Glazed Turkey For The Holidays
Here is a great smoked turkey recipe for the holidays that the entire family can enjoy.
- BBQ grill, Pellet Grill, or smoker
- 15 lb Turkey
- 1 uckleBusters Area 51 Bird Brine Kit for Turkey
- 1 gal Water
- 1 bag Ice
- 6 tbsp Honey BBQ rub
- 1 cup Peach BBQ sauce
Thaw and rinse your turkey
Refer to your turkey package for thawing, but most frozen turkeys will take around 24 hours to thaw at room temperature OR approximately 48 hours to thaw in the refrigerator
With a completely thawed turkey, remove all additional internal parts; heart, neck, kidneys, and discard
Wash your turkey with cold water and then pat dry, and then set aside
Preparation
Open the SuckleBusters Area 51 Bird Brine Kit for Turkey and add the small packet of herbs along with 4 – 6 cups of water to a large pot
Bring the water & herbs to a boil. Once you reach a boil, then remove from heat
Add the large packet of seasonings to the pot and stir until dissolved – about 1 minute
Next, you will add some ice to chill the brine mixture
Put your turkey into the brine bag and pour in the mix, removing any excess air and add cold water until the turkey is completely covered, then seal the bag
Refrigerate in the brine turkey overnight
Clean, split open, and season the turkey
Remove your turkey from the brine mixture and rinse with cold water, then pat dry
Discard the water and ice mixture
Place your turkey on a cutting board breast side down
Using a large butcher knife, slice down either side of the backbone, through to the inner cavity
Remove the backbone and discard it
Cut through the thick end of the breast bone as this will help your turkey lay flat
Now spread out flat the turkey to season it on both sides using the Honey BBQ Rub
Cooking
Set up your grill to 325 – 350 degrees cooking temperature
Place your turkey on the cooking surface skin side up
Cook your turkey until the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees in the thickest part of each breast
Cooking time may vary, but plan for about 3 hours
Now brush on the Honey BBQ Glaze during the last 30 minutes of cooking so the glaze carmelizes
Serve
When your turkey reaches 165 degrees internally, you need to allow it to rest for around 15 – 30 minutes before carving
Most of us will trim off the legs and wings first before slicing the breasts diagonally; however, serve and enjoy the way you see fit.