Turkey Day Smoked Turkey

How to make Turkey Day Smoked Turkey Recipe

Serves: 10

Ingredients:
15-pound whole fresh turkey, innards removed
2 tbsp canola oil
1 oz. fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, and sage)
2 sticks unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced

Turkey Brine:
1 gallon water, cold
1 cup Kosher salt
1 cup white sugar
1 oz. fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, and sage)
2 bay leaves
1 lemon, halved
1 tbsp black peppercorns
5 cloves garlic, crushed
1 medium yellow onion, chopped

Turkey Rub:
1 tbsp garlic salt
1 tbsp onion powder
1/2 tbsp chili powder
1/2 tbsp paprika
1/4 tbsp black pepper

Method:
In a saucepan, dissolve the salt and sugar for the brine in 5 cups of boiling water. Let the solution cool.

Add the salt and sugar solution and all remaining brine ingredients into a container or cooler lined with a plastic bag, big enough to immerse the bird. Add the turkey and shake up the container to evenly distribute all the ingredients.

Brine the turkey in the refrigerator or a cooler full of ice for 36 hours.

Make the rub by combining all the rub ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

Set up the smoker at 275 degrees F. Add apple wood chunks for smoke.

Remove the turkey from the brine and place it in a foil pan large enough for it. Wipe off excess brine with
paper towels.

Coat the bird with oil and apply the rub all over, including inside the cavity. Place the herbs in the cavity for aromatics.

Place the foil pan in the pit and smoke for 1 hour.

In a saucepan, melt the butter and add the garlic. Simmer until the garlic is soft.

Check the turkey for color. When the skin is starting to brown, baste the turkey with the melted butter and cover with a sheet of aluminum foil. Cook for 2 more hours, basting once after the first hour.

Remove the foil and cook for 1 hour, basting the bird every 30 minutes or until the bird is done at 160 degrees F internal temperature in the dark meat.

When the turkey is done, remove from the smoker and rest at room temperature for 30 minutes or until cool enough to handle. Give a final brush of melted butter.

Slice the turkey and serve.

Turkey Day Smoked Turkey