Smoky Goodness: The Perfect Smoked Turkey Recipe!

Attention all foodies! Are you looking for a way to add some zing to your smoked turkey recipe? Look no further than the Smoked Turkey with Sweet Coffee Glaze! This recipe combines the smoky, savory flavor of slow-smoked turkey with the sweet and tangy notes of a coffee glaze. Trust us, this dish will elevate your Thanksgiving turkey game to new heights.

But it’s not just about Thanksgiving. This recipe is perfect for any occasion that calls for smoked turkey. Whether you’re smoking a whole bird or just a turkey breast, this recipe will become your go-to for making crispy, succulent meat that bursts with smoke flavor in every bite.

So don’t hesitate any longer. Try out the Smoked Turkey with Sweet Coffee Glaze recipe and experience the perfect balance of sweet and smoky in every mouthful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Smoked Turkey With Sweet Coffee Glaze
Smoked Turkey With Sweet Coffee Glaze

Are you tired of the same old turkey recipe for Thanksgiving? Look no further than this smoked turkey with sweet coffee glaze recipe! Not only is it a unique twist on the classic Thanksgiving main course, but it is also incredibly delicious.

The combination of slow-smoked turkey and a sweet coffee glaze creates an explosion of flavors in your mouth that will leave you wanting more. The smokiness adds depth to the dish, while the sweetness from the glaze balances out the savory flavors perfectly.

Plus, this recipe accommodates different flavor palates through substitutions and variations. For instance, if you’re not a fan of coffee, you could use chicory coffee or even bourbon to achieve a similar result. Alternatively, you can switch out cane syrup for maple or honey for a slightly different sweetness.

This recipe is also versatile in terms of serving and pairing. Not only does it make for a fantastic main course on Thanksgiving day, but it also pairs well with various sides such as roasted vegetables or stuffing. It’s perfect for any dinner party that needs a little extra flair.

Moreover, this smoked turkey sweet coffee glaze recipe isn’t just delicious – it’s also practical. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to serve or reheat leftovers easily. Additionally, there are many tips for perfect results readily available.

In conclusion, this smoked turkey with sweet coffee glaze recipe will take your Thanksgiving turkey to new heights. Be the talk of your dinner party and surprise your guests with this unique dish that is oh so tasty!

Ingredient List

 The smoky essence of this turkey will have your taste buds dancing.
The smoky essence of this turkey will have your taste buds dancing.

Ingredient List:

Smoked Turkey:
– 1 (12 to 14 pounds) smoked turkey, preferably with pecan wood

Coffee Glaze:
– 2 cups apple cider vinegar
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup ground coffee, preferably chicory coffee
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 8 fresh thyme sprigs
– 2 cups light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup cane syrup (or maple syrup)
– Salt and black peppercorns

Mop Sauce:
– Bourbon glazed:
– 1 cup bourbon
– 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 3/4 cup honey butter
– Salt and black pepper

  • Apple glazed:
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • Salt and black pepper

Pan Sauce:
– Cranberry pan sauce recipe:
– Reserved turkey drippings
– Roasted turkey breast
– 2 tablespoons orange chipotle barbecue sauce or as desired for added flavor

Other ingredients:
– Kosher salt
– Freshly ground black pepper

The Recipe How-To

 A sweet coffee glaze infused with savory spices takes this turkey to the next level.
A sweet coffee glaze infused with savory spices takes this turkey to the next level.

Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! In this section, I’ll walk you through how to make the smoked turkey with sweet coffee glaze.

Step 1: Brine the Turkey

Fill a large stockpot with 2 gallons of water and add 1 cup of kosher salt, 4 cups of light brown sugar, 1/3 cup of black peppercorns, and a few fresh thyme sprigs. Stir to combine over low heat until the salt and sugar dissolve. Remove from heat and let cool.

Place the smoked turkey in the brine and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1 cup of water, 1 cup of cane syrup, 1 cup of ground coffee, 1 large onion (sliced), and a few thyme sprigs. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and then reduce heat to low. Simmer for about an hour until the glaze has reduced and thickened. Strain the glaze through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl.

Step 3: Smoke the Turkey

Preheat your smoker to 225°F using pecan wood chips for smoke flavor. Remove the turkey from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. Rub the turkey breast with butter and season with salt, pepper, and thyme.

Place the seasoned turkey in your smoker for about 3 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Glaze the Turkey

Remove the slow smoked turkey from your smoker and gently brush on the glaze using a pastry brush. Return to smoker for an additional 30 minutes or until golden brown and deliciously glazed.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the turkey from the smoker, tent it with foil, and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. Serve with the remaining coffee glaze on the side to drizzle over each slice.

Enjoy your delicious smoked turkey sweet coffee glaze recipe!

Substitutions and Variations

 The aroma of this smoked turkey will have your whole neighborhood salivating.
The aroma of this smoked turkey will have your whole neighborhood salivating.

Are you looking to switch things up from the classic smoked turkey with sweet coffee glaze recipe? Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

– Instead of using cane syrup, you can use maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness profile.

– If you prefer a smokier flavor, try using pecan wood instead of apple wood for smoking the turkey.

– For a little kick in your coffee glaze recipe, add some bourbon and make it a bourbon-glazed smoked turkey.

– Rather than using ground coffee, try using chicory coffee for a unique twist on the recipe.

– If you prefer a fruitier glaze, mix orange chipotle barbecue sauce with coffee glaze in equal parts.

– For an elegant Thanksgiving turkey, smoke a whole turkey instead of just the breast. You can baste the entire bird with the sweet coffee glaze recipe and make sure it’s roasted to perfection.

Remember that substitutions and variations can create exciting new flavors and textures. However, don’t be too quick in changing the recipe. It’s best to start with the classic recipe before experimenting with alternate ingredients.

Serving and Pairing

 This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory.
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory.

Once your slow-smoked turkey with sweet coffee glaze recipe is ready, it’s time to serve it up! This dish would be a star at any dinner table, especially during Thanksgiving or other holiday meals. The smoked turkey breast is succulent and flavorful, and when topped with the delightful sweet coffee glaze, it becomes an irresistible treat for your taste buds.

To complete this hearty meal, I suggest pairing the smoked turkey with classic sides like homemade mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. You can also add some sliced cranberries and gravy to complement the sweetness of the coffee glaze.

As for drinks, you can opt for a glass of chilled white wine or a tall glass of sweet tea. If you want to highlight the bold flavor of the coffee glaze, a hot cup of black coffee would definitely do the trick!

Alternatively, you can make tacos or sandwiches using the leftover smoked turkey. The sweet and savory flavors from the smoked turkey and sweet coffee glaze are perfect for building flavorful sandwiches.

One thing to keep in mind when serving this dish is that the coffee glaze might make the skin of the turkey breast soft instead of crispy. Even though it doesn’t affect its flavor, if you prefer your turkey with crispy skin, you can mop on some butter before smoking it.

Overall, whether you’re entertaining guests or having a family gathering, smoked turkey with sweet coffee glaze recipe is sure to delight everyone’s senses with its aroma and mouth-watering taste!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 You won't be able to resist the crispy skin and juicy meat of this turkey.
You won’t be able to resist the crispy skin and juicy meat of this turkey.

When it comes to making smoked turkey, planning ahead is key. Fortunately, this recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.

To make ahead: Once the glazed turkey is cooked and cooled, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil before storing it in the fridge for up to three days. If you prefer to make the glaze ahead of time, cook it as directed and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Simply reheat the glaze over low heat before serving.

Storing: Leftovers can also be stored for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep in mind that reheated turkey may not be as moist as freshly cooked, so be sure to have extra glaze on hand to help add moisture and flavor.

Reheating: To reheat, place sliced or whole turkey pieces into a baking dish and brush with extra coffee glaze to keep them moist. Cover with foil and bake at 325°F for around 20 minutes, depending on the size of the turkey pieces. If you prefer, you can also microwave smaller portions by placing them onto a microwave-safe plate covered with damp paper towels and heating at medium temperature until warmed through.

Quick tip: For extra smoke flavor, use pecan wood chips when smoking your turkey breast. And don’t forget to save some of that delicious coffee cane syrup glaze to drizzle over your roasted veggies or even your morning pancakes!

Tips for Perfect Results

 Smokey, sweet, and savory; this turkey checks all the boxes.
Smokey, sweet, and savory; this turkey checks all the boxes.

If you want to achieve mouth-watering smoked turkey with sweet coffee glaze for your Thanksgiving or any occasion, here are some tips to ensure the perfect result.

First and foremost, make sure to use the right smoking wood, like pecan wood, to impart a delicate smoke flavor to your turkey.

Next, dry brine your turkey with a mixture of kosher salt, black peppercorns, and fresh thyme sprigs. Allow the turkey to sit in the fridge for at least 3 hours for maximum flavor infusion.

When it comes time to smoke the turkey, maintain a consistent temperature of around 225°F for approximately 3-4 hours or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Baste the turkey with melted butter to make its skin crispy and golden brown. You can also use a mop sauce made from vinegar, apple juice, and bourbon for added moisture and flavor.

As you glaze your smoked turkey with sweet coffee glaze during the last hour of smoking, be sure not to over-glaze as it can lead to unwanted burning. It’s best to apply the glaze in thin layers every 15 minutes or so until it forms a nicely coated layer over the turkey.

Once your glazed smoked turkey is cooked and ready, let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that each bite is succulent and full of flavor.

Following these simple tips and steps will guarantee delectable results that will make your smoked turkey with sweet coffee glaze recipe a hit among your family and friends.

FAQ

As with any recipe, you may have some questions about the smoked turkey with sweet coffee glaze recipe. In this section, I’ll address some of the most frequently asked questions to help guide you through the process and ensure that your smoked turkey turns out perfect every time.

How do you keep a turkey moist when smoking?

For smoking a juicy and crispy turkey, a smart tip is to use chicken broth to baste or spritz it. This trick will help to maintain the moisture of the meat and give a crispy texture to the skin. Even though the recipe calls for butter, spraying some chicken broth while smoking will prevent the turkey from becoming dry.

Should I put butter under the skin of my smoked turkey?

Want your Thanksgiving turkey to be full of flavor and juicy? Try out an easy and brilliant technique of placing butter under the skin before roasting. I’ll show you how to do it perfectly.

How do I get the most smoke flavor in my turkey?

Smoking a turkey can be done at a lower temperature of 225 degrees, but for a quicker smoke, it’s recommended to go for 275-300 degrees or above. Although smoking a turkey at a lower temperature means a longer cooking time, it also means the bird can absorb more of the rich, smoky flavor.

How to make crispy skin on turkey in a smoker?

For a turkey with a crispy exterior, I recommend smoking it until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Afterwards, you can transfer it to a grill that has been preheated to 350° to 375°F to finish cooking until it reaches the ideal temperature of 165°F. This will help you achieve the desired texture and flavor for your turkey.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this smoked turkey with sweet coffee glaze recipe is a must-try for those who want to impress their guests during the next holiday season or any gathering. The combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors in this recipe is truly irresistible.

By using unique ingredients such as coffee, apple cider vinegar, and cane syrup, this recipe takes your usual slow-smoked turkey to a whole new level. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or new to smoking meats, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for anyone.

And if you’re worried about the time commitment of slow smoking a turkey, fear not! This recipe includes tips for making crispy skin and achieving that sought-after smoke flavor in just three hours.

Whether you’re serving this incredible glazed turkey breast as the main course for Thanksgiving dinner or any other occasion, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. And with the additional tips and variations provided in this article, you can tailor the recipe to your liking and experiment with different flavors.

So don’t hesitate to give this delicious smoked turkey with sweet coffee glaze recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Smoked Turkey With Sweet Coffee Glaze

Smoked Turkey With Sweet Coffee Glaze Recipe

All you need to smoke this turkey is a grill with a lid and a bag of hickory chips. Braising the turkey results in marvelously complex flavors; sweet, bitter and herbaceous. We used french roast and 1 1/2 cups brown sugar and 1 cup cane syrup (Highly recommend). Recipe adapted from Allison Vines-Rushing and Slade Rushing From Rushing Home for Thanksgiving WINE: Try a Virginia Riesling such as Windham Riesling (2005) with this complex dish.
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Prep Time 1 hr
Cook Time 2 hrs
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Calories 634.6 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 gallons water
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup french roast ground coffee or 1/2 cup ground chicory coffee
  • 1 large onion, halved
  • 12 large fresh thyme sprigs, tied together
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 2 cups light brown sugar or 3 cups cane syrup
  • 1 (11 lb) whole turkey
  • 3 cups hickory chips
  • vegetable oil, for brushing

Instructions
 

  • Bring 1 gallon of the water to a boil in a large pot and keep warm.
  • In a stockpot large enough to hold the turkey, combine cider vinegar, coffee, onion, thyme, salt and peppercorns with 1 3/4 cups of the brown sugar or syrup (or 3/4 of the brown sugar/syrup mixture) and the remaining gallon of water. Bring to a boil.
  • Hold turkey by legs and ease into the hot brine, neck end down. Add enough of the hot water to the stockpot to cover turkey and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
  • Remove turkey from the stockpot. Strain 2 cups of the braising liquid into a heatproof bowl and stir in the remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar or remaining cane syrup (or remaining brown sugar/syrup mixture). Discard the remaining liquid.
  • Meanwhile, light a charcoal grill or preheat a gas grill.
  • Right before the turkey has finished simmering, add 2 cups of the hickory chips to the coals. When the chips start smoking, brush the turkey breast with oil. Set the turkey, breast side down, on the grill.
  • Cover & smoke over a low flame for 15 minutes. Baste turkey with reserved braising liquid - turn it breast side up and baste again. Cover grill and continue smoking for about 40 minutes longer, basting occasionally with braising liquid and adding more coals or hickory chips to grill as necessary.
  • The turkey is done when a thermometer inserted in the inner thigh registers 165°.
  • Place the turkey on a cutting board and let rest 20 minutes before carving.

Add Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 1012gCalories: 634.6kcalCarbohydrates: 37.1gProtein: 62.3gFat: 24.4gSaturated Fat: 6.9gCholesterol: 206.9mgSodium: 2583.7mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 35.9g
Keyword < 4 Hours, Christmas, Kid-Friendly, Meat, Poultry, Thanksgiving, Whole Turkey
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