SMOKED WHOLE TURKEY

Smoked Whole Turkey image

Provided by Damaris Phillips

Time 18h50m

Yield 8 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup fine salt
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
5 cloves smashed garlic
2 dried bay leaves
Freshly cracked black pepper
One 12-pound turkey
2 cups bourbon
Canola oil, for coating
Kosher salt

Steps:

Add 2 gallons water, the fine salt, molasses, sugar, Worcestershire, garlic, bay leaves and 1 tablespoon pepper to a large pot, and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir to dissolve the salt and sugar, and then remove from the heat. Cool the brine completely.
Pour the brine into a large bucket and add the turkey, making sure it is completely submerged. Brine for 12 to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
Pour the bourbon and 4 cups water over the wood chips and soak overnight.
The next day, remove the turkey from the brine and pat dry with paper towels.
Rub the turkey with the oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Load an electric smoker with the soaked wood chips and place the turkey inside. Set the smoker to 225 degrees F and smoke until the internal temperature is 160 to 165 degrees F, 5 to 6 hours.
Rest the turkey for 20 minutes before carving.