Can a 20 pound turkey be smoked?

Can a 20 pound turkey be smoked?

At 225 degrees, a 20-pound turkey should cook at a rate of 30 to 40 minutes per pound. If you increase the temperature to 250, it will take 25 to 30 minutes per pound. It’s best to keep the smoker temperature above 225 when smoking a bird this large.

What turkey is best for smoking?

A whole turkey is simply one of the best meats to smoke. And while most of us might think of it as meat best served at Thanksgiving and Christmas, the truth is that a beautifully smoked bird can be served all year round.

What size turkey is best for smoking?

Whole turkeys that weigh 12 POUNDS OR LESS are the recommended size for safe smoking. A larger turkey remains in the “Danger Zone” – between 40°F and 140°F – too long.

Are Butterball turkeys good for smoking?

Butterball® Smoked Turkeys are fully cooked and ready to eat. They can be used in recipes calling for cooked turkey without prior heating. The pink color of the meat comes from smoking and curing and is not a sign of undercooked meat.

How long does it take to smoke a 20lb turkey at 275 degrees?

Smoke at 275-300°F for 3.5 to 4 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured in the thickest part of the breast, refilling water pan when necessary. Baste the bird every hour with juices from the drip pan. Allow bird to rest for about 15 minutes to allow juices to re-distribute before carving.

How do you smoke a turkey and keep it moist?

This will result in a soggy chicken. My solution is to smoke the turkey directly on the grill grates, with a roasting pan filled with 1″ water underneath the grates, about 3-4 inches from the meat. This will keep the cooking environment moist but let the turkey get evenly crisp on the outside. 2.

How do you keep a turkey moist when smoking?

Dry Brining Turkey for Smoking If you want to avoid soft, rubbery turkey skin, dry brine the bird 24 hours before cooking. This will allow the salt to penetrate the flesh and help the turkey retain moisture during the cook. Dry brining simply involves rubbing kosher salt into the entire bird.

What is the danger zone when smoking a turkey?

Turkey breasts, drumsticks, wings, and whole turkeys are all suited for smoking, although for safety’s sake, stick with whole turkeys that weigh 12 pounds or less. Turkey is in the “Danger Zone,” where bacteria grows the fastest, between 40°F and 140°F.

Should I Smoke turkey in a pan?

1. Turkeys should not be roasted or smoked directly in a roasting pan (or even on a rack in the roasting pan), and especially not be roasted while resting in liquid. This will result in a soggy chicken. This will keep the cooking environment moist but let the turkey get evenly crisp on the outside.

Is smoked turkey good?

You can find fully cooked, smoked turkeys and turkey parts in specialty shop, but you also can choose to smoke a turkey at home. Smoked turkey is a healthy lean meat choice for most people, full of vitamins and minerals, although it is high in sodium and might not be appropriate for a low-sodium diet.

What do I need to smoke a Turkey?

As such, smoking a turkey requires a “gentle touch”. But fear not, that is what we are here for. Before you even start thinking about preparing your bird, it’s time to do a quick stocktake. If you smoke often then none of this should be new to you. 1. The essentials – the smoker

What should I look for when buying a fresh turkey?

When buying a fresh turkey, make sure you look to see if it is pre-brined. A pre-brined bird is already soaked and won’t take on much more brine flavor (think osmosis), so an un-brined fresh bird is our favorite and what we recommend.

How do you know when a Turkey is done cooking?

You’ll know the turkey is done when the temperature in the thickest part of the thigh is 170°F to 175°F. Test Kitchen tip: Resist the urge to raise the lid too many times to check on the turkey—this will release too much heat and smoke. Instead, use a remote probe thermometer to monitor the turkey’s internal temperature.

Does Turkey belong on a smoker?

Turkey belongs on a smoker, especially around Thanksgiving when oven space is at a premium. You don’t have to worry about ruining Thanksgiving though. By following these tips for smoking a whole turkey your guests will be begging you for your secret recipe (and if you want a detailed recipe, check out our smoked spatchcock turkey recipe ).