When handled right, smoked turkey is an excellent substitute for pork. When you crave that barbecue flavor and texture, but need to eat a little healthier, barbecue turkey is perfect.
The key to this recipe is to inject the turkey with apple juice, or a mixture of apple juice and various spices. This will keep the turkey moist throughout the cooking process, as well as help it absorb the great smoky flavor.
The smoked turkey in this recipe can be used just as you would for minced or pulled pork barbecue, as sandwiches, or with your favorite barbecue side dish.
chili dressing
– 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons of sea salt
– 2 tablespoons paprika
– 2 tablespoons of good chili powder
– 2 tablespoons ground cumin
– 3 teaspoons of ground black pepper
A 10 to 12 pound turkey
– 1/2 onion
– 1/2 orange
– Sea salt and ground pepper
– Your favorite barbecue sauce
Combine the chili rub ingredients in a small bowl.
Rinse the turkey well under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels. Cut off any large chunks of fat and discard the entrails or save for another recipe. Place onion and orange in cavity of turkey, then season cavity with salt and pepper.
Using a turkey injector, inject turkey in several places with apple juice. Apply all of the chili rub over the outside of the turkey, making sure not to miss any part of the bird.
Prepare your grill for cooking. If using charcoal, light the fire on one side, leaving the other side for indirect grilling. Oil the food rack.
Place the turkey on the “cooler” side of the grill, then close the lid. Cook (moving the turkey occasionally to cook evenly), maintaining the temperature at about 500 degrees F, for about 2 hours, until an instant-read thermometer placed in the thickest part of a thigh away from the bone indicates 180 degrees F. Juices should run clear.
Remove the turkey and place it on a cutting board to rest for about 10 minutes. Slice or pull and shred turkey from the bone. Place meat in a large bowl and toss with as much sauce as desired. Serve immediately. This smoked turkey barbecue can be placed in the freezer for up to 3 months.
