Pecan Smoked Turkey Recipes

TURKEY IN A SMOKER

Steps:

• Preheat smoker to 225 to 250 degrees F (110 to 120 degrees C).
• Rinse turkey under cold water, and pat dry. Rub the crushed garlic over the outside of the bird, and sprinkle with seasoned salt. Place in a disposable roasting pan. Fill turkey cavity with butter, cola, apple, onion, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Cover loosely with foil.
• Smoke at 225 to 250 degrees F (110 to 120 degrees C) for 10 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 180 degrees F (80 degrees C) when measured in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste the bird every 1 to 2 hours with the juices from the bottom of the roasting pan.

SUNNY'S "HONEY, WHO PECANNED THE BIRD?"

Steps:

• For the turkey and brine: In a large pot on medium-high heat, add 6 quarts (1 1/2 gallons) water, the salt, peppercorns, lemon, sage and thyme. Bring to a boil, lower to a simmer and cook until the salt is dissolved and the water is fragrant. Let cool.
• Put the turkey in a roasting bag, large plastic bag or a bowl large enough to fit it with still more space to give. Pour in the brining liquid and seal or cover. If there's not enough room for all of the liquid in the brine, be sure to at least include the herbs, lemon and peppercorns in with the turkey for brining. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours and up to 3 days.
• When ready to cook, remove from the refrigerator and discard all of the brining liquid and solids. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Place the turkey breast-side up on a wire rack resting in a roasting pan/baking dish and allow to sit on the countertop for about 2 hours to come to room temperature.
• For roasting: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Using your finger, gently release the skin from the muscle of the turkey and insert the butter pieces between the layers all over the bird. Season the skin with salt and pepper. Put the roasting pan in the oven, pour the beer into the bottom of it and lower the heat to 350 degrees F. Roast, basting every 30 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thigh reads 160 degrees F, 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Let rest for 30 to 45 minutes before glazing and slicing.
• For the glaze: In a large nonstick pan on medium heat, add the pecans and cook, tossing, until fragrant, about 4 minutes. Remove the pecans to a plate and add the butter, paprika, pumpkin pie spice and sage to the same pan. Once the butter is melted and the pan is fragrant with sage, remove the sage and add the honey and pecans to the pan. Raise the heat until the mixture begins to simmer, then remove from the heat. Pour over the rested turkey, slice and serve.

PECAN-SMOKED TURKEY

Steps:

• In a 6-qt. stockpot, combine broth, salt, bay leaves and dried herbs. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until salt is dissolved. Remove from heat. Add cold water to cool the brine to room temperature., Place one oven roasting bag inside the other. Place turkey inside both bags; pour in cooled brine. Seal bags, pressing out as much air as possible; turn to coat turkey. Place in a shallow roasting pan. Refrigerate 18-24 hours, turning occasionally., Prepare grill for indirect heat, using a drip pan. Add wood chips to grill according to manufacturer's directions. In a small bowl, mix onion, parsley, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon oil, lemon juice, sage and pepper., Remove turkey from brine; rinse and pat dry. Discard brine. With fingers, carefully loosen skin from turkey breast; rub herb mixture under the skin. In another bowl, mix remaining butter and oil; rub over outside of turkey. Tuck wings under turkey; tie drumsticks together., Place turkey over drip pan, breast side up. Grill, covered, over indirect medium heat 1 hour. Tent turkey with foil; grill 1-1/2 to 2 hours longer or until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 170°-175°. Cover and let stand 20 minutes before carving.

SMOKED TURKEY

Steps:

• This recipe requires a water-smoker such as the Brinkmann"Smoke'n Pit" or the"Cook'N Ca'jun" (http://thebrinkmanncorp. com).
• If you don't own one, buy one.
• They are great.
• The night before the big meal, wash the thawed turkey thoroughly, inside and out, and pat dry.
• Save the neck and innards for making gravy, if desired.
• Season inside and out with lemon-herb seasoning, granulated garlic, and salt and pepper to taste, and coat with olive oil.
• Do not stuff the turkey.
• If you want stuffing, use your favorite recipe, and cook it in the oven, out of the bird.
• Refrigerate until ready to start smoking.
• Soak 5-6 fairly large chunks of hardwood in water for as long as possible.
• DO NOT USE CHIPS!
• Set your alarm clock for for about 12 hours before dinner.
• Prepare the smoker as follows.
• Place 10 pounds charcoal in the fire-pan.
• Light the charcoal just barely, but make sure it is enough to keep burning.
• (Use an electric starter, or a butane torch, or place charcoal under your oven broiler just until lit. DO NOT use liquid charcoal lighter unless you want kerosene flavored turkey!) Place 2-3 chunks of wet hardwood on top of the charcoal, place water-pan above fire-pan, and fill with water.
• Place turkey on the rack above water-pan, cover smoker, and go back to bed.
• After about 6 hours, check the smoker.
• Stir up the charcoal and add a little more if necessary.
• Place remaining soaked hardwood chunks on top of charcoal, add more water if necessary, close the smoker, and relax for another 5-6 hours.
• It is almost impossible to overcook the turkey using this method, because it is cooking at a very low temperature.
• It will be juicy and tasty.
• Obviously the smoking should be done outside.
• Smoking indoors can be hazardous to your health.
• If the weather is freezing or below, add about 2-3 hours to the cooking time.
• The turkey is done when the leg can be moved easily.
• Carve immediately before serving.
• Notes: I usually use hickory wood, though pecan or oak are also great.
• You can add aromatic herbs or spices to the water pan if desired, but they will mostly be covered by the smoky taste.
• You can also add beer or wine to the water pan, but again, it is mostly covered by the smoke.

TRAEGER SMOKED TURKEY RECIPE | TRAEGER GRILLS

Steps:

• Make the brine: Pour the water into a 5 gallon non-metal bucket. Add the Traeger rub, sugar, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
• Place the turkey, breast side down, in the bucket with the brine, making sure the turkey is completely submerged. Cover the bucket and refrigerate overnight.
• Remove the turkey from brine and pat dry. Rub the canola oil all over the outside of turkey, then place breast-side up in a disposable aluminum roasting pan.
• When ready to cook, set the Traeger temperature to 225°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes. For optimal flavor, use Super Smoke, if available.
• Insert the probe into the thickest part of the turkey breast. Place the pan with the turkey on the grill grates. Close the lid and smoke for 2 1/2-3 hours.
• Increase the grill temperature to 350℉ and continue cooking until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F, 3 1/2-4 hours more.
• Remove the turkey from the grill and let rest for 30 minutes before carving. Enjoy!