Have you always wanted to make your own Smoked Turkey? This “How to Smoke a Turkey” tutorial will show you how easy it is to make the best turkey you’ve ever had!
Not only will this be the best smoked turkey you’ve ever had, it’ll be the best Thanksgiving Turkey you’ve ever tasted. Get ready for a Thanksgiving dinner that will wow!
Smoked Turkeys have something of a mystique surrounding them. We have a store nearby where people flock eight weeks before Thanksgiving to order smoked turkeys for their Thanksgiving feast.
Everyone in these parts agrees that smoked turkeys are where it’s at flavour and texture-wise. I’m not sure why very few people take on the process of smoking it themselves because it’s such an easy and forgiving cooking method.
The truth is that you’re far, FAR more likely to render a turkey inedibly dry when roasting it. Think of Clark Griswold’s sister-in-law on ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’. Remember how that thing was turkey jerky?
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and if you’re in charge of cooking the turkey this year, you may be wondering if you can smoke it a day ahead of time Smoking a turkey produces incredibly moist, flavorful meat with a delicious smoky flavor However, it’s a lengthy process that can take hours. Is it possible to smoke your turkey the day before Thanksgiving to make things easier on the big day?
The short answer is yes, you absolutely can smoke your turkey in advance However, there are some important factors to consider Properly storing and reheating pre-smoked turkey is crucial for safety, taste and texture.
The Benefits of Smoking Ahead
Smoking a turkey is a labor of love Depending on the size, it can take upwards of 10 hours at low temperatures around 250°F to fully cook through and absorb optimal smoke This requires constantly monitoring and tending to the smoker.
Smoking a day ahead means you can choose the timing that works best rather than trying to time it perfectly for Thanksgiving dinner. It also frees up oven and stovetop space on the big day for side dishes and other recipes. You’ll already have the star of the show ready to go.
If you’re traveling for Thanksgiving, pre-smoking makes transporting the turkey easy. You don’t have to find space for a smoker at your destination or worry about properly timing the cook.
Potential Drawbacks
While pre-smoking a turkey simplifies Thanksgiving Day itself, it does take some forethought. You’ll need ample refrigerator space for chilling the cooked turkey overnight. Make sure you have enough room cleared out beforehand.
The taste and texture of smoked meat is best right off the smoker. Allowing it to sit will degrade both qualities somewhat. Proper storage and gentle reheating will help minimize this effect, but it likely won’t be quite as succulent and smoky as fresh.
You’ll also lose the dramatic presentation of a beautifully bronzed whole smoked turkey coming straight to the table. However, you can still wow guests by carving it right before serving.
Safety Tips for Smoking Ahead
When handling any cooked meat, safety is paramount. Follow these guidelines to keep your pre-smoked turkey safe for Thanksgiving dinner:
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Cook the turkey fully until the thigh meat reaches 165°F. This kills any potential bacteria.
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Allow the turkey to rest 20-30 minutes before refrigerating. This allows juices to settle for more even reheating.
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Refrigerate the turkey within 2 hours of finishing cooking. Use a food thermometer to ensure the fridge maintains a temperature under 40°F.
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Store the turkey tightly wrapped in foil or in a covered container to prevent contamination. Place on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to avoid any drips.
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Use the turkey within 2-3 days for peak freshness. Make sure it hasn’t exceeded the “use-by” date if purchased pre-smoked.
How to Reheat a Smoked Turkey
You can reheat a smoked turkey in either the oven or back on the smoker. Just make sure to gently warm it to an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
Oven Method
- Remove turkey from fridge 1 hour before reheating.
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Place turkey in a roasting pan, tent with foil, and warm approximately 1 hour per 5 pounds.
- Check internal temp periodically until 165°F is reached.
- Let rest 20 minutes before carving.
Smoker Method
- Allow turkey to sit at room temperature 30-60 minutes before reheating.
- Preheat smoker to 300°F. Use lighter smoke wood like apple or cherry.
- Warm turkey approximately 1 hour per 5 pounds until 165°F.
- Remove turkey and let rest 20 minutes.
No matter which reheating method you choose, the turkey skin will not get as crispy as when first smoked. If you want to crisp it slightly, briefly broil the turkey before serving. But watch carefully to avoid burning.
Make It an Awesome Thanksgiving
Smoking your turkey up to two days before Thanksgiving is perfectly safe when properly handled. It makes the holiday less hectic. Just focus on proper food safety and gentle reheating, and your pre-smoked turkey will be a delicious centerpiece.
Take the stress out of the big day. Smoke your turkey ahead of time and relax knowing Thanksgiving dinner will be amazing. Your guests will be thrilled when you beautifully carve that tender, juicy, smoky meat right in front of their eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you smoke a turkey the day before and reheat it?
Yes, you can absolutely smoke a turkey ahead of time and reheat it. Just make sure to follow food safety guidelines for proper storage and reheating.
How do you store a smoked turkey for the next day?
Tightly wrap the smoked turkey in foil and refrigerate it. Store it on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to prevent any drips on other food.
What’s the best way to reheat a pre-smoked turkey?
Gently reheat in the oven at 325°F or back on the smoker at 300°F until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Allow 20-30 minutes to rest before carving and serving.
Will reheating affect the taste and texture?
Yes, reheating will degrade the taste and make the texture less juicy compared to freshly smoked turkey. But proper chilling and gentle reheating will still yield delicious results.
Can you prep and season the turkey the night before smoking?
Absolutely. Dry brining the turkey overnight helps it retain moisture. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated.
Is it better to smoke a whole turkey or just the breast?
That comes down to personal preference. Whole smoked turkey makes a dramatic presentation, but breast is leaner. Both yield delicious smoked turkey meat.
What wood is best for smoking turkey?
Milder fruit woods like apple and cherry work very well with turkey. Hickory is also a great choice for rich smoky flavor.
Do I need to brine a turkey to smoke it?
My short answer is no. That said, you can certainly brine your turkey if you prefer it that way.
The longer version is that I don’t find brining to the worth the effort and mess it creates. Some people swear by it, but I think it’s extra work for something that is quite delicious enough without it.
If you’re interested in the effect of brining without the mess, you can dry brine the turkey using the instructions found in my smoked whole chicken post. Just follow the instructions there, but size up in proportion to the weight of your turkey.
I know that people often brine their turkey because they’re afraid the roasting process will dry it out. The truth is that roasted turkey can often get a little dry.
What spices are best for smoked turkey recipes
I meant it when I said you don’t have to do anything more than salt, pepper, granulated garlic, and granulated onion. If you want to boost the colour, you can add a bit of paprika.
Don’t skip those aromatics inside the turkey cavity! They lend serious flavour to the party.
