Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey

- Yields: 8 Servings
- Prep time: 15 hours
Ingredients
- 1 12–14 pound turkey
- 1 gallon vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- sage butter (recipe follows)
- Smokin' turkey rub (recipe follows)
Instructions
Heat broth, salt, sugar and lemon-pepper over medium heat until dissolved and well blended.
Cool completely.
In a large stock pot, place the turkey inside and cover with brine.
Let soak in the fridge overnight, 8–12 hours.
Remove turkey, pat dry thoroughly.
Working gently, insert your fingers between the meat and skin to create pockets in which to spread the sage compound butter evenly beneath the skin.
Rub turkey with Smokin’ Turkey Rub or any of your favorite rubs.
Allow to rest while pre-heating grill for indirect cooking by placing a disposable aluminum half-pan filled with water or broth under the grill grate with coals on either side of the pan, creating a barrier between the meat and any direct heat or flare-ups from the coals.
Once grill has heated to approximately 350°F, place turkey on the grate directly above the aluminum pan and cook until internal temperature in thickest part of the turkey reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
Remove and rest for approximately 30 minutes before carving.
- Credit: Clint Cantwell