If you like turkey but don’t want to cook it, Gartner’s Meats’ smoked turkey is the perfect choice. Our Smoked Turkeys are fully cooked, and here are tips for reheating them.
To Reheat: We recommend using a rack in your roasting pan. Add a little water to the bottom of the pan and cover the smoked turkey with foil. Bake at 325 degrees for approx. 10 minutes per pound, or until your meat thermometer reads 165 degrees.
Smoked turkey is a delicious treat that is often reserved for special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, enjoying leftover smoked turkey doesn’t have to be limited to the holidays. With the right reheating technique, you can enjoy moist and flavorful smoked turkey any time.
Reheating fully cooked smoked turkey can be tricky. If done improperly, the turkey can end up dry, chewy, and lacking flavor. The good news is reheating smoked turkey is easy if you follow a few simple steps. In this complete guide, you’ll learn the best way to reheat smoked turkey without drying it out.
Why Proper Reheating Is Essential
Smoked turkey requires slower, more gentle reheating methods than other meats. This is because smoking gives the turkey a soft, tender texture. High heat can cause the proteins in smoked turkey to contract and squeeze out moisture.
If smoked turkey is exposed to direct high heat, the proteins will tighten, forcing moisture out of the meat This irreversibly dries out the turkey, leaving you with an unsatisfying chewy result.
Gentle, indirect heating maintains moisture and preserves the delicate texture of smoked turkey. When done properly, reheated smoked turkey will taste just as delicious as when it was freshly cooked.
Follow this guide to reheat smoked turkey the right way every time.
Step 1: Let the Turkey Thaw
Before reheating, be sure your smoked turkey is completely thawed. Check for any icy spots or frozen areas. If needed, allow extra time for the turkey to thaw in the refrigerator.
For food safety, do not thaw smoked turkey at room temperature or in hot water Thaw in the refrigerator until the turkey can be pierced easily with a fork
Thawing is complete when:
- The turkey feels soft, with no stiff or frozen parts
- A fork slides easily into the thickest part of the breast and leg meat
- The inner cavity is no longer icy or frozen
Proper thawing ensures the turkey will heat evenly all the way through.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven to 325°F
The oven provides the indirect, gentle heat needed to reheat smoked turkey without drying it out.
Preheat your oven to 325°F. This relatively low temperature will thoroughly heat the turkey without squeezing moisture out of the delicate meat.
Make sure there are no hot spots in your oven. The turkey should heat evenly throughout.
Step 3: Cover the Turkey
Covering the turkey is crucial for keeping it moist during reheating. Tightly cover the entire turkey in heavy-duty aluminum foil. Make sure there are no holes or openings in the foil.
The foil traps heat and steam next to the turkey, essentially steaming it from the inside out. This keeps the meat moist and tender.
For extra protection, you can layer two sheets of foil or use foil pans with lids. The more covered the turkey, the more moisture will be retained.
Step 4: Reheat for 10 Minutes Per Pound
The ideal reheating time for smoked turkey is approximately 10 minutes per pound. So a 10 lb turkey would reheat for about 100 minutes.
To be exact, follow these time guidelines:
- 8-12 lb turkey: Reheat for 90-120 minutes
- 12-16 lb turkey: Reheat for 120-160 minutes
- 16-20 lb turkey: Reheat for 160-200 minutes
Calculate your turkey’s ideal reheating time based on its weight. Erring on the lower end of the time range helps prevent overcooking.
Set a timer so you don’t forget to check. For very large birds, you may want to check with a meat thermometer to confirm it has reached 165°F throughout.
Step 5: Let It Rest Before Serving
After reheating, keep the turkey covered in foil and let it rest for about 20 minutes before uncovering and slicing.
This resting time allows the inner temperature to equalize. Otherwise, the outer meat would be hotter than the center, causing uneven cooking.
Resting also gives the juices time to redistribute throughout the turkey after being heated. This maximizes moisture in each bite.
Turkey Reheating Tips and Tricks
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Reheat turkey pieces separately from the whole bird. The irregular shape causes uneven heating.
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Add a splash of turkey broth or water to the tray. The extra moisture prevents drying.
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Slice the breast meat across the grain after reheating. This produces shorter muscle fibers for more tender meat.
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Use leftovers to make turkey pot pie, soup, sandwiches, casseroles, and other inventive dishes.
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Refrigerate within 2 hours of serving. Promptly refrigerate any uneaten reheated turkey.
With the proper technique, you can enjoy delicious reheated smoked turkey with all the same juicy flavor and texture as fresh. Just be sure to reheat it low and slow. Follow these simple steps for smoked turkey that’s never dry or tasteless.
How to Heat and Serve – Smoked and Fully Cooked Turkey
FAQ
How do you reheat a smoked turkey without drying it out?
How long to heat fully cooked smoked turkey?
Can you reheat a smoked turkey in a cooking bag?
How long does it take to reheat a smoked turkey?
The reheating time for smoked turkey depends on a large variety of things, such as the reheating method, the size of the whole turkey, the temperature of your oven, and more. If you choose a low temperature to reheat the turkey, then it might take somewhere about 4 hours to cook.
Can You reheat a smoked turkey in a slow cooker?
* To reheat a whole smoked turkey in a slow cooker, place the turkey in a slow cooker. Cover the turkey with liquid and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. * To reheat a whole smoked turkey sous vide, place the turkey in a sous vide bag. Add liquid to the bag and seal it.
How do you reheat a Turkey?
* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. This is the best way to ensure that the turkey is reheated to a safe temperature. * Reheat the turkey slowly. This will help to prevent the turkey from drying out. * Don’t overcook the turkey. The turkey is already cooked, so you don’t need to cook it all over again.
How to reheat smoked turkey without drying it out?
Put the slices in a microwave-safe dish and add a spoonful or two of broth into the dish. Cover the dish with a lid or a plastic wrap. Don’t forget to poke some small holes in the wrap with a toothpick. Heat the slices for about 1 to 3 minutes, depending on the number of slices. Wondering
How to heat whole smoked turkey in a countertop Roaster Oven?
So, here’s how to heat whole smoked turkey in a countertop roaster oven: Preheat your roaster and put the whole turkey on the rack. Heat the turkey until its internal temperature reaches anywhere from 155 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the turkey rest for about 10 minutes before serving it so that the meat absorbs the heat evenly.
How do you cook a smoked turkey in the oven?
Wrap the smoked turkey tightly in aluminum foil, making sure there are no gaps or holes. Place the wrapped turkey in a baking dish. Bake the turkey in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before unwrapping and serving.