Description
This Tea Brined Smoked Turkey recipe brings a delightful touch of flavor and tenderness that will impress your family and guests. The tea brine infuses the turkey with rich, complex flavors, while smoking adds a beautiful depth and aroma.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds)
- 4 cups strong brewed black tea
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 cups water
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
- Wood chips for smoking (apple or hickory)
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine brewed tea, kosher salt, brown sugar, water, soy sauce, garlic, and black peppercorns. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
- Remove the pot from heat, then add the fresh rosemary and thyme. Let the brine cool to room temperature.
- Once the brine is cool, submerge your turkey in the liquid, making sure it is fully covered. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or overnight.
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. Let it rest for about 30 minutes to reach room temperature. Place wood chips in the smoker, and smoke the turkey for 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Allow the turkey to rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
Notes
Brining overnight yields excellent results. Maintain a consistent temperature in your smoker for even cooking. Do not skip the resting time after smoking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 360-420 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 150mg