How To Reheat A Smoked Turkey Without Drying It Out

Smoked turkey is a delicious, flavorful meat that is often reserved for special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas. While smoking imparts incredible flavor, it can also lead to the turkey drying out when reheated if not done properly. If you have leftover smoked turkey from a previous meal, reheating it to serve again without drying it out can seem daunting. However, with the right techniques, you can easily reheat smoked turkey to juicy, tender perfection.

Thawing

The first step when reheating any type of meat is ensuring it is thoroughly thawed. Frozen turkey will not heat evenly in the oven or microwave, leading to dry, overcooked sections. Thaw frozen smoked turkey in the refrigerator for 24 hours per 5 pounds. For quicker thawing, place the frozen turkey in a leakproof bag and submerge in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Once thawed, dry the turkey thoroughly with paper towels before reheating.

Oven Reheating

The oven provides the most even, gentle reheating method to keep smoked turkey moist To reheat in the oven

• Preheat the oven to 325°F. Low, even heat is crucial.

• Place the thawed smoked turkey in a baking pan and tent loosely with aluminum foil The foil traps heat to warm the turkey while allowing steam to escape to prevent sogginess

• Calculate 10 minutes per pound of turkey weight. For example, reheating a 10 lb turkey will take approximately 100 minutes.

• Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer periodically. Stop reheating when the thickest part of the turkey breast reaches 140°F.

• Allow the turkey to rest 15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute evenly.

Microwave Reheating

The microwave provides a quicker reheating option, but extra care must be taken to prevent dry spots. To microwave:

• Place turkey pieces or slices in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a damp paper towel. The towel creates steam to prevent drying out.

• Microwave turkey on Medium power in 30 second intervals just until heated through, checking frequently. Take extra care with the breast meat.

• Allow to rest 2-3 minutes before serving. Microwaving can create hot spots that need time to cool and redistribute heat.

• Only microwave small portions at a time. Reheating a whole turkey breast or quarters may lead to overcooking.

Maintaining Moisture

A simple drizzle of chicken or turkey broth over the turkey before reheating provides extra moisture insurance. For added flavor, try adding some melted butter, olive oil, or vinaigrette dressing as a light baste.

Resist any urge to tightly cover or wrap turkey in foil or plastic wrap during reheating. Smoked turkey requires steam ventilation to prevent turning soggy or rubbery. Any liquid released from the turkey during reheating can be reserved to make flavorful gravy.

Internal Temperature

Regardless of reheating method, using an instant-read thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the turkey is crucial. While fully cooked smoked turkey only needs to reach 140°F to be safe for eating, going above 150°F runs the risk of over drying the meat.

Take the temperature in a few spots, especially the thicker breast meat, to ensure even doneness. If sections vary in temperature, utilize the microwave to finish heating any cooler portions while keeping hot areas covered.

Serving Reheated Turkey

Once your smoked turkey is fully reheated, be sure to let it rest a minimum of 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to reabsorb for tender, juicy meat. resist any urges to peek and repeatedly open the oven – trapped oven heat is necessary for even warming.

Carve the turkey and serve immediately for best results. Accompany with pan gravy for extra moisture and sliceable, leftover turkey is perfect used in soups, sandwiches, wraps, and casseroles. With proper reheating, you can serve incredibly moist, flavorful smoked turkey again and again.