Zesty Smoked Orange Turkey: A Flavorful Thanksgiving Delight

Smoked Garlic and Orange Turkey Recipe

Description: This smoked garlic and orange turkey is an excellent dish, especially fitting for Thanksgiving festivities. Smoking the turkey imparts a wonderful flavor while also freeing up the oven for other essential dishes. With enough to serve 10 hungry guests, plus ample leftovers for delicious turkey sandwiches the next day, this recipe is a Thanksgiving winner. For a complete meal, pair this succulent turkey with Recipe #77817 for a delightful side and some creamy mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey
• 12 oranges
• 2 bunches of fresh sage
• 2 bulbs of garlic
• Kosher salt
• Olive oil
• Black pepper
• Cheese spread (optional)

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 698.9
• Fat Content: 32.2g
• Saturated Fat Content: 9g
• Cholesterol Content: 270.9mg
• Sodium Content: 1657.8mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 14.2g
• Fiber Content: 1.1g
• Sugar Content: 6.8g
• Protein Content: 83.1g

Cooking Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5 hours
• Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes

Instructions:

1. Prepare Wood Chunks:

   • At least 1 hour before cooking, soak wood chunks in enough water to cover.

2. Preheat Coals:

   • Preheat the coals in your smoker.

3. Season Turkey:

   • Rub the cavity of the turkey with kosher salt.

4. Prepare Aromatic Ingredients:

   • Cut oranges into 2-inch chunks.
   • Place the cut oranges, fresh sage, and garlic bulbs into the turkey cavity.

5. Add Optional Cheese Spread:

   • Loosen the breast skin and spread the cheese spread underneath if desired.

6. Secure Turkey:

   • Tuck the wings under the back and tie the legs together securely.

7. Season Turkey Exterior:

   • Rub the exterior of the turkey with olive oil, freshly squeezed orange juice, chopped sage, kosher salt, and black pepper.

8. Prepare Smoker:

   • In the smoker, arrange the preheated coals, half of the drained wood chunks, and the water pan according to the manufacturer’s directions.
   • Add water and orange juice to the water pan for added moisture and flavor.

9. Smoke Turkey:

   • Cover the smoker and smoke the turkey for 5 to 6 hours, or until a thermometer inserted into the breast registers 180°F.
   • Throughout the smoking process, monitor the coals, wood chunks, and water/juice levels, adding more as needed to maintain a consistent smoking environment.

10. Rest and Serve:

    • Once the turkey is fully smoked, carefully remove it from the smoker and transfer it to a serving platter.
    • Cover the smoked turkey loosely with foil and allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes before carving.
    • Reserve any drippings from the smoked turkey to prepare an Orange Turkey Gravy with Sage for added flavor.

Enjoy your Smoked Garlic and Orange Turkey! 🦃🍊🔥