How to Smoke a Moist and Juicy Turkey on a Pit Barrel Cooker

Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook a turkey? Look no further than the pit barrel cooker! This versatile cooker can be used to cook a variety of meats, including turkey. In this article, we will show you how to cook a turkey on a pit barrel cooker. We will provide step-by-step instructions, as well as tips and tricks to help you make the perfect turkey.

Ingredients	Instructions	Tips
– 1 (12- to 14-pound) turkey, thawed – 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted – 1 cup apple cider vinegar – 1 cup Worcestershire sauce – 1 tablespoon dried oregano – 1 tablespoon dried thyme – 1 teaspoon salt – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper	1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 2. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry. 3. In a large bowl, combine the butter, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. 4. Brush the turkey all over with the butter mixture. 5. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cook for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). 6. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the pan drippings. 7. Remove the turkey from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before carving.	– To make the rub, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup paprika, 1/4 cup garlic powder, 1/4 cup onion powder, 1/4 cup chili powder, 1/4 cup ground cumin, 1/4 cup kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. – Rub the turkey all over with the rub and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. – To make the gravy, pour the pan drippings into a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by half. Stir in 1/2 cup flour and cook for 2 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.

Choosing the Right Pit Barrel Cooker

When choosing a pit barrel cooker, there are a few factors to consider, including size, material, and features.

* Size and capacity

The size of the pit barrel cooker you need will depend on the number of people you plan to cook for. A small cooker can hold a turkey for a small family, while a larger cooker can accommodate a larger bird. If you plan to cook other foods on the cooker, such as ribs or brisket, you will need a larger cooker.

* Material

Pit barrel cookers are typically made from either steel or stainless steel. Steel cookers are less expensive, but they can rust if they are not properly cared for. Stainless steel cookers are more expensive, but they are more durable and will not rust.

* Features

Some pit barrel cookers come with additional features, such as a built-in thermometer, a water pan, and a smokestack. A built-in thermometer can help you monitor the temperature of the cooker, while a water pan can help to create steam and keep the meat moist. A smokestack can help to draw smoke away from the cook, which can help to improve the flavor of the meat.

Preparing the Turkey

There are a few different ways to prepare a turkey for cooking on a pit barrel cooker. You can brine the turkey, dry-rub it, marinate it, or season it.

* Brining

Brining is a process of soaking the turkey in a salt water solution. This helps to keep the turkey moist and juicy while it cooks. To brine a turkey, you will need a large container, such as a cooler, a brine solution, and the turkey. The brine solution is typically made with water, salt, and sugar. You can add other ingredients to the brine, such as herbs, spices, or garlic. The turkey should be brined for at least 24 hours, but it can be brined for up to 72 hours.

* Dry-rubbing

Dry-rubbing is a process of rubbing the turkey with a mixture of spices and herbs. This helps to add flavor to the turkey and create a crispy skin. To dry-rub a turkey, you will need a spice rub, such as a Cajun rub or a jerk rub, and the turkey. The turkey should be dry-rubbed several hours before it is cooked.

* Marinating

Marinating is a process of soaking the turkey in a flavorful liquid. This helps to tenderize the meat and add flavor. To marinate a turkey, you will need a large container, a marinade, and the turkey. The marinade can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as wine, vinegar, or fruit juice. The turkey should be marinated for at least 4 hours, but it can be marinated for up to 24 hours.

* Seasoning

Seasoning is a process of adding salt, pepper, and other spices to the turkey. This helps to enhance the flavor of the meat. To season a turkey, you will need salt, pepper, and any other spices you want to use. The turkey should be seasoned several hours before it is cooked.

Cooking the Turkey

Once the turkey is prepared, it is time to cook it. To cook a turkey on a pit barrel cooker, you will need the following:

* A pit barrel cooker
* A turkey
* Wood for smoking
* A thermometer
* A spray bottle
* Aluminum foil

* Preparing the pit barrel cooker

To prepare the pit barrel cooker, you will need to fill it with wood. You will need enough wood to keep the fire going for the entire cooking time. You should also place a drip pan in the bottom of the cooker to catch any drippings.

* Starting the fire

To start the fire, you will need to light some wood in the center of the cooker. You can use a charcoal chimney or a lighter to start the fire. Once the fire is started, you will need to add more wood to keep it going.

* Cooking the turkey

To cook the turkey, you will need to place it in the cooker. You should place the turkey breast-side up. You will also need to cover the turkey with aluminum foil. The turkey should cook for about 3 hours per pound.

* Checking the temperature

You should check the temperature of the turkey every hour. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

* Resting the turkey

After the turkey is cooked, you should let it

Cooking the Turkey

The key to cooking a delicious turkey on a pit barrel cooker is to cook it slowly and evenly. This will ensure that the meat is juicy and flavorful.

To begin, preheat your pit barrel cooker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using a charcoal cooker, you will need to add about 10-12 charcoal briquettes to each side of the cooker. If you are using a gas cooker, you will need to set the temperature to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the cooker is preheated, place the turkey breast-side up on the grate. If you are using a charcoal cooker, you will need to add about 5-6 charcoal briquettes to each side of the cooker. If you are using a gas cooker, you will need to turn on the burners under the turkey.

Close the lid of the cooker and cook the turkey for about 3 hours. 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.

If you are smoking the turkey, you will need to add more charcoal or wood chips every hour or so. You will also need to baste the turkey with melted butter or olive oil every hour or so.

Once the turkey is done, remove it from the cooker and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving.

Temperature and Time

The cooking time for a turkey on a pit barrel cooker will vary depending on the size of the turkey. A general rule of thumb is to cook a turkey for about 3 hours per pound. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the type of cooker you are using.

If you are using a charcoal cooker, you will need to add more charcoal or wood chips every hour or so. You will also need to baste the turkey with melted butter or olive oil every hour or so.

If you are smoking the turkey, you will need to add more charcoal or wood chips every hour or so. You will also need to baste the turkey with melted butter or olive oil every hour or so.

Smoking or Grilling

You can either smoke or grill a turkey on a pit barrel cooker. Smoking will give the turkey a smoky flavor, while grilling will give the turkey a more charred flavor.

To smoke a turkey, you will need to add wood chips to the cooker. You can use any type of wood chips, but some popular choices include hickory, oak, and apple.

To grill a turkey, you will need to preheat the cooker to high heat. Once the cooker is hot, place the turkey on the grate and cook it for about 3 hours.

Basting

Basting the turkey will help to keep it moist and flavorful. You can baste the turkey with melted butter, olive oil, or a mixture of both.

To baste the turkey, simply brush a little bit of the basting liquid over the turkey every hour or so.

Resting

After the turkey is done cooking, it is important to let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy turkey.

Carving

To carve the turkey, first remove the legs and wings. Then, slice the breast meat off of the bone. Finally, slice the thighs and drumsticks.

Serving

Serve the turkey with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy.

Cooking a turkey on a pit barrel cooker is a great way to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these tips, you can cook a turkey that is sure to impress your guests.

Q: What is a pit barrel cooker?
A: A pit barrel cooker (PBC) is a type of outdoor cooking device that uses charcoal or wood as fuel. It is typically made from a metal barrel or drum that has been modified to include a cooking grate, a firebox, and a chimney. PBCs are popular for smoking and grilling food, and they can also be used to cook other types of dishes.

Q: What are the benefits of using a pit barrel cooker?
A: There are several benefits to using a pit barrel cooker, including:

* Convenience: PBCs are relatively easy to use and maintain. They can be set up in a matter of minutes, and they don’t require a lot of fuel.
* Versatility: PBCs can be used to cook a variety of different foods, including meats, vegetables, and desserts.
* Flavor: The indirect heat of a PBC creates a delicious, smoky flavor that is perfect for smoked meats and other dishes.
* Affordability: PBCs are relatively affordable, making them a great option for budget-minded cooks.

Q: What are the drawbacks of using a pit barrel cooker?
A: There are a few drawbacks to using a pit barrel cooker, including:

* Size: PBCs can be large and bulky, making them difficult to store.
* Heat: PBCs can generate a lot of heat, which can make them dangerous to use if not properly supervised.
* Smoke: PBCs produce a lot of smoke, which can be a nuisance for some people.

Q: How do I use a pit barrel cooker?
A: To use a pit barrel cooker, you will need:

* A pit barrel cooker
* Charcoal or wood
* A cooking grate
* Food

1. Fill the firebox with charcoal or wood.
2. Light the charcoal or wood.
3. Place the cooking grate over the firebox.
4. Cook the food on the cooking grate.
5. When the food is cooked, remove it from the cooker.

Q: What are some tips for using a pit barrel cooker?
A: Here are some tips for using a pit barrel cooker:

* Use dry charcoal or wood.
* Light the charcoal or wood in a chimney starter.
* Place the cooking grate over the firebox.
* Cook the food on the cooking grate.
* When the food is cooked, remove it from the cooker.
* Let the cooker cool down before storing it.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when using a pit barrel cooker?
A: Here are some common mistakes people make when using a pit barrel cooker:

* Using wet charcoal or wood.
* Not lighting the charcoal or wood properly.
* Placing the cooking grate too close to the firebox.
* Cooking the food for too long.
* Not letting the cooker cool down before storing it.

Q: What safety precautions should I take when using a pit barrel cooker?
A: When using a pit barrel cooker, you should take the following safety precautions:

* Always wear gloves when handling hot coals or wood.
* Never leave the cooker unattended while it is in use.
* Keep children and pets away from the cooker.
* Be aware of the potential for fire and burns.
* Extinguish the cooker completely when you are finished using it.

cooking a turkey on a pit barrel cooker is a great way to achieve moist, flavorful meat with a crispy skin. By following the tips in this article, you can be sure to cook a delicious and impressive turkey for your next holiday gathering.

Here are some key takeaways:

* Use a brine to help the turkey retain moisture.
* Cook the turkey at a low temperature for a long period of time.
* Baste the turkey regularly with melted butter or oil.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.

With a little planning and effort, you can cook a turkey on a pit barrel cooker that will be the talk of your next holiday gathering.