Are you tired of the same old turkey recipe every year? Spice it up with mesquite-smoked turkey! Mesquite wood imparts a sweet and smoky flavor that will have your guests coming back for seconds. But where to start? Fear not, because we’ve got you covered with our step-by-step guide on how to make delicious mesquite-smoked turkey. Follow these instructions and you’ll have a juicy and flavorful turkey that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Introduction

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by serving a delicious mesquite smoked turkey? This unique method of cooking the bird will impress your guests and leave them wanting more. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explore how to prepare and cook a mesquite smoked turkey that’s juicy, tender, and packed with flavor.

Step 1: Sweet Tea Brine

The first step in making a succulent mesquite smoked turkey is to brine it in sweet tea. The sweet tea brine will help to keep the bird moist while adding a subtle sweetness to the meat. Here’s how to prepare the brine:

• Boil 1 quart of water and dissolve 1 cup of salt, 1 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar.
• Add 2 quarts of cold water and 4 cups of sweet tea to the brine.
• Place the turkey in a large bowl or bucket and cover it with the brine.
• Refrigerate the turkey for 12-24 hours.

Step 2: Spatchcock the Turkey

Spatchcocking the turkey involves removing the backbone of the bird and flattening it out. This method of preparing the turkey promotes even cooking and reduces the cooking time. Here’s how to spatchcock your turkey:

• Use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut along both sides of the turkey’s spine.
• Remove the spine and flatten the bird out.
• Use your hands to press down on the breastbone until you hear a cracking sound.

Step 3: Season the Turkey

Texas-style seasoning blends like Killer Hogs TX rub and Meat Church Holy Gospel rub are perfect for adding a bold and savory flavor to your mesquite smoked turkey. Here’s how to season your bird:

• Liberally sprinkle the seasoning all over the turkey, making sure to cover every inch of the bird.
• Rub the seasoning into the meat, making sure that it adheres well.

Step 4: Inject the Turkey

Injecting the turkey with a homemade injection will add even more flavor to the meat. Here’s how to make the injection:

• Combine 1 cup of chicken broth, 1/2 cup of apple juice, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup of melted butter in a bowl.
• Use a meat injector to inject the mixture into the turkey breast and thighs.

Step 5: Mesquite Smoking the Turkey

Now it’s time to smoke the turkey with mesquite wood on a stick burner pit at 275°F until it reaches internal temperature 160°F. Use a probe thermometer to monitor the temperature.

• Add mesquite wood to the fire every half hour to maintain the perfect temperature and smoke level.
• Keep the turkey in the smoker until the internal temperature has reached 160°F.
• Remove the turkey from the smoker and let it rest for at least 10 minutes.

Conclusion

Prepare to wow your guests with this delicious mesquite smoked turkey recipe. Remember to spatchcock the bird, brine it in sweet tea, season it well with a Texas-style rub, inject it with a homemade mixture of chicken broth, apple juice, apple cider vinegar, and butter, and smoke it with mesquite wood until it reaches the internal temperature of 160°F. With these steps, you’ll serve a turkey that’s perfectly cooked and packed with flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use a gas smoker instead of a stick burner pit to smoke the turkey?
   Answer: Yes, you can use a gas smoker instead of a stick burner pit, but the flavor won’t be as smoky and robust.

2. Can I use a different type of wood to smoke the turkey?
   Answer: Yes, you can use a different type of wood, but the mesquite wood adds a unique and delicious flavor to the turkey.

3. Can I use a store-bought injection instead of making my own?
   Answer: Yes, you can use a store-bought injection, but making your own allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking.

4. How long does it take to smoke a turkey at 275°F?
   Answer: It takes approximately 3-4 hours to smoke a turkey at 275°F until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

5. Can I prepare the turkey the night before and smoke it the next day?
   Answer: Yes, you can spatchcock the turkey, brine it, and season it the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to smoke it the next day.