Cooking an already smoked turkey can seem daunting, but with some simple preparation and cooking tips, you can make this flavorful entrée with ease. Smoked turkeys have already absorbed delicious smoky flavoring, so the goal is to gently reheat and finish cooking the bird without drying it out. Follow these helpful guidelines for serving up juicy, tender smoked turkey.
Thawing
The first step is properly thawing the turkey if frozen. To thaw safely, plan ahead and allow approximately 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey weight. Keep the wrapped turkey in a pan to catch any drips and thaw in the refrigerator. Do not thaw at room temperature or in warm water, as this can promote bacterial growth. A thawed turkey can be kept refrigerated for 1-2 days before cooking.
Seasoning
For extra flavor, consider rubbing the outside of the turkey with oil or butter and seasoning it before cooking. Herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage pair well with smoked turkey. You can also use spice blends like poultry seasoning or Cajun seasoning. Gently loosen the skin and rub seasoning directly onto the breast meat if desired. Seasonings will add flavor and help promote browning when the turkey is reheated.
Cooking
The good news is that smoked turkey can be cooked straight from the refrigerator or after thawing – no need to bring to room temperature. Use one of these recommended methods to gently reheat and finish cooking your turkey:
- Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F. Place turkey in a roasting pan and cover tightly with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing.
- Grill: Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for medium indirect heat. Place turkey over unlit side and grill with the lid closed for about 8-10 minutes per pound, turning occasionally, until 165°F internal temperature. If browning is desired, move turkey over direct heat for the last few minutes.
- Smoker: Return the turkey to the smoker and heat at 250-275°F for about 1 hour per pound, or until fully heated through to 165°F. Adding more wood chips will reinforce smoky flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to accurately determine doneness – insert into the thickest part of the breast and innermost thigh, not touching the bone. The turkey should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
Gravy and Serving
Making gravy is easy with the abundance of flavorful pan drippings from the smoked turkey. While the turkey rests, pour drippings into a saucepan and skim off any fat. Whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly whisk in turkey stock, milk or cream while heating until thickened. Season with pepper, herbs and salt to taste.
For serving, slice turkey and arrange on a large platter surrounded with sides. Mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted vegetables and cranberry sauce pair deliciously. Offer gravy on the side. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days. Enjoy the smoky, juicy flavors!
FAQs
Is it safe to cook a smoked turkey from frozen?
Yes, it is safe to cook a frozen smoked turkey without thawing first. Keep the turkey in its original wrapping and place directly in the oven from the freezer. Increase cooking time by about 50%. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
How long does smoked turkey last in the fridge?
Freshly-smoked turkey can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. An unopened smoked turkey can last for 1 month or more in the fridge. Cooked smoked turkey meat keeps for 3-4 days tightly covered in the refrigerator.
Can you reheat smoked turkey more than once?
It’s best to only reheat smoked turkey once for food safety. The repeated heating and cooling can allow bacteria to grow. Safely reheat leftovers to 165°F only once, within 3-4 days. Discard any turkey that sits out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
What are the best sides to serve with smoked turkey?
These classic sides pair wonderfully with smoked turkey:
- Mashed potatoes
- Stuffing or dressing
- Green bean casserole
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots or squash
- Macaroni and cheese
- Cranberry sauce
- Dinner rolls
What are good smoked turkey leftovers recipes?
Get creative with these tasty leftover smoked turkey recipes:
- Smoked turkey sandwiches with cranberry aioli
- Turkey salad with grapes and pecans
- Hearty turkey noodle soup
- Smoked turkey pizza
- Turkey casserole with stuffing and veggies
- Turkey tetrazzini pasta bake
- Quesadillas with turkey, cheese and avocado
Conclusion
With proper thawing, seasoning, gentle reheating and monitoring of temperature, smoked turkey can be an amazing entrée. The residual smoky flavor pairs wonderfully with classic sides and gravy. Follow safe handling tips and get creative with leftovers. Smoked turkey makes for fabulous meals for a crowd any time of year.