Smoked turkey tails are so indulgent they’re like the pork belly of the bird. Here’s everything you know about how to smoke them.
Smoked turkey tails are a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be prepared in many ways. A popular method is boiling smoked turkey tails, which helps render the fat and tenderize the meat. But how long should you boil them to get the best results? Here’s a guide to boiling times for smoked turkey tails.
What Are Smoked Turkey Tails?
Turkey tails are the muscle above the rear of the turkey that holds the tail feathers. They are considered dark meat, similar to thighs and drumsticks. Turkey tails are very fatty, containing around 36 grams of fat per 4 ounce serving. This makes them rich, indulgent, and flavorful. The high fat content means turkey tails are great for braising, stewing, and boiling.
Why Boil Turkey Tails?
Boiling is a moist-heat cooking method that helps break down tough cuts of meat and melt away fat and collagen. The moist environment gently cooks the meat while the simmering liquid tenderizes it. Boiling smoked turkey tails renders the fat, leaving you with succulent, pull-apart meat. It also infuses flavor from any aromatics like herbs and spices added to the cooking liquid.
How Long to Boil Smoked Turkey Tails
The exact boiling time depends on a few factors, including the size and number of tails and whether they are whole or cut up. Here are some general guidelines for boiling times:
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Whole turkey tails Simmer for 1-2 hours,
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Cut up turkey tails 45 mins – 1 hour
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1-2 tails: 45 mins – 1 hour.
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3-5 tails 1 – 15 hours
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For extra tender meat, boil up to 2 hours.
Turkey tails are done when a fork slides in easily and the meat starts to pull away from the bone. Aim for an internal temperature of around 205°F-210°F to fully render the fat.
Step-by-Step Boiling Instructions
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Rinse turkey tails under cold water and pat dry. Season with salt, pepper, spices, or marinade if desired.
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Place tails in a pot and cover with water or broth. Add any aromatics like onions, garlic, herbs.
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Bring liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Do not boil rapidly.
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Cover and simmer for the recommended time based on size and quantity.
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Check doneness after 45 mins. Meat should be fork tender and pulling away from the bone.
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Remove tails from pot carefully with tongs or slotted spoon. Reserve cooking liquid for soups or gravy.
Cooking Liquid Ideas
The cooking liquid used to boil the turkey tails will add tons of flavor. Try these options:
- Chicken or turkey broth
- Vegetable or beef broth
- Water with aromatics like onion, garlic, bay leaves
- Apple cider, wine or beer
Feel free to get creative with the liquid to complement the turkey flavors.
Serving Suggestions for Boiled Turkey Tails
Once boiled until tender, smoked turkey tails can be used in many ways:
- Chop or shred the meat and toss in BBQ sauce for sandwiches
- Dice and add to beans, soups, chilis, or stews
- Make turkey tail confit by submerging in fat after boiling
- Fry or crisp up the tails in a skillet to get a crust
- Simmer in gravy or sauce after boiling for extra flavor
The soft, succulent meat also pairs nicely with roasted veggies or creamy mashed potatoes. Get creative with how you use boiled smoked turkey tails!
Boiling is an easy hands-off way to transform tough smoked turkey tails into fall-off-the-bone tender meat. Follow these times and tips for irresistibly tender smoked turkey tails every time.
The temperature for smoking turkey tails
When setting up your grill, shoot for a grill temperature of 250-275F degrees with an indirect zone.
At this temperature, the turkey tails will take about 2 1/2 hours to smoke.
If your temperature is lower (say around 225F degrees), they’ll take longer and the skin may not get as crispy.
You can speed up the process by raising the temp to 300F, but I haven’t tried cooking them hotter than that, because we’re smoking them, not grilling them.
How long to smoke them
After the first hour, you’ll see the fat start to rise to the surface and glisten.
By hour two, they really start to develop the dreamy mahogany color.
Then, about 30 minutes later, they should be perfect.
While they’re technically safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165F degrees, it’s important to render the fat as much as possible, I take them to 205-210f degrees.
You can technically remove them from the grill and eat them just like this, but I like to add one more layer to the skin by adding a glaze.
Place a small pot over the charcoal and add honey, soy sauce, dijon mustard and garlic. You can also add a couple dashes of hot sauce if you like.
Let this boil and thicken and then brush it all over the tails. Remove the pot from the grill, close the lid, and let the glaze set for about 10 minutes.
Smoked Turkey Tails with Rice
FAQ
How long does it take for smoked turkey tails to get done?
Smoke: Add the turkey tails to the smoker over indirect heat skin-side up and smoke for about 2 1/2 hours. You want the skins to have a mahogany color and the internal temperature to reach 205-210F degrees.
How long does it take to cook turkey tails on top of the stove?
Rinse the smoked turkey tails and place them in large pot with just enough water to cover the turkey tails. Place the lid on the pot and cook on medium heat until the turkey tails are tender, about 35 minutes.
How long does it take for turkey to boil?
If the turkey is smaller – and therefore younger and more tender – you can use less water. Cover and bring to a boil, then turn the heat down so the pot is only just simmering; a bubble or two every now and again is what you want. The turkey will be ready in up to two hours. Mine was ready in about 90 minutes.
How long does it take to cook a smoked turkey tail?
The cooking time for smoked turkey tails can vary depending on the method you choose. Boiling and braising generally take around 1.5 to 2 hours, while grilling or baking can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour. It’s important to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
How do you season smoked turkey tails?
The key to adding depth and complexity to the flavor of smoked turkey tails is the seasoning. Combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this mixture generously all over the turkey tails, making sure to coat them evenly. Allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat by letting it sit for around 20 minutes.
Do turkey tails need to boil?
Turkey tails need to boil for an extended period to fully extract their nutrients. Just pour boiling water over the mushrooms and let them reconstitute until the water has cooled down, then remove the turkey tails from the water and reserve the liquid.
How long does it take to cook a smoked turkey?
The cooking time for a smoked turkey depends on its weight and the heating temperature, just as it would with a fresh one. Various brands suggest heating temperatures ranging from 275 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, with cooking times ranging from 4 to 12 minutes per pound.
Should smoked turkey tails be thawed before cooking?
Before cooking smoked turkey tails, it’s important to thaw them if they are frozen. Once thawed, they can be prepared using various cooking methods, including boiling, braising, grilling, or baking. Can I season smoked turkey tails?
What are smoked turkey tails?
Smoked turkey tails are a flavorful and versatile cut of meat that come from the tail of a turkey. They are typically cured, seasoned, and smoked, resulting in a rich smoky flavor and tender texture. Where can I buy smoked turkey tails? You can find smoked turkey tails at most grocery stores, particularly in the meat or poultry section.