• News
  • H&B TV
  • Digital Mag
        • Single Issues
          Merchandise
        • Annual
          Print
          Annual
          Digital
  • Insider

Hook & Barrel
A Lifestyle Magazine for Modern Outdoorsmen

smoker series

Don’t Wait Until Thanksgiving To Try This Delicious Smoked Turkey Recipe

Is there anything better than a smoked turkey at a summer barbecue? Wait, what? Isn’t turkey for Thanksgiving? This may sound odd to some of you, but I assure you, you cannot go wrong with offering this to your backyard barbecue guests this summer. It provides a definite wow factor.

smoked turkey

It’s so easy to smoke, and the juicy slices you will carve off for your guests better be plentiful because they will be back for seconds. I know if I am at a backyard event and I see ribs, smoked pulled pork, and smoked sliced turkey I know they pulled out all of the stops to make sure we all have a great time. 

Smoked and cider-brined turkey breast covered with a fantastic BBQ rub is juicy and packed with flavor. If you have yet to experience cooking one, then this recipe is definitely for you. The flavor profile is epic. It’s all in the brine, so I encourage you not to skip this step. You will thank me later.  

Smoked Turkey Brine Ingredients:

  • 3 Tablespoons granulated garlic 
  • 3 Tablespoons of your favorite BBQ seasoning 
  • 1/4 cup sea salt or kosher salt 
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar 
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce 
  • 1 finely diced small white onion 
  • 3 cups apple cider 
  • 2 cups water 
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar 

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl deep enough to fit the turkey breast, and then submerge it in the brine. Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator overnight. 

Let’s roll some smoke!  Time to light the smoker and get the temperature up to 275°F to 300°F. 

You Will Need: 

  1. Digital meat thermometer. 
  1. Disposable gloves. 
  1. Fuel source for your smoker. I recommend adding Pecan or apple wood, too. 
  1. Smoker. 
  1. Aluminum pan. 

Ingredients: 

  1. More of the BBQ rub you used in the brine. 
  1. Duck fat spray (the best), or avocado olive oil spray. I do not recommend vegetable oil. 

Steps:

  1. Spray turkey breast with duck fat spray and then generously coat all of it with the BBQ rub you chose. Now let’s smoke that bird!
  2. You are aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F at the center of the turkey breast, and at that temperature, the meat will be juicy, savory, and simply delectable. That should take 3-4 hours.  
  3. Once internal temp is reached remove the turkey breast from the smoker, place it in an aluminum pan, and cover it with aluminum foil. Let rest for 15 minutes. Slice and enjoy! 

You did it! Time for a celebration with a cold beer and perfectly-done smoked turkey.

smoked turkey

Disclaimer: We may earn a modest commission from sales generated by our affiliate links. Thanks for supporting us!

Smoker Series: How to Smoke Pulled Pork
Did you enjoy this story? SUBSCRIBE today to get more like this!

Trending articles

Related articles

Shopping Cart
H&Bmag_logo_white+color_rory
ENTER YOUR EMAIL FOR VIP ACCESS TO:

You’ll hear from us one time per week!

The Latest Content
Hook & Barrel INSIDER
Sneak Previews of  Upcoming Issues
Exclusive Discounts & Special Offers
Giveaways
AND MORE!