This mouthwatering BBQ turkey recipe will have your taste buds dancing with delight. The turkey is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, then slow-smoked to perfection to give it a juicy and tender texture. The homemade BBQ sauce adds a tangy and smoky flavor, making this dish a hit at any barbecue or Thanksgiving feast. With a preparation time of 30 minutes and a cooking time of 5 hours, this recipe is well worth the effort. Impress your family and friends with this delicious twist on a classic turkey dish.
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
- For the marinade:
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For the BBQ sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For serving (optional):
- Extra BBQ sauce
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Directions
- In a bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients.
- Place the turkey in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Close the bag and massage the marinade into the turkey, ensuring it's evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
- Remove the turkey from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
- Place the turkey on the smoker grate and close the lid. Smoke for approximately 5 hours, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the turkey is smoking, prepare the BBQ sauce. In a saucepan, combine all the BBQ sauce ingredients and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.
- Serve the BBQ turkey with the homemade BBQ sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
The tradition of smoking meats goes back thousands of years and was originally used as a method of preservation.
Turkey contains high levels of tryptophan, an amino acid that can make you feel sleepy. So, remember not to eat too much if you have plans after the meal!
Barbecue is a beloved American culinary tradition, with each region having its own unique style and flavors.