be served hot or cold. If you are serving it hot, you can reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop. If you are serving it cold, you can simply slice it and serve it with your favorite sides.

Smoking a turkey is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful bird. By following these simple tips, you can smoke a turkey that will impress your guests.

Q: What is the best temperature to smoke a turkey on a Weber Smokey Mountain?

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

Q: How long does it take to smoke a turkey on a Weber Smokey Mountain?

A: The cooking time for a smoked turkey will vary depending on the size of the bird. A general rule of thumb is to allow 1 hour of cooking time per pound of turkey. So, a 10-pound turkey will take approximately 10 hours to smoke.

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 choices include hickory, oak, and cherry. Hickory wood imparts a strong, smoky flavor to the turkey, while oak wood produces a more mellow flavor. Cherry wood adds a sweet, fruity flavor to the bird.

Q: What is the best way to brine a turkey before smoking it?

A: Brining is a great way to add moisture and flavor to a turkey before smoking it. To brine a turkey, simply place the bird in a large container and cover it with a brine solution made of water, salt, and sugar. Allow the turkey to brine for at least 24 hours, but no longer than 48 hours.

Q: What are some tips for smoking a turkey on a Weber Smokey Mountain?

A: Here are a few tips for smoking a turkey on a Weber Smokey Mountain:

* Use a good quality wood for smoking.
* Brine the turkey before smoking it.
* Smoke the turkey at a low temperature (225-250 degrees Fahrenheit).
* Allow the turkey to rest for at least 30 minutes before carving it.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when smoking a turkey?

A: Here are a few common mistakes people make when smoking a turkey:

* Using too much wood.
* Smoking the turkey at too high a temperature.
* Not brining the turkey before smoking it.
* Not letting the turkey rest before carving it.

Q: What are some of the benefits of smoking a turkey on a Weber Smokey Mountain?

A: There are many benefits to smoking a turkey on a Weber Smokey Mountain, including:

* The turkey will be cooked slowly and evenly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird.
* The smoke from the wood will add a delicious smoky flavor to the turkey.
* Smoking a turkey is a relatively easy process that can be done by anyone.

Q: Where can I find more information on smoking a turkey on a Weber Smokey Mountain?

A: There are many resources available online and in print that can provide you with more information on smoking a turkey on a Weber Smokey Mountain. Here are a few of our favorites:

* [Weber Smokey Mountain Turkey Smoking Guide](https://www.weber.com/US/en/blog/turkey-smoking-guide/)
* [How to Smoke a Turkey on a Weber Smokey Mountain](https://amazingribs.com/tested-recipes/turkey-recipes/how-smoke-turkey-weber-smokey-mountain)
* [The Ultimate Guide to Smoking a Turkey](https://www.thespruceeats.com/smoking-turkey-397643)

Smoking a turkey on a Weber Smokey Mountain is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful bird. This article has provided you with all the information you need to know about smoking a turkey on a Weber Smokey Mountain, from choosing the right turkey to smoking it to perfection. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!