Weber Smoked Turkey

Hey there, turkey enthusiasts and grillmasters! Get ready to embark on a savory journey that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends and family. Today, I’m diving headfirst into the wonderful world of Weber smoked turkey. Trust me, this isn’t your grandma’s roast turkey – we’re talking about a flavor explosion that’ll have you doing a turkey dance!

How to Make Smoked Turkey on Weber grill

Let’s kick things off with the main act, shall we? Here’s the lowdown on how to transform that hefty bird into a masterpiece of smoky deliciousness:

1. Prep That Turkey: Get your hands on a plump turkey (fresh or thawed), pat it dry with paper towels, and remove any giblets like a true turkey whisperer. Season it generously inside and out. You know the drill – salt, pepper, and maybe even a dash of garlic powder for that extra zing!
2. Fire Up the Weber: It’s grill time, folks! Set up your Weber grill for indirect cooking. Fill a chimney starter with charcoal, let those bad boys ash over, and spread them out on one side of the grill. Place a drip pan filled with water on the other side. We’re getting fancy now!
3. The Smokin’ Dance: Toss some wood chunks onto the charcoal. Now, don’t just stand there – revel in that aromatic smokiness! Put the turkey on the grill grates above the drip pan. Close the lid and let the magic happen.
4. Keepin’ it Low and Slow: Maintain a steady temperature around 225-250°F (107-121°C). This is the secret sauce, my friends. Add more charcoal and wood chunks as needed. Feel like a grill guru yet?
5. Wait Patiently: Smoking turkey is a labor of love, so kick back, relax, and let the Weber work its magic. In about 3 to 4 hours, your turkey should reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Time to strut around like the backyard BBQ champion you are!

What Wood Works Best: Let’s Talk Flavor!

Now, let’s talk wood – the unsung hero of your smoked turkey symphony. Pecan and apple wood are like the rockstars of this show, infusing that bird with a sweet and nutty aroma that’ll leave everyone drooling. Mesquite is a bold choice, adding a rich and robust flavor. But hey, don’t be afraid to experiment! Just like a DJ remixing a classic tune, you can mix different woods to create your signature melody of flavors.

What Rub is Best: Spice Up Your Life!

Rub-a-dub-dub, it’s time to get that bird a spa treatment! When it comes to rubs, I say, go bold or go home. Create a flavorful rub with a mix of brown sugar, paprika, cayenne, dried thyme – you name it! Slather it onto the turkey like you’re giving it a massage. Let it sit in the fridge for a few hours, soaking in all those fabulous flavors. It’s like a turkey spa day, am I right?

To Brine or Not to Brine: The Great Turkey Debate!

Ah, the million-dollar question: Should you brine and inject your turkey? Well, my friends, that’s a hot topic. Brining can make your turkey juicy and flavorful, but it does take some planning ahead. Injecting, on the other hand, is like giving your turkey a flavor shot right where it counts. It’s a tough choice, but honestly, you can’t go wrong either way. Trust your gut – or rather, your taste buds!

How Long Will It Take to Cook: Patience, Padawan!

Listen up, young grill grasshoppers – smoking turkey ain’t no fast food drive-thru. It’s a slow and steady process that demands patience. You’re looking at around 30 minutes to an hour of smoking time per pound of turkey. So, if you’ve got a 12-pounder on your hands, that’s a solid 6 to 12 hours of grill-time fun. But let me tell you, that wait is worth every mouthwatering bite.

Side Dishes to Serve: Completing the Feast!

Now that you’ve conquered the art of smoked turkey, it’s time to round out your feast with some killer side dishes. Think buttery mashed potatoes, tangy cranberry sauce, and maybe even some grilled veggies for that fresh crunch. It’s like creating a symphony of flavors that’ll have your taste buds dancing a merry jig!

Overall, smoking turkey on a Weber grill is a flavorful adventure that takes time, effort, and a pinch of daring spirit. From choosing the perfect wood to crafting your signature rub, each step is a chance to express your culinary prowess and create a masterpiece that’ll have your guests raving.

And there you have it, folks! You’re armed with the knowledge to smoke a turkey that’ll make jaws drop and tummies rumble. Remember, it’s not just about the food – it’s about the journey, the aromas, and the joy of mastering a skill that’ll have you grinning like a Cheshire cat.

Thanks for joining me on this tasty escapade. Until next time, keep those grills smokin’ and your taste buds rockin’! And as they say, “May your smoke always be flavorful, and your turkey always tender!”

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Weber Smoked Turkey

Experience the ultimate flavor infusion with Weber smoked turkey - unlock a world of delectable taste and culinary mastery.

Course Main Course

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Servings 10

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey 12-14 pounds, fresh or thawed
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rub:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

For the Smoke:

• Charcoal
• Wood chunks pecan, apple, or mesquite

For the Gravy (Optional):

• Pan drippings
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken or turkey broth

Instructions

Prepping the Turkey

1. Thaw and Clean: If your turkey is frozen, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator well in advance. Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey's cavities, and pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Season the Turkey: Sprinkle salt and pepper generously on the inside and outside of the turkey. This is the first step to flavor town!

Crafting the Rub

1. Mix the Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix them all up like you're creating your own secret potion.
2. Apply the Rub: Massage that flavorful rub all over the turkey, inside and out. Don't be shy – make sure every nook and cranny is coated. Let the turkey chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours to let those flavors work their magic.

Setting Up the Grill

1. Prep the Grill: Time to channel your inner grill master! Set up your Weber grill for indirect cooking. Fill the chimney starter with charcoal, light it up, and let the charcoal ash over.
2. Wood Chunks Are In: Toss a handful of wood chunks onto the charcoal – pecan, apple, or mesquite for that smoky goodness. Let the wood start smoldering.

The Smoking Dance

1. Place the Turkey: Place a drip pan filled with water on one side of the grill. This will help maintain moisture while the turkey smokes. Put the turkey on the grill grates on the other side, directly above the drip pan.
2. Temperature Control: Close the lid and adjust the grill's vents to maintain a temperature of around 225-250°F (107-121°C). This is where the real magic happens.

The Waiting Game

1. Stay Patient: Now, my fellow grill enthusiasts, it's time to practice the art of patience. Smoke that turkey for about 30 minutes to an hour per pound. This means a 12-pound turkey will take around 6 to 12 hours. Trust me, the anticipation is half the fun!

Savor the Victory

1. Check the Temp: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the turkey's temperature. Once it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), it's showtime!
2. Rest and Carve: Remove the turkey from the grill, cover it loosely with aluminum foil, and let it rest for about 20-30 minutes. This lets the juices redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender bird. Carve it up like a true turkey artist.