How to Smoke a 10 Lb Turkey

Smoking a turkey is a great way to add flavor and juiciness to your bird. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also relatively simple to do.

Here are the steps to smoke a 10 Lb turkey:

  1. Choose the turkey, rinse and rub. 
  2. Fill the cavity.
  3. Add your garnishment and cover-up in foil.
  4. Ready the pallet grill and smoke the turkey.
  5. Check the internal temperature of the turkey and let it ready to taste.

Smoking a 10 Lb Turkey

In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to smoke a 10 lb turkey using a smoker or grill.

What you are going to need

  • A 10lb turkey 
  • 2 tablespoon garlic powder 
  • BBQ sauce.
  • 4 crushed garlic.
  • 3 tablespoons of salt.
  • Quartered onion(medium size).
  • Quartered 1 apple.
  • 2 tablespoon ground black pepper.
  • A piece of cheese.
  • ½  cup butter.
  • A slice of lemon, curry leaves
  • A thermometer.

Step 1 – Wash, rinse, and rub the turkey.

You should choose a 10 lb turkey to smoke because the big sizes will have problems with food safety issues. And on the other hand,10 lb will be cute and easy to be smoked.

Make sure to remove the neck and the giblets. Cut the unwanted parts and make them ready to be seasoned.

First of all, you should rinse your turkey well. No matter if you use either cold or hot water, keep your turkey fresh and clean. Rub it well for better smooth skin. 

Step 2 – Fill the cavity

Do you prefer a cheesy turkey? Then you can add some cheese to the cavity of your turkey. Put a big slice of cheese, then it will be interesting to see at the end.

Filling it with some aromatics like lemon, curry leaves, or whatever spices you prefer will make the best taste you will have. 

You can also fill it with a quartered onion, apple, and even butter, which will bring the best taste for you. Don’t bother to add some to make your mouth liquor. 

You can add more black pepper to the cavity if you prefer a spicy turkey. I like my turkey more spicy and flavoury.

Other than that, you can add some chili powder or put some green chilies or slices of bell pepper in the turkey’s cavity. 

I am giving you the suggestions; you can choose what you like. It is up to your choice.

Step 3 – Add your garnishments and cover-up in foil.

To make your turkey smoke well with the most delicious taste, coat BBQ sauce on it. Then rub some more crushed garlic on the coat. You can even sprinkle garlic powder to make it more beautiful and delicious.

Smelling the taste of salt whole over the skin, ground black pepper to make it shiny and spicy. 

Just tie the two legs together using kitchen twine. Then the cavity will stay strong. Amazing! It will be so lovely.

It does not matter if you brine the turkey before smoking it to keep it from being dry. But make sure to keep it fresh.

Then next, cover it loosely with foil. Make sure you have added all the garnishments you prefer, as now you will start the smoking process.

Keep it for a while to get set. It will get seasoned soon until you prepare the grill. 

Step 4 – Ready the pellet grill and smoke the turkey.

As you know, there are no limitations on woods you can use to smoke the turkey. But it is better to do it with a flavored, smelling wood for a fabulous result.

I recommend you to use apple wood. In addition, you can use cherry wood or hickory. They are the best alternatives I recommend for you. 

The smell of the wood makes it more delicious. The apple wood has its unique mild and sweet flavor, and you will prefer it.

Smoking a turkey takes a long time. It should be smoked for about 6 hours at 250 degrees F. Do not forget to preheat the grill for at least 20 minutes before you keep it on the smoke. 

As it takes more time, you should start the process early in the morning. Then you will be able to have a great dinner with a smoothly smoked delicious turkey.

Step 5 – Check if the turkey is done

The turkey is only done when the thicker part of the thigh indicates 170-180 degrees F in your thermometer. 

Put your thermometer in and check whether it is smoked well. Otherwise, you have to wait for a while. 

Let the turkey rest for 15 to 20 minutes until it becomes an edible temperature.

Now you can slice and taste the browned smoked delicious turkey. Slice it as you wish. 

Estimate the size of slices as one to one and a half pounds of turkey per person. If you want more, you can slice them into a bigger size. It is up to you. 

Conclusion

So, there you have it! I’ve walked you through the process of smoking a juicy, delicious turkey that is sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering.

Just remember to plan ahead and start marinating your bird at least 24 hours before cooking it, so the flavors have plenty of time to soak in.

With a little bit of effort, you can easily create an unforgettable Thanksgiving or Christmas feast that will wow your friends and family members.

Are you ready to try smoking a turkey?