Welcome food enthusiasts to a delicious journey of flavors and smoke. Today, we’re taking an unconventional route and exploring the hearty delicacy of a “Smoked Turkey Tails Recipe”. A unique spin on conventional turkey dishes smoked turkey tails are an unsung hero in the realm of barbecue that packs an unexpected punch of savory goodness.
Get ready to enthrall your tastebuds with this mouthwatering dish and become the star of your next barbecue gathering.
How to Smoke Turkey Tails – Gourmet At Home
Smoking turkey tails might seem daunting, but with a bit of guidance, the process becomes enjoyable and incredibly rewarding. Our Smoked Turkey Tails Recipe will walk you through every step, ensuring your turkey tails are infused with flavor, tender on the inside, and deliciously crispy on the outside.
Equipment:
- A reliable smoker or grill
- Charcoal or wood chips for smoking
- A reliable meat thermometer
- A large bowl for marinating
- Aluminum foil
- Tongs
- A cutting board and a sharp knife
Ingredients:
- Turkey tails — 2 pounds
- Your favorite BBQ sauce — ½ cup
- Brown sugar — ¼ cup
- Apple cider vinegar — ¼ cup
- Smoked paprika — 2 tablespoons
- Garlic powder — 2 tablespoons
- Ground black pepper — 1 tablespoon
- Kosher salt — 1 tablespoon
Smoked Turkey Tails Recipe – Step by Step Instructions
Step 01:
Start by blending the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and kosher salt in a large bowl to create a flavorful dry rub.
Step 02:
Dry the turkey tails and apply the dry rub generously, ensuring all areas are coated well.
Step 03:
Allow the turkey tails to marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour, enabling the rub to permeate the meat.
Step 04:
During this time, preheat your smoker to a moderate heat of approximately 225-250°F.
Step 05:
Once the smoker is at the desired temperature and the turkey tails have marinated, position them on the smoker grate.
Step 06:
Allow the turkey tails to smoke for about 3-4 hours, regularly checking the temperature and adding more charcoal or wood chips as required.
Step 07:
Using the meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the turkey tails. The safe internal temperature for cooked turkey is 165°F.
Step 08:
In the last half hour of smoking, glaze your turkey tails with your chosen BBQ sauce for a delightful, caramelized crust.
Step 09:
Allow the cooked turkey tails to rest for around 10 minutes before serving.
Tips And Variations
- Remember, every Smoked Turkey Tails Recipe can be customized. Try adding spicy seasonings or experimenting with different types of wood chips for smoke variety.
- Always monitor your smoker’s temperature to prevent over or under-cooking.
- Be sure to apply BBQ sauce towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from burning and creating a bitter taste.
- Marinating the turkey tails for a longer time allows the flavors from the marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
From preparation to the final product, this Smoked Turkey Tails Recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Bring out your inner pitmaster and give it a try! Remember, cooking is an art and you’re the artist, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.
FAQs
What Side Dishes Pair Well With Smoked Turkey Tails?
Smoked Turkey Tails are often enjoyed with a variety of side dishes. These could include coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, or collard greens. Additionally, they pair well with potato salad, corn on the cob, or a fresh garden salad. The choice of side dishes can be personalized according to your preference and the overall meal theme.
Can I Store Leftover Smoked Turkey Tails?
Yes, leftover Smoked Turkey Tails can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure they are cooled and placed in airtight containers before refrigerating. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How Should I Reheat Leftover Smoked Turkey Tails?
Leftover smoked turkey tails can be reheated in the oven at a low temperature, such as 275 degrees Fahrenheit until they are warmed through. It’s best to cover them with foil to keep them from drying out. Alternatively, they can be reheated in a saucepan over medium heat with a bit of added broth or water to keep them moist.
Is There A Faster Way To Cook Smoked Turkey Tails If I’m Short On Time?
If you’re short on time, you might consider pre-cooking the turkey tails in a pressure cooker or instant pot before finishing them in the smoker. This will significantly reduce the cooking time while still giving you a smoky flavor. However, this method might result in a slightly different texture compared to fully smoked turkey tails.
Smoked Turkey Tails Recipe
Equipment
- A reliable smoker or grill
- Charcoal or wood chips for smoking
- A reliable meat thermometer
- A large bowl for marinating
- Aluminum foil
- Tongs
- A cutting board and a sharp knife
Ingredients
- Turkey tails 2 pounds
- Your favorite BBQ sauce ½ cup
- Brown sugar ¼ cup
- Apple cider vinegar ¼ cup
- Smoked paprika 2 tablespoons
- Garlic powder 2 tablespoons
- Ground black pepper 1 tablespoon
- Kosher salt 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Start by blending the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and kosher salt in a large bowl to create a flavorful dry rub.
- Dry the turkey tails and apply the dry rub generously, ensuring all areas are coated well.
- Allow the turkey tails to marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour, enabling the rub to permeate the meat.
- During this time, preheat your smoker to a moderate heat of approximately 225-250°F.
- Once the smoker is at the desired temperature and the turkey tails have marinated, position them on the smoker grate.
- Allow the turkey tails to smoke for about 3-4 hours, regularly checking the temperature and adding more charcoal or wood chips as required.
- Using the meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the turkey tails. The safe internal temperature for cooked turkey is 165°F.
- In the last half hour of smoking, glaze your turkey tails with your chosen BBQ sauce for a delightful, caramelized crust.
- Allow the cooked turkey tails to rest for around 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Remember, every Smoked Turkey Tails Recipe can be customized. Try adding spicy seasonings or experimenting with different types of wood chips for smoke variety.
- Always monitor your smoker’s temperature to prevent over or under-cooking.
- Be sure to apply BBQ sauce towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from burning and creating a bitter taste.
- Marinating the turkey tails for a longer time allows the flavors from the marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
