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Dry-Brined Smoked Turkey
Recipes
Dry-Brined Smoked Turkey
12 servings
27 hours, 30 minutes total (Active 30 minutes)

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 whole fresh turkey (12–14 lb)
  • 2 cups hickory wood chips, divided (+ more, optional for additional smoke)
  • Nonstick aluminum foil
  • 1 tablespoon + ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 (13- x 9-inch) aluminum pan

Steps

    1. Chop rosemary and thyme (leaves only). Combine brown sugar, salt, rosemary, thyme and smoked paprika. Place turkey on roasting pan rack; coat with seasoning mixture (wash hands); chill 24 hours.
    2. Soak 1 cup wood chips in water 30 minutes; drain and combine with remaining dry chips. Wrap with foil to make a pouch, then poke holes for smoke to escape. Place foil pouch on opposite side of grill from flame. Rub grates with 1 tablespoon oil where turkey will sit (away from direct heat) and place aluminum pan underneath.
    3. Preheat grill to 350°F. Pat turkey lightly with paper towels to remove any excess seasoning mixture; coat with remaining ¼ cup vegetable oil and wrap ends of legs with foil. Place on grill over pan.
    4. Smoke approximately 2 hours (keeping lid closed 1 ½ hours before checking temperature) until browned and 165°F. Let stand 15 minutes to rest before carving. Serve.
Other Preparation Methods
    1. Line roasting pan and rack with foil. Combine brown sugar, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and coriander. Place turkey on roasting pan rack; coat all over with seasoning mixture, then chill 24 hours.
    2. Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat turkey lightly with paper towels to remove any excess seasoning mixture; coat with spray. Roast per package instructions until browned and 165°F. Let stand 15 minutes to rest before carving. Serve.

Amount per 1⁄12 recipe serving: Calories 500, Total Fat 23g, Sat Fat 6g, Trans Fat 0g, Chol 260mg, Sodium 1210mg, Total Carb 2g, Fiber 0g, Total Sugar 2g, (Incl. 1g Added Sugars), Protein 69g, Vitamin D 6%, Calc 2%, Iron 15%, Potassium 15%