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

Introducing the Weber Smokey Mountain: The Ultimate Turkey Smoker

The Weber Smokey Mountain is a popular smoker for good reason. It’s affordable, easy to use, and produces great results. But what if you want to smoke a turkey on your Weber Smokey Mountain? Is it possible?

The answer is yes! Smoking a turkey on the Weber Smokey Mountain is a great way to cook a flavorful and juicy bird. In this article, we’ll show you how to smoke a turkey on your Weber Smokey Mountain, step by step. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right turkey to smoking it to carving it. So whether you’re a seasoned smoker or a complete beginner, read on for all the information you need to know about smoking a turkey on the Weber Smokey Mountain.

Ingredients Instructions Notes
  • 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  1. Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the vinegar, water, salt, peppercorns, thyme, oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, and 1 cup of water.
  3. Place the turkey in a large stockpot or roasting pan and pour the brine over it.
  4. Cover the pot or pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight.
  5. Remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels.
  6. Place the turkey on the smoker and cook for 8-10 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  7. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving.
  • You can also use a charcoal grill to smoke the turkey.
  • If you don’t have a smoker, you can also roast the turkey in the oven.
  • Be sure to cook the turkey until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving.

Choosing the Right Turkey

When it comes to choosing the right turkey for your Weber Smokey Mountain, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Size: The first thing you need to decide is how big of a turkey you need. The WSM is a 22-inch smoker, so it can comfortably hold a turkey up to 18 pounds. If you’re cooking for a large crowd, you may want to consider getting a bigger turkey.

Type: There are two main types of turkeys available: fresh and frozen. Fresh turkeys are typically more expensive, but they also have a better flavor. Frozen turkeys are less expensive, but they can be tough if they’re not thawed properly.

Grade: Turkeys are graded according to their quality. The best turkeys are graded A, followed by B and C. Grade A turkeys are plump and juicy, with a white skin and a yellow-orange breast. Grade B turkeys are still good quality, but they may have some blemishes or be slightly smaller than Grade A turkeys. Grade C turkeys are the lowest quality, and they may be tough or have a lot of fat.

Brand: There are many different brands of turkeys available, so it’s important to do your research and choose a brand that you trust. Some of the most popular brands include Butterball, Jennie-O, and Honeysuckle White.

Cost: The price of a turkey can vary depending on the size, type, grade, and brand. Fresh turkeys typically cost more than frozen turkeys. The average price of a 12-pound fresh turkey is around $25, while the average price of a 12-pound frozen turkey is around $15.

Seasonality: Turkeys are typically available in stores from September to Thanksgiving. The best time to buy a turkey is during the off-season, when prices are lower.

Storage: Once you’ve chosen your turkey, it’s important to store it properly. Fresh turkeys should be stored in the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Frozen turkeys can be stored in the freezer for up to one year.

Thawing: If you’re thawing a frozen turkey, it’s important to do it slowly in the refrigerator. Thawing a turkey in the microwave or at room temperature can lead to bacteria growth.

Preparing the Turkey

Once you’ve thawed your turkey, it’s time to prepare it for smoking. Here are a few tips:

* Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water.
* Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity.
* Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
* Season the turkey with your favorite rub.
* If you’re using a brine, soak the turkey in the brine for several hours or overnight.

Smoking the Turkey

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

* A Weber Smokey Mountain smoker
* A turkey
* A wood chip smoker box
* Wood chips
* A meat thermometer

Instructions:

1. Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the wood chip smoker box in the smoker.
3. Add wood chips to the smoker box.
4. Place the turkey in the smoker, breast-side up.
5. Smoke the turkey for 3-4 hours per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Tips:

* To prevent the turkey from drying out, baste it every hour or so with melted butter or apple juice.
* If the turkey starts to brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil.
* You can also smoke the turkey in a roasting pan instead of directly on the smoker grates.
* To make a flavorful gravy, use the drippings from the turkey to make a roux.

Smoking a turkey on the Weber Smokey Mountain is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful bird. By following these tips, you can be sure to have a successful cookout.

Smoking the Turkey

Smoking a turkey is a great way to cook it for a special occasion. The smoky flavor is delicious, and the turkey is moist and juicy. To smoke a turkey on a Weber Smokey Mountain, you will need the following:

* A Weber Smokey Mountain smoker
* A 12- to 14-pound turkey
* A bag of wood chips (hickory or applewood are good choices)
* A meat thermometer
* A spray bottle filled with water

Instructions:

1. Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat it dry.
3. Truss the turkey.
4. Place the turkey in the smoker, breast-side up.
5. Smoke the turkey for 8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Baste the turkey every hour with a mixture of melted butter and apple cider vinegar.
7. Spray the turkey with water every hour to prevent it from drying out.
8. When the turkey is done smoking, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Tips:

* To make sure the turkey is cooked all the way through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Baste the turkey every hour with a mixture of melted butter and apple cider vinegar to help keep it moist.
* Spray the turkey with water every hour to prevent it from drying out.
* Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Carving and Serving the Turkey

Carving a turkey can be a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple. Just follow these steps:

1. Place the turkey on a cutting board.
2. Remove the legs by cutting through the joint between the thigh and the body.
3. Remove the wings by cutting through the joint between the wing and the body.
4. Remove the breast by cutting along the breastbone.
5. Carve the breast into slices.
6. Carve the thighs and drumsticks into pieces.

Serve the turkey immediately or keep it warm in a covered dish until ready to serve.

Here are a few tips for carving a turkey:

* Use a sharp knife.
* Carve the turkey on a cutting board.
* Cut against the grain of the meat.
* Serve the turkey immediately or keep it warm in a covered dish until ready to serve.

Smoking a turkey is a great way to cook it for a special occasion. The smoky flavor is delicious, and the turkey is moist and juicy. If you’re looking for a way to impress your guests, smoking a turkey is a great option.

Q: What is the best way to smoke a turkey on a Weber Smokey Mountain?
A: There are a few different ways to smoke a turkey on a Weber Smokey Mountain, but the most common method is to use the indirect heat method. To do this, you will need to set up your smoker with two zones of heat: one hot zone and one cold zone. The turkey will be placed in the cold zone and the wood chips will be placed in the hot zone. The smoke from the wood chips will then circulate around the turkey, cooking it evenly.

Q: What temperature should I cook a turkey on a Weber Smokey Mountain?
A: The ideal temperature for smoking a turkey 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 turkey will vary depending on its size. A turkey that weighs 10-12 pounds will typically take 6-7 hours to smoke, while a turkey that weighs 15-18 pounds will take 7-8 hours to smoke.

Q: What wood should I use to smoke a turkey?
A: There are many different types of wood that can be used to smoke a turkey, but the most common choices are hickory, oak, and apple. Hickory wood imparts a strong, smoky flavor to the turkey, while oak wood produces a more mellow flavor. Apple wood is a good choice for those who want a slightly sweeter flavor.

Q: How do I baste a turkey while it is smoking?
A: Basting a turkey while it is smoking is optional, but it can help to keep the turkey moist and flavorful. To baste the turkey, you will need to remove it from the smoker and brush it with a mixture of melted butter, olive oil, and your favorite seasonings. You can then return the turkey to the smoker and continue cooking.

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 meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Be patient! Smoking a turkey takes time, so don’t rush the process.
* Keep an eye on the temperature of the smoker and adjust the vents as needed to maintain a consistent temperature.
* Baste the turkey regularly to keep it moist.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving it.

By following these tips, you can smoke a delicious and flavorful turkey on your Weber Smokey Mountain.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to smoke a turkey on a Weber Smokey Mountain. We covered everything from choosing the right turkey to preparing the smoker and cooking the bird. We also provided tips for troubleshooting common problems.

If you follow these steps, you will be able to smoke a delicious, juicy turkey that will impress your guests. Here are the key takeaways:

* Choose a turkey that is the right size for your smoker.
* Brine the turkey for at least 24 hours before smoking.
* Smoke the turkey at a low temperature (225-250 degrees Fahrenheit) for 8-10 hours.
* Baste the turkey with melted butter or apple juice every hour or so.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.

With a little planning and effort, you can smoke a turkey that is sure to be the star of your next holiday meal.

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

However, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, what truly fuels my passion is the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. That's why I created this platform. This site is not just a testament to my journey but a beacon for all those who are looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventures. Whether you're a beginner eager to get started or a seasoned pro seeking advanced tips, you'll find a wealth of information here.

From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!