How do you smoke a 20lb turkey?

Place the seasoned turkey on the middle rack of the smoker, close the door, and set a timer for approximately 6.5 hours. The turkey should smoke for 30 to 40 minutes per pound, until the inside temperature reaches 165˚F.

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Similarly, how long does it take to smoke a 20 pound turkey?

At 235 F/115 C, your turkey will take 30 to 35 minutes per pound. At 250 F/120 C, your turkey will take 25 to 30 minutes per pound. At 275 F/135 C, your turkey will take 20 to 25 minutes per pound.

Also, how big of a turkey can you smoke? Whole turkeys that weigh 12 POUNDS OR LESS are the recommended size for safe smoking. A larger turkey remains in the "Danger Zone" - between 40°F and 140°F - too long.

Also to know is, is it safe to smoke a 20 lb turkey?

A 20-25 pound bird cannot be safely smoked, it will stay in the danger zone way too long and may get contaminated. That means you are just substituting a smoker for an oven, probably at the same temperature, and then adding a little smoke flavor to the outside.

How long does it take to smoke a 20lb turkey at 300 degrees?

The rule of thumb is to smoke the turkey at 300 degrees, 15 minutes for each pound. We used a 17 pound Honeysuckle White turkey for this recipe, and smoked it at 275-300 degrees for just under 4 hours. The turkey is safe to take off the smoker when it's reached 165 degrees.

Related Question Answers

Can you smoke a turkey too long?

Note: when smoking turkey try purchasing one that is no more than 12-14 pounds. Much larger than this and the meat may stay in the danger zone (40-140 °F) for too long. A 20 pound turkey will take 10-14 hours and larger turkeys greatly increase food contamination risks.

What kind of wood chips for smoking turkey?

Wood Chips: Use standard hickory or mesquite to impart a solid smokiness; use mild fruitwood chips to add a subtle one (that won't mask the mild taste of turkey). Try soaking the wood chips in water, fruit juice or wine.

How big of a turkey do I need for 20 adults?

Choosing the Right Size Turkey When choosing a turkey to serve on Thanksgiving, figure 1 1/2 pounds per person. If you are serving 10 people on Thanksgiving, choose a bird that is 15 to 20 pounds. Smaller birds that weigh less than 12 pounds have a smaller meat-to-bone ratio, so figure two pounds per person.

How long do you smoke a turkey at 350 degrees?

Place the turkey on the grill and smoke for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Increase grill temperature to 350℉ and cook for 3-1/2 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165℉ in the thickest part of the breast. Remove from grill and allow to rest for 15 minutes before carving. Enjoy!

How long does it take to smoke a turkey at 225?

At 225 degrees F, you can plan on approximately 30 minutes per pound for your turkey to smoke. For example, this 15 pound turkey will take 7 and 1/2 hours at 225 degrees F. I always plan an extra 30 minutes, just in case. Use an instant read thermometer to check the temperature of the turkey in the breast and thigh.

How do you Spatchcock a turkey?

How To Spatchcock A Turkey

1. Begin with the breast side down. Cut along both sides of the backbone with the poultry shears.
2. Cut along the breast bone in the centre. Flip the turkey over (breast side up) and begin to fold it apart.
3. Pull the thighs out to help flatten the bird even more.

How long do you have to smoke a turkey per pound?

Smoke the turkey at a low temperature, between 225 and 250 degrees. Expect that the turkey will require at least 30 minutes per pound to smoke at 230 degrees. A 12-pound turkey will need six hours--minimum--to smoke.

How long do I have to cook a 20 pound turkey at 275 degrees?

This requires a cooking time: At 235 degrees F your turkey will take 30 to 35 minutes per pound. At 250 degrees F your turkey will take 25 to 30 minutes per pound. At 275 degrees F your turkey will take 20 to 25 minutes per pound.

How do you smoke a big turkey?

Directions

1. Preheat smoker to 225 to 250 degrees F (110 to 120 degrees C).
2. Rinse turkey under cold water, and pat dry.
3. Smoke at 225 to 250 degrees F (110 to 120 degrees C) for 10 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 180 degrees F (80 degrees C) when measured in the thickest part of the thigh.

Do you cook a turkey at 325 or 350?

Roast the turkey uncovered at a temperature ranging from 325°F to 350°F. Higher temperatures may cause the meat to dry out, but this is preferable to temperatures that are too low which may not allow the interior of the turkey to cook to a safe temperature.

Is Turkey done at 165 or 180?

Some confusion is inevitable, as until 2006, the FDA recommended a cooking temperature of 165 for the breast meat and 180 for the thighs. For turkey that's 165 degrees, you'll want to remove the bird from the oven when the temperature reaches 155 to 160 degrees because it will continue to cook outside the oven.

Can you smoke a frozen turkey?

Yes, you can safely cook a frozen turkey if you take the following precautions. Use the right cooking method. Don't smoke, grill or deep-fry a frozen turkey. These methods may leave the inside of the bird only partially cooked, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.

Where do you put the thermometer in a turkey?

Slip your meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey thigh, pricking the bird just above the crease between the thigh and the place where the turkey breast begins, and driving it into the thigh meat. When the counter reads 165 degrees, your turkey is ready.

Do you smoke a turkey breast up or down?

If using a smoker, prepare it for cooking at 225° to 240°F and have enough smoking wood ready to last 3 to 4 hours or so. Place the turkey, breast side down, directly on the smoker grate. Smoke for 1 hour, maintaining the proper temperature in the smoker.

How long does it take to smoke a turkey at 275 degrees?

At 275 degrees F your turkey will take 20 to 25 minutes per pound. We really do not recommend stuffing your turkey for smoking. This increases the cooking time (about 5 minutes a pound) and puts a lot of food in contact with potential bacteria.

Should Turkey be room temperature before cooking?

First, Bring Your Bird to Room Temp Your turkey will cook more evenly and faster if you start it out at room temperature so remove the turkey from the refrigerator 1 hour before roasting. If you plan to stuff your turkey, wait until you're ready to put it in the oven before putting the stuffing in the turkey.

What is the danger zone for Turkey?

A thawing turkey must defrost at a safe temperature. When the turkey is left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, its temperature becomes unsafe. Bacteria can grow rapidly in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F.

How do you truss a turkey?

How To Truss A Turkey Like A Thanksgiving Boss

1. First, take the center of your piece of twine and wrap it around the neck bone in between the two breasts.
2. Second, tuck the wings under the bird.
3. Third, pull the twine tightly underneath the breastplate and tie a tight knot to secure everything.
4. Fourth, cross the legs and tie them together.

How do you smoke a turkey with wood chips?

Sprinkle in wood chips (such as hickory, apple or pecan wood) that have soaked in cold water for at least 4 hours and up to 48 hours, and allow them to char before cooking. Place the turkey in a roasting pan fitted with a rack. Brush the entire turkey with the oil and season liberally with salt and pepper.