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Bourbon Smoked Turkey

9 hr 45 min
45 min prep
9 hr cook

Serves 24

Unsaved Bourbon Smoked Turkey

Ingredients

  • 12 lb Whole young turkey 8-16 lb
  • 8 qt Water
  • 3 cups Kosher salt
  • 3 cups Granulated sugar
  • 1 Fresh rosemary
  • 1 Fresh sage
  • 1 Ground black pepper
  • 10 Peeled garlic cloves
  • 1 cup Whole black peppercorns
  • 3 Red delicious apple(s), halved
  • 3 Large navel orange(s), halved
  • 4 qt Apple cider juice
  • 3 Ice cubes
  • 1 Cooler
  • 1 cup Bourbon
  • 1 Hickory smoking chips
  • 1 Apple smoking chips

Instructions

  1. Brine Turkey: Heat water in stock pot over medium heat. Combine salt, sugar, herbs, garlic and peppercorns. Stir until salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
  2. Pour dissolved solution into cooler with cider, fruit and ice. Place turkey in the cooler breast side down. Make sure the turkey stays completely submerged, and the temperature stays below 40°F.
  3. Brine the turkey for at least 24 hours. Then remove from brine and pat dry. Rub turkey with oil and any additional seasons.
  4. Smoke Turkey: Prepare smoker by lighting wood and prepping coals. The ideal smoking temperature is between 220°- 240 °F . While smoker is heating, place wood chips in bowl and soak in bourbon.
  5. Once wood has burned into coals and desired temperature has been reached, place the turkey on the smoker. You may want to place a pan under your bird to gather any drippings.
  6. The turkey will take on the most smoke flavor and color during the first few hours of smoking. This is when you should place your soaked chips onto the fire. The chips should be damp, but not dripping.
  7. Allow 35- 40 minutes per pound of cook time. When necessary, feed your fire with additional wood. The temperature may rise once new wood has been added. Lifting the lid or opening the flue will help to drop temperature and keep it more consistent.
  8. Once your turkey has reached 165°F remove it from the smoker. Let it rest for 15-30 minutes; then carve and serve as desired.

Nutrition

8gCarbs
12gFat
46gProtein

Nutrition Facts

24 servings

  • Amount Per Serving
    Calories330
  • % Daily Value*
  • Total Fat
    • 12g
    • 18%
  • Saturated Fat
    • 3g
    • 15%
  • Trans Fat
    • 0g
  • Cholesterol
    • 150mg
    • 50%
  • Sodium
    • 800mg
    • 33%
  • Total Carbohydrate
    • 8g
    • 3%
  • Dietary Fiber
    • 2g
  • Sugars
    • 4g
  • Protein
    • 46g
  • Vitamin C
    • 25%
  • Calcium
    • 6%
  • Iron
    • 15%
  • Vitamin A
    • 8%
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only, and the values are estimates.

We make no representations or warranties regarding dietary or lifestyle attributes, allergen contamination, nutrition information, ingredient information, claims, or the products purchased for the recipes.

Products in your order may be substituted. Adding optional ingredients, substituting products, or manufacturer product formulation changes could alter the nutritional or ingredient content of this recipe. Check each product’s label for nutrition and ingredient information, and contact the manufacturer with product related questions.

Consult a healthcare provider for nutritional guidance specific to your needs.

Since cooking times can vary, ensure that all recipe ingredients are cooked to a safe internal temperature according to USDA guidelines.