How to Smoke a Turkey on a Weber Grill (The Ultimate Guide)

Weber Grill Smoked Turkey: A Delicious and Easy Thanksgiving Tradition

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and good food. And what better way to celebrate than with a delicious smoked turkey cooked on your Weber grill? Smoked turkey is a classic Thanksgiving dish that is sure to please everyone at your table. It’s moist, flavorful, and has a delicious smoky flavor that will make your mouth water.

If you’re new to smoking meat, don’t worry. Smoking a turkey on your Weber grill is easier than you think. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, so you can make a delicious smoked turkey for your next Thanksgiving feast.

We’ll cover everything you need to know, from choosing the right turkey to smoking it to perfection. So read on and get ready to enjoy the best smoked turkey you’ve ever tasted!

Ingredients Instructions Tips
  • 1 12-14 pound turkey
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  1. Preheat your Weber grill to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. Place the turkey in a large roasting pan and pour the brine over it.
  4. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
  5. Remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels.
  6. Place the turkey on the grill grates and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  7. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
  • For a more flavorful turkey, use a brine that contains beer, wine, or fruit juice.
  • If you don’t have time to brine the turkey, simply rub it with a mixture of olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.
  • To make sure the turkey is cooked evenly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
  • Let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Choosing the Right Weber Grill for Smoking Turkey

Types of Weber Grills

Weber grills come in a variety of types, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The type of grill you choose for smoking turkey will depend on your budget, cooking needs, and personal preferences.

* Charcoal grills are the traditional choice for smoking turkey. They offer excellent heat control and produce a delicious, smoky flavor. However, charcoal grills can be more difficult to use than gas grills, and they require more time and attention.
* Gas grills are a more convenient option for smoking turkey. They are easier to use than charcoal grills, and they can reach higher temperatures more quickly. However, gas grills do not produce as much smoke as charcoal grills, so you may need to add wood chips or chunks to the grill to get the desired flavor.
* Electric grills are the most convenient option for smoking turkey. They are easy to use and clean, and they do not require any charcoal or gas. However, electric grills do not produce as much heat as charcoal or gas grills, so they may not be the best option for smoking large turkeys.

Features to Consider When Choosing a Weber Grill for Smoking Turkey

When choosing a Weber grill for smoking turkey, there are a few features you should keep in mind.

* Size: The size of the grill you need will depend on the size of the turkey you plan to smoke. A small turkey can be smoked on a small charcoal grill, but a large turkey will require a larger grill.
* Heat control: The ability to control the temperature of the grill is essential for smoking turkey. A charcoal grill with a damper will allow you to control the airflow and maintain a consistent temperature. A gas grill with a temperature gauge will also allow you to monitor the temperature of the grill.
* Smoke production: The amount of smoke produced by the grill will affect the flavor of the turkey. A charcoal grill will produce more smoke than a gas grill, but you can add wood chips or chunks to a gas grill to increase the amount of smoke.
* Ease of use: The ease of use of the grill is also an important consideration. If you are a beginner, you may want to choose a grill that is easy to set up and use.

Tips for Choosing the Right Size Weber Grill for Smoking Turkey

The size of the Weber grill you need for smoking turkey will depend on the size of the turkey. A small turkey can be smoked on a small charcoal grill, but a large turkey will require a larger grill.

The following table provides a general guide to the size of Weber grill you need for smoking turkey.

| Turkey Size | Weber Grill Size |
|————-|——————-|
| Small (10-12 pounds) | Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 14.5-inch |
| Medium (12-16 pounds) | Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 22-inch |
| Large (16-20 pounds) | Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 26-inch |
| Extra Large (20+ pounds) | Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 34-inch |

Preparing the Weber Grill for Smoking Turkey

Cleaning and Seasoning the Grill

Before you can start smoking turkey, you need to clean and season the grill. This will help to create a smooth surface that will prevent the turkey from sticking to the grill.

To clean the grill, first remove the grates and ash pan. Then, use a grill brush to scrub the inside of the grill. Be sure to clean the inside of the lid as well.

Once the grill is clean, you need to season it. This will help to protect the grill from rust and corrosion. To season the grill, heat it up to high heat and then brush it with vegetable oil. Let the grill cool down completely before using it.

Setting Up the Grill for Smoking Turkey

Once the grill is clean and seasoned, you can start setting it up for smoking turkey.

First, you need to add wood chips or chunks to the grill. You can use any type of wood, but some of the best options for smoking turkey include hickory, oak, and apple.

To add wood chips to the grill, you can either place them in a smoker box or directly on the coals. If you are using a smoker box, place it on the grate above the coals. If you are adding wood chips directly to the coals, spread them out evenly.

Once you have added wood chips to the grill, you need to set up the smoker. To do this, place the grates in the grill and then place the turkey

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 grill, you will need the following:

* A Weber grill
* A smoker box
* Wood chips
* A turkey
* A meat thermometer
* Aluminum foil
* Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat your Weber grill to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the smoker box in the center of the grill.
3. Add wood chips to the smoker box.
4. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry.
5. Truss the turkey.
6. Brush the turkey with cooking spray.
7. Place the turkey on the grill, breast-side up.
8. Close the grill lid and smoke the turkey for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
9. Baste the turkey every hour with your favorite barbecue sauce.
10. Remove the turkey from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Temperature and Time for Smoking Turkey

The ideal temperature for smoking a turkey is 225 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the turkey to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a moist and juicy bird. The smoking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey. A 12-pound turkey will take about 3-4 hours to smoke, while a 20-pound turkey will take about 5-6 hours.

How to Baste the Turkey While Smoking

Basting the turkey while it smokes will help to keep it moist and juicy. You can baste the turkey with your favorite barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, or simply melted butter. Baste the turkey every hour or so to ensure that it is evenly coated.

Signs that the Turkey is Done Smoking

There are a few signs that will indicate that the turkey is done smoking. The first sign is that the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can check the internal temperature of the turkey using a meat thermometer. The second sign is that the skin of the turkey is golden brown and crispy. The third sign is that the juices from the turkey run clear when you prick them with a fork.

Carving and Serving the Smoked Turkey

Once the turkey is done smoking, it is time to carve it. To carve the turkey, you will need a sharp knife. Start by removing the legs from the turkey. Then, remove the wings from the turkey. Finally, cut the turkey breast into slices.

When serving the smoked turkey, you can either serve it whole or sliced. If you are serving the turkey whole, you can place it on a platter and garnish it with your favorite vegetables. If you are serving the turkey sliced, you can place the slices on a serving platter and drizzle them with your favorite barbecue sauce.

Leftover Smoked Turkey Recipes

There are many different ways to use leftover smoked turkey. You can use it to make sandwiches, soups, casseroles, and more. Here are a few ideas for leftover smoked turkey recipes:

* Smoked Turkey Sandwiches – Make your favorite sandwich bread and spread some mayonnaise on it. Then, add sliced smoked turkey, lettuce, tomato, and onion. Top with your favorite cheese and condiments.
* Smoked Turkey Soup – In a large pot, combine chicken broth, smoked turkey, vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and onions), and herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve with crackers or bread.
* Smoked Turkey Casserole – In a large casserole dish, combine cooked rice, shredded smoked turkey, vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots), and cheese. Pour a cream sauce over the top and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted.

Carving and Serving the Smoked Turkey

Carving a smoked turkey can be a bit tricky, but it’s not as hard as you might think. With a few simple tips, you’ll be able to carve a beautiful, evenly sliced turkey in no time.

Step 1: Remove the Legs

The first step is to remove the legs from the turkey. To do this, you’ll need to use a sharp knife to cut through the skin and meat around the joint. Once you’ve cut through the joint, you can use your hands to pull the leg away from the body. Repeat this process for the other leg.

Q: How do I smoke a turkey on a Weber grill?
A: To smoke a turkey on a Weber grill, you will need the following:

* A Weber grill
* A smoker box or a water pan
* Wood chips or chunks
* A turkey
* A meat thermometer

1. Preheat your grill to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. If using a smoker box, fill it with wood chips or chunks and place it in the center of the grill. If using a water pan, place it in the bottom of the grill.
3. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat it dry.
4. Season the turkey with your favorite spices or rub.
5. Place the turkey breast-side up on the grill grate.
6. Cover the grill and smoke the turkey for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Q: What type of wood should I use for smoking turkey?
A: There are many different types of wood that can be used for smoking turkey, but some of the most popular include:

* Applewood
* Hickory
* Pecan
* Mesquite
* Oak

The type of wood you use will impart a different flavor to the turkey, so experiment with different woods until you find one that you like.

Q: How long does it take to smoke a turkey on a Weber grill?
A: The cooking time for a smoked turkey will vary depending on the size of the turkey, the temperature of the grill, and the type of wood you use. However, a good rule of thumb is to plan on smoking the turkey for 3-4 hours per pound.

Q: What temperature should I cook a smoked turkey to?
A: The USDA recommends cooking turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the turkey is safe to eat.

Q: How do I know when my turkey is done smoking?
A: There are a few ways to tell when your turkey is done smoking.

* The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* The skin of the turkey should be golden brown and crispy.
* The juices from the turkey should run clear when pierced with a fork.

If you are unsure whether the turkey is done smoking, it is always better to err on the side of caution and cook it for a few more minutes.

Q: How do I rest a smoked turkey?
A: After smoking a turkey, it is important to let it rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy meal.

Q: What are some tips for smoking a turkey on a Weber grill?
A few tips for smoking a turkey on a Weber grill include:

* Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is cooked to the correct temperature.
* Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
* Experiment with different types of wood to find one that you like.
* Be patient – smoking a turkey takes time, but it is worth it in the end!

smoking a turkey on a Weber grill is a great way to cook a delicious and juicy bird. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily achieve perfectly smoked turkey that is sure to impress your guests. Be sure to experiment with different wood chips and spices to find the combination that you like best. And don’t forget to enjoy the delicious results of your hard work!

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!