Cajun Smoked Turkey
Cajun Smoked Turkey makes a great centerpiece and main dish for Thanksgiving dinner. It's so tender, juicy and flavorful that you'll be adding it to the menu for more than a holiday dinner.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time3 hours hrs
Additional Time4 hours hrs
Total Time7 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Course: Turkey
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cajun butter turkey, smoked turkey, turkey
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 695kcal
Author: Milisa
For the Brine
- 4 quarts hot water
- 1 cup kosher salt
- Ice
- 1 lemon sliced in half
- 1 tablespoon peppercorns
For the Turkey
- 12 pound turkey
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons granulated garlic
- 1 ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoons dry mustard
- 1 ½ teaspoons coarse black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Make the brine by whisking hot water and kosher salt until is dissolved.
Cool the water down by adding ice until cool.
Squeeze lemon juice into water and add the rinds. Stir in the peppercorns.
Place turkey in water, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 24.
Remove turkey and discard brine. Pat turkey pat dry with paper towels and place on a baking sheet.
In a bowl, combine smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic, oregano, dry mustard, pepper, cumin and salt.
Mix with softened butter.
Rub butter mixture between the skin, over the outside of the turkey and inside the cavity.
Prepare grill or smoker to about 250- 300° with hickory or pecan.
Cook turkey for about 15- 20 minutes per pound with the grill closed until internal temperature reaches 160°.
Remove from grill and allow to rest 15 minutes before slicing.
Store leftover turkey in an airtight container up to 4 days in the refrigerator. To freeze, vacuum seal or wrap in 2 layers of plastic wrap and a layer of foil up to 3 months.
Reheat turkey in a pan with broth or water, covered over medium heat until heated through.
Serving: 1g | Calories: 695kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 97g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 386mg | Sodium: 1251mg