Smoking a turkey with wood smoke is a popular Thanksgiving tradition for many families in large part because the smoke adds flavor to the turkey, especially when using electric smokers.
What’s more, with the use of different woods for smoking poultry and the right stuffing, your turkey can become one of the best-tasting turkeys you have ever had!
Smoking with the right wood, such as hickory or cherry, provides flavor variations in your turkey meat.
You can also use pellets made from hickory, oak, or pecan to enhance the flavor of a whole turkey.
Ultimately, however, the type of wood used, will depend on whether you want your end product to taste sweet or savory.
Using wood pellets in the smoking process can also enhance the flavor.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some recipes and guides below if you’re ready to start smoking your turkey with wood smoke!
My top 7 types of wood to use when smoking a turkey
When it comes to smoking a turkey, the choice of wood can greatly impact the flavor and aroma of the meat.
By using different types of wood, you can experiment with various flavors to enhance the taste of your whole turkey. Find the perfect combination that suits your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a subtle sweetness or a bold, smoky taste, there is a wood option for everyone when smoking a turkey.
Here are my top 7 types of wood that I recommend using for smoking a turkey:
Apple Wood
Applewood has a sweet, fruity aroma. Adding applewood to your smoker will give your whole turkey a more subtle flavor and aroma than other types of wood. Some people say that the flavor of grilling is very mild when using different wood combinations compared to the citrusy flavors you get with hickory or oak wood pieces. It’s important to choose the right wood for your grilling needs.
Cherry wood
Cherry wood pieces tend to give the meat a slightly sweet flavor, which works well for smoking turkey and chicken. What’s more, many people like the color of the turkey when it is cooked using cherrywood smoke!
Oak Wood
Oak tends to have a very smoky flavor, with aromas that are strong and sweet. This is probably the most common type of wood used when smoking, but some say that it tastes bitter or has an unpleasant taste to it.
Alternatively, you can use fruitwoods such as cherry, apple, or apricot, which have a sweeter flavor, rather than more savory hickory, oak, or pecan.
Pecan
Pecan wood is a fantastic choice for smoking turkey due to its unique flavor profile and numerous benefits. When used as a smoking wood, pecan imparts a rich and slightly sweet taste to the meat, enhancing its natural flavors. Additionally, pecan wood burns slowly and evenly, providing a consistent source of heat and smoke throughout the smoking process.
This results in a perfectly smoked turkey with a delicious smoky flavor and a beautifully golden-brown skin.
Because pecan wood produces a mild smoke that doesn’t overpower the turkey, this allows the meat to shine while still adding a subtle smokiness. Overall, using pecan wood for smoking turkey is a great way to elevate the taste and aroma of your Thanksgiving centerpiece.
Maple
Maple wood is an excellent choice for smoking turkey due to its unique flavor and characteristics. When used as a smoking wood, maple imparts a subtle, sweet flavor to the meat, enhancing its taste and aroma.
Since it burns slowly and evenly, this creates a consistent temperature that ensures the turkey is cooked to perfection. Its dense nature also provides a steady source of heat, allowing for a longer smoking time without the need for frequent wood replenishment.
What I really like is that fact that, maple wood produces a light, smoky flavor that complements the natural flavors of the turkey without overpowering them.
Overall, using maple wood for smoking turkey results in a delicious and well-balanced flavor profile that is sure to impress your guests.
Alder
Alder wood is a fantastic choice for smoking turkey due to its unique flavor profile and benefits.
This hardwood imparts a delicate and slightly sweet taste to the meat, enhancing its natural flavors without overpowering them. Alder wood produces a light smoke that doesn’t overpower the turkey, allowing the meat to remain moist and tender and it’s mild smokiness also pairs well with poultry, making it an excellent choice for smoking turkey.
What’s more, alder wood burns consistently and evenly, providing a steady source of heat and smoke throughout the smoking process so, overall, using alder wood for smoking turkey results in a delicious and well-balanced flavor that is sure to impress your guests.
Mesquite
Using mesquite wood for smoking turkey can provide a unique and flavorful experience.
Mesquite wood is known for its strong and bold flavor, which can infuse the turkey with a rich smoky taste, and the wood burns hot and fast, allowing for a quick and efficient smoking process.
Additionally, mesquite wood creates a beautiful reddish hue on the turkey’s skin, enhancing its visual appeal. The intense heat produced by mesquite wood also helps to create a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender. Overall, using mesquite wood for smoking turkey adds a delicious and distinctive taste to your Thanksgiving feast.
The Difference between Wood Chips and Wood Chunks
Wood chips and wood chunks are both commonly used in various applications, such as smoking meats or adding flavor to grilled foods. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Wood chips are small, thin pieces of wood that are typically used for shorter cooking times or when a more subtle, smoky flavor is desired. They ignite quickly and produce a fast burst of smoke, making them ideal for grilling or smoking foods that cook relatively quickly, such as fish or vegetables. Wood chips are also often used in gas or electric smokers, as they can be easily added to a smoker box or wrapped in aluminum foil and placed on the heating element. The small size of wood chips allows for faster combustion and a quicker release of smoke.
On the other hand, wood chunks are larger and thicker pieces of wood that are better suited for longer cooking times or when a stronger smoky flavor is desired. They take longer to ignite and produce a slower, more sustained burst of smoke. Wood chunks are often used in charcoal or offset smokers, as they can be placed directly on the hot coals or in a separate firebox. The larger size of wood chunks allows for a slower burn, resulting in a longer-lasting smoke and a more intense flavor. Wood chunks are particularly popular for smoking large cuts of meat, such as brisket or pork shoulder, that require several hours of cooking time to become tender and flavorful.
Are wood chips or wood pellets better for smoking turkey?
When it comes to smoking turkey, the choice between wood chips and wood pellets can greatly impact the flavor and overall success of the dish. Both options have their advantages and it ultimately depends on personal preference and the specific equipment being used.
Wood chips are small pieces of wood that can be easily found at most stores and are often less expensive than wood pellets. They ignite quickly and produce a strong, smoky flavor. However, they tend to burn faster and require more frequent replenishing during the smoking process. This can be a bit more labor-intensive, but some people enjoy the hands-on approach and the ability to experiment with different types of wood chips to achieve a desired flavor profile.
On the other hand, wood pellets are compressed sawdust and are commonly used in pellet smokers or grills. They offer a more consistent and controlled smoke, as the pellets are designed to burn slowly and evenly. This means less maintenance and fewer interruptions during the smoking process. Wood pellets also come in a variety of flavors, allowing for more customization in terms of taste. However, they can be more expensive and may not be as readily available as wood chips.
Why you should always soak your wood chips before using them in your smoker
Soaking wood before putting it in your smoker helps to release the flavor of the smoke. Wood that has been boiled for a number of hours will give off a more intense aroma than if you had just placed the chips straight into your smoker. To get really flavorful meat, soak your wood overnight and then place it on embers right before you are ready to begin smoking.
You can also use charcoal instead of wood for smoking—see this blog post on the best charcoal to use for smoking to get a great smoky flavor!
Wood to Avoid
When it comes to smoking turkey, it is important to be mindful of the type of wood you use. Certain woods can impart unpleasant flavors onto the meat, while others can be toxic when burned. One wood to avoid when smoking turkey is pine.
Pine wood contains a high amount of resin, which can create a bitter taste and give off a strong, unpleasant aroma. Additionally, burning pine can release harmful chemicals into the air, which can be harmful if inhaled. It is best to steer clear of using pine wood when smoking turkey to ensure a delicious and safe meal.
Another wood to avoid when smoking turkey is cedar.
While cedar may seem like a good choice due to its pleasant aroma, it can actually overpower the flavor of the turkey. Cedarwood can give the meat a strong, woody taste that can be overwhelming. Additionally, cedar contains natural oils that can be toxic when burned, releasing harmful fumes into the air. To avoid any potential health risks and to allow the natural flavors of the turkey meat to shine through, it is best to avoid using cedar wood when smoking turkey.
You Can Mix Woods for Custom Flavor Profiles!
When it comes to smoking turkey, the wood you use plays a crucial role in determining the flavor profile of the meat. The type of wood you choose can add unique and distinct flavors to your turkey, enhancing its taste and aroma.
One interesting technique to explore is mixing different woods to create a custom flavor profile for your smoked turkey.
By mixing woods, you can create a unique blend of flavors that will make your smoked turkey truly stand out. For example, combining hickory and apple wood can give your turkey a deliciously sweet and smoky taste.
The hickory wood adds a robust and rich smokiness, while the apple wood adds a subtle sweetness that complements the meat perfectly. Similarly, mixing mesquite and cherry wood can create a bold and tangy flavor profile that adds depth to your smoked turkey. The mesquite wood infuses a strong smoky flavor, while the cherry wood adds a touch of fruity sweetness.
Experimenting with different wood combinations allows you to tailor the flavor of your smoked turkey to your personal preferences, creating a truly customized culinary experience. So, don’t be afraid to mix and match woods to create your own unique flavor profile when smoking turkey.
How long should you smoke a turkey and at what temperature?
Smoking times will vary depending on the type of wood you use, so it is a good idea to look at this guide when smoking turkeys. If you are using charcoal, then remember that too much heat can result in burnt meat, so keep an eye on your smoker as well!
The ideal temperature for a turkey depends on what texture you like:
If you want a turkey with a crisper texture, then smoke it at 175˚F for 12 to 14 hours.
For a moist, tender turkey, then smoke the bird at 190˚F for 2 to 4 hours.
How to prepare your smoker before smoking your turkey
In order to get the best results from your smoked turkey, you should make sure that your smoker is clean and ready to go before you begin. This way, any papery bits of skin or meat will not fall onto your coals or wood which could smoke onto the bird.
If cooling racks are provided with your smoker, then it is advised that you place the meat on them with tongs. This will prevent any juices from dripping onto your coals or wood, which could also impart a bitter flavor to your bird.
The important thing is not to over-smoke your turkey – try to regulate how long you leave it in the smoker and use a timer if possible.
Tips to make sure your smoked turkey turns out perfect every time
Use a digital thermometer
A digital thermometer offers several benefits when it comes to smoking turkey. Firstly, it provides accurate and precise temperature readings, ensuring that the turkey is cooked to perfection. This is essential for food safety, as undercooked poultry can lead to foodborne illnesses.
Secondly, a digital thermometer allows for easy monitoring of the turkey’s internal temperature without the need to constantly open the smoker and lose heat. This helps to maintain a consistent cooking environment and ensures that the turkey cooks evenly.
Lastly, some digital thermometers come with wireless capabilities, allowing you to monitor the temperature remotely from your phone or other devices. This adds convenience and flexibility to the smoking process, as you can keep an eye on the turkey’s progress without having to stay by the smoker at all times.
Use a drip pan
The turkey will rise as it cooks, so make sure that you put a tea towel or, better still, a drip pan underneath it before smoking it. This will keep the juices from dripping onto your coals or wood and also helps prevent your smoker from getting messy!
It is important to make sure that the bird is not too close to any hot parts of the smoker, as this could burn your turkey.
Keep your smoker closed
It is important to keep your smoker closed throughout the cooking process to ensure the best results. When you open the smoker, you risk losing heat and smoke, which can affect the cooking time and the flavor of the turkey. Keeping the smoker closed allows for a consistent temperature and smoke level, resulting in a perfectly cooked and flavorful turkey.
One of the main reasons to keep your smoker closed when smoking turkey is to maintain a steady temperature. Opening the smoker can cause a significant drop in temperature, which can lead to uneven cooking. The turkey may take longer to cook, or certain parts of the bird may be undercooked while others are overcooked. By keeping the smoker closed, you can ensure that the temperature remains constant, allowing the turkey to cook evenly and thoroughly.
In addition to temperature control, keeping the smoker closed also helps to maintain a consistent level of smoke. Smoke is an essential component of the flavor when smoking turkey, and opening the smoker can cause the smoke to dissipate. This can result in a less smoky flavor in the final product. By keeping the smoker closed, you can ensure that the turkey is exposed to a steady amount of smoke, enhancing the taste and aroma of the meat. So, resist the temptation to constantly check on your turkey and trust the process by keeping the smoker closed for the best results.
How to prepare a smoked turkey for storing and reheating
The best way to store your smoked turkey is in an airtight container. It can be kept for up to 7 days, but will soon lose its smoky flavor. If you want to keep the turkey for longer, wrap it in foil and then store it in a freezer bag. This will help preserve the smoked flavor much better than in an airtight container.
The best way to reheat a turkey is slowly. The meat needs to be heated gradually otherwise, you risk drying out the meat or even burning it. When reheating a smoked turkey, make sure that you use low heat to give the meat time to cook.
How to check if your turkey is ready and how long to leave it in the smoker
A good way to tell when your turkey has been smoked for the correct amount of time is by using a meat thermometer. If you do not have a meat thermometer, then you can check the turkey by inserting a skewer or knife into the thickest part of the bird. If it goes in quite easily and there is no resistance, then the bird is ready to come out of the smoker.
When checking on your smoked turkey, remember that opening your smoker will allow the heat and smoke to escape.
How to carve a smoked turkey
Turkey carving
If you have soaked your wood chips as mentioned earlier, then there will be very little work involved in carving your smoked turkey! This is because once cooked, the skin of the bird should come away from the meat much more easily than it would do with just cold smoking.
If you have not soaked your wood chips, then when carving the turkey, it may be a good idea to use kitchen shears to cut around the joints and then pull out any meat that has been cooked. This will make it much easier to carve.
Smoking a turkey can be tricky, but with these tips, you should have no problem getting the best results. If your smoker has a cool-down rack, then it is advised to place the meat on it with tongs to avoid any juices from dripping onto the coals and wood, which could impart an unpleasant flavor.
The important thing is not to over smoke your turkey—try regulating how long you leave it in the smoker by using a timer if possible. When checking on your smoked bird, make sure that opening your smoker will allow the heat and smoke to escape, as this could burn or dry out the meat while cooking.
Lastly, when carving your smoked turkey, make use of kitchen shears around the joints because pulling cooked pieces of meat away from the skin can be difficult without them!
Q: What is the best wood for smoking turkey?
A: The best wood for smoking turkey is a matter of personal preference. However, some popular options include cherry wood, maple wood, pecan wood, apple wood, and hickory wood.
Q: How do I choose the best wood for smoking turkey?
A: When choosing the best wood for smoking turkey, consider the flavor you want to impart to the meat. Different woods give different flavors, so it’s important to match the wood to your taste preference. Additionally, consider the type of smoker you have and the amount of wood you will need to smoke your turkey.
Q: What kind of wood is best for smoking turkey breast?
A: For smoking turkey breast, mild flavored woods like cherry wood, apple wood, and maple wood are recommended. These woods give a subtle flavor to the turkey without overpowering it.
Q: Can I use wood chips for smoking turkey?
A: Yes, you can use wood chips for smoking turkey. Soak the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes before using them. Then, place the soaked wood chips in a smoker box or aluminum foil pouch and place it directly on the heat source of your grill or smoker.
Q: Can I mix different types of wood when smoking a turkey?
A: Yes, you can mix different types of wood when smoking a turkey to experiment with different flavors. Just make sure the woods you choose complement each other and don’t overpower the taste of the turkey.
Q: How much wood do I need to smoke a whole turkey?
A: The amount of wood you need to smoke a whole turkey depends on the size of the turkey and the duration of the smoking process. As a general guideline, plan on using around 4 to 6 cups of wood chips or chunks for a 12 to 16-pound turkey.
Q: What are some tips for smoking turkey?
A: Some tips for smoking turkey include brining the turkey before smoking, using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the correct internal temperature, and allowing the turkey to rest for at least 15 minutes after smoking before carving.
Q: Can I use flavored wood for smoking turkey?
A: Yes, you can use flavored wood for smoking turkey. Flavored wood, such as peach wood or wine barrel wood, can add an extra dimension of flavor to your turkey.
Q: What is the best smoking wood for injecting flavor into a turkey?
A: Hickory wood is often considered the best smoking wood for injecting flavor into a turkey. It has a strong, smoky aroma and adds a rich flavor to the meat.
Q: How can I keep my turkey moist when smoking it?
A: To keep your turkey moist when smoking it, you can baste it with a flavorful liquid like a turkey injection recipe or mop sauce. This helps to add moisture and flavor to the turkey as it smokes.
