Introduction
No Thanksgiving or yearly feast is complete without a smoking turkey! Cooking a turkey on a Traeger smoker is a delicious way to infuse smoky flavor into your Thanksgiving or holiday meal. Traeger smokers are versatile cooking machines that allow you to cook meat at a consistent temperature for an extended period, resulting in delicious, moist, and tender meat. In this article you’going to learn all the details and tips for delicious juicy smoky turkey. Let’s get started with how to cook a turkey on a traeger smoker!
Ingredients
- 1 turkey (14-16 lbs)
- 2 cups of apple juice
- 1 Cup of Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
Equipment:
- Traeger smoker
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
Preparation Time: 12 hours
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Servings: 10 people
Cooking Directions
Here comes the step-by-step guide on how to cook a turkey on a traeger smoker –
Step 1: Brine the turkey
Brining the turkey helps to keep it moist and flavorful. In a large pot, combine the apple juice, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, and dried sage. Then, add enough water to cover the turkey completely. Stir the brine until the ingredients dissolve. Add the turkey to the brine and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or overnight.
Step 2: Prepare the Traeger smoker
Preheat your Traeger smoker to 325°F and set it to smoke with the lid open for 5 minutes. If your Traeger doesn’t have a temperature control, you can use an external thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the smoker.
Step 3: Remove the turkey from the brine
Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse it thoroughly with cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels.
Step 4: Season the turkey
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin and inside the cavity.
Step 5: Smoke the turkey
Place the turkey on the smoker’s grates, breast side up. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, being careful not to touch the bone. Close the lid and smoke for approximately 3-4 hours or until the internal temperature of the turkey’s thickest part reaches 165°F. Coat the turkey with additional olive oil or butter every hour to help keep it moist.
Step 6: Rest and serve
Once the turkey reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and juicy. Serve and enjoy!
Now before I get into the next segment, it’s necessary to remind you you should always keep your traeger smoke clean both inside and out. I already have an article on cleaning the inside of a traeger grill. If you want give it a check.
Tips
- If the turkey is getting too brown, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Make sure your Traeger smoker is clean before using it. Use a wire brush to remove any leftover debris from previous cooks.
- To add more flavor to your turkey, try using different wood pellets, such as hickory, apple, or cherry.
How long to cook a turkey on a traeger smoker?
When cooking a turkey on a Traeger smoker, achieving perfection is key. While we’ve discussed temperature and basic steps, determining precise cooking time varies. Factors like turkey weight, smoker temperature, and environment play roles. Generally, a 14-16 lb turkey takes 3-4 hours at 325°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast, preventing undercooking or overcooking. Adjust cooking time for different sizes to achieve juicy, tender results.
Final Words
So, that’s all for the Traeger Smoker turkey recipe! By following the given instructions above, you can cook the delicious and tender turkey to impress your guests! Best of luck!
