How To Smoke A Cajun Turkey

Smoking a Cajun Turkey: A Delicious Twist on a Thanksgiving Classic

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you’re looking to add a little spice to your holiday feast, why not try smoking a Cajun turkey? This flavorful twist on the traditional roasted turkey is sure to impress your guests and leave them coming back for seconds. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a mouthwatering Cajun smoked turkey that will be the star of your Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 whole turkey, preferably 12-14 pounds
• Cajun seasoning mix
• 1 cup of kosher salt
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1 gallon of water
• Wood chips for smoking (hickory or pecan work well)
• Butter
• Garlic
• Onion
• Celery

Preparing the Turkey:

Before you start smoking your turkey, you’ll need to prepare it for the smoker. Start by brining the turkey in a mixture of water, kosher salt, and brown sugar for at least 12 hours. This will help to infuse the meat with flavor and keep it moist during the smoking process.

Creating the Cajun Spice Rub:

While the turkey is brining, it’s time to create the Cajun spice rub. Mix together your favorite Cajun seasoning with softened butter, minced garlic, diced onion, and chopped celery. This flavorful rub will be used to season the turkey both inside and out, giving it a delicious kick of spice.

Smoking the Turkey:

Once the turkey has finished brining, remove it from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. Carefully separate the skin from the breast and rub the Cajun spice mixture under the skin, ensuring that it covers the entire breast. Next, rub the remaining spice mixture over the outside of the turkey.

Prepare your smoker by preheating it to 225°F and adding your wood chips. Hickory or pecan wood will impart a rich, smoky flavor that complements the Cajun spices perfectly. Once the smoker is ready, place the turkey on the rack and let it smoke for approximately 30 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Serving Your Cajun Smoked Turkey:

Once your Cajun smoked turkey is finished cooking, allow it to rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This will help the juices redistribute, ensuring that each slice is tender and flavorful. Serve the turkey alongside your favorite Thanksgiving sides, and watch as your guests marvel at the delicious, smoky flavor of the Cajun spices.

Smoking a Cajun turkey is a wonderful way to put a unique spin on a classic Thanksgiving dish. The combination of spicy Cajun seasoning and smoky, tender turkey meat is sure to be a hit with your friends and family. So this holiday season, why not try something new and treat your loved ones to a Cajun smoked turkey that they won’t soon forget?