Smoked turkey tails are quickly gaining popularity among backyard grillmasters and smoke enthusiasts. But what exactly are these quirky culinary curiosities? If you’ve never tried smoking turkey tails before, you’re missing out on an uniquely fatty flavorful and finger-licking-good treat.
In this article, we’ll uncover everything you need to know about these juicy smoked morsels. From what turkey tails really are, to how to smoke them, serve them, and even recipes to try, this is your guide to getting the most out of this underrated bird part.
What Are Turkey Tails?
Turkey tails are literally the tail of the turkey. Located right above the rear of the bird, the tail is the muscle that holds and controls those iconic sweeping tail feathers.
You’re probably used to just tossing the turkey tail into the trash after carving the Thanksgiving bird. But don’t let looks deceive you – this unassuming piece of poultry packs a ton of rich, fatty flavor.
According to the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, the turkey tail is composed of dark meat, much like the thigh or drumstick. This makes it markedly fattier than white breast meat.
In fact, a 4 ounce serving of turkey tail contains a whopping 36 grams of fat! To put that into perspective, the same serving size of pork belly has around 60 grams of fat. So turkey tails could be thought of as the pork belly of the bird when it comes to luscious fat content.
Why Smoke Turkey Tails?
While turkey tails are far from low-fat, it’s precisely their high fat content that makes them ideal for smoking low and slow.
As the turkey tail cooks in the smoker, that abundant fat renders from the inside out, keeping the meat incredibly moist and adding insane richness. The end result is tender, fall-apart meat that is basted in its own smoky, fatty juices.
So if you’re looking for an exceptionally juicy, meaty and indulgent smoked meat experience, turkey tails deliver in spades.
How to Buy and Prepare Turkey Tails
Turkey tails can be trickier to find than basic cuts like breast or thigh. Many national grocery chains don’t stock them. Your best bet is checking the freezer section of large stores like Walmart, especially around Thanksgiving when whole turkeys are plentiful. Ethnic grocers like Asian and Latin markets are another good source.
When buying, look for intact turkey tails with the skin still on. The skin helps keep moisture in during the long smoking time.
Prepping turkey tails is fast and easy:
- Thaw if frozen
- Rinse and pat the tails dry
- Carefully remove any remaining feathers or quills
- Apply a dry rub, marinade or brine if desired
A simple mixture of salt, pepper and garlic allows the rich flavor to take center stage.
How to Smoke Turkey Tails to Perfection
To infuse deep smoky flavor, smoke turkey tails with mild fruit woods like apple, cherry and pecan. Hickory and oak also pair nicely.
For best results, use a real smoker or offset smoker, but you can also improvise with a standard grill and indirect heat.
Aim to keep your smoker around 250-275°F using indirect heat. Place a drip pan underneath to catch rendered fat. This low and slow temp allows the fat to break down and develops lush texture.
How Long to Smoke Turkey Tails
Smoking times for turkey tails averages 2 – 3 hours depending on thickness. After the first hour, you’ll notice bubbling fat pooling under the skin.
At around the 2 hour mark, the tails take on a beautiful mahogany color. By 2 1/2 to 3 hours, they should be perfectly supple, juicy and ready to devour.
Always use a meat thermometer for doneness. Turkey tails are safe at 165°F but for best texture, smoke them to between 205-210°F. This extended low and slow render time allows the fat to fully liquefy.
Sauces and Rubs for Smoked Turkey Tails
The indulgent richness of turkey tails means they pair well with both sweet and spicy flavors.
For sticky finger-licking goodness, brush with a bourbon honey glaze during the last 10-15 minutes of smoking.
A hot and spicy dry rub also contrasts nicely with the fatty meat. Or season simply with basic salt, pepper and garlic.
For an appetizer, dice smoked turkey tails and mix with BBQ sauce or your favorite wing sauce.
Serving Up Your Smoked Turkey Tails
Once perfectly smoked, you can serve the tails whole for a dramatic presentation. Provide moist towelettes for nibbling the meat off the bones.
For easier eating, chop or pull the meat and mix it into tacos, nachos, beans, mac and cheese and more. Quickly searing the pulled meat in a hot pan or broiler crisps it up.
However you choose to enjoy them, smoked turkey tails always deliver a supremely juicy, smokey and lip-smacking meaty experience.
Smoked Turkey Tail Recipes to Try
Looking for recipes to savor your smoked turkey tails? Here are some of our favorite ways to put them to delicious use:
Smoked Turkey Tail Carnitas
Chop and crisp up smoked turkey tail meat in a skillet to make incredible carnita tacos and nachos.
Smoked Turkey Tail Baked Beans
Chopped smoked turkey tail meat gives traditional baked beans a hearty, smoky lift.
Smoked Turkey Tail Collard Greens
Tossed in simmering greens, bite-sized bits of smoked turkey tail add a hit of smoky pork-like flavor.
Smoked Turkey Tail Pot Pie
Cubed turkey tails make a unique substitute for chicken in comforting chicken pot pie.
Smoked Turkey Tail Sandwiches
Piled on buns or rolls, chopped smoked turkey tail is fantastically juicy.
Smoked Turkey Tails – Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to boil turkey tails before smoking?
No, boiling is not required. But some do parboil or braise first for extra tenderness before finishing on the smoker.
Are there bones in smoked turkey tails?
Yes, there is a Y-shaped bone running through the center of the turkey tail. The meat sits on either side.
How unhealthy are smoked turkey tails?
Turkey tails are high in fat and calories compared to lean poultry. Enjoy them as an occasional indulgent treat.
Get Your Smoke On with Turkey Tails
If you’re seeking a super fatty, juicy and flavorful smoked meat treat, it’s time to give turkey tails a try. With their high fat content, they’re literally made for the smoker, where low and slow heat renders out delicious juices. Brush with a sauce or dry rub to complement the rich meat. However you smoke them, turkey tails will deliver mega satisfaction for your next grill sesh.
A delicious meal is just moments away when you serve Villari Smoked Turkey Tails.
The delicious, hickory hardwood flavor enhances the tenderness of the meat for a mouth-watering treat. Enjoy these Smoked Turkey Tails with your favorite side dishes like baked beans or rice for a hearty meal. Villari carries a wide selection of additional meats, including sausages and organic products from animals raised without any hormones or antibiotics.