- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Best wood to use to smoke a turkey?
Posted on 11/21/22 at 2:24 pm
Posted on 11/21/22 at 2:24 pm
I've always just used hickory since I've got plenty of it here. Was wondering what yall use? Never used apple, but I might try it this time. I don't have any pecan at all up here in the mountains. Any good rub recipes yall can recommend? TIA
Posted on 11/21/22 at 2:26 pm to BFIV
I like using cherry if you can find it.
I just use a cajun seasoning for the rub but don't think it actually gives the meat much flavor. I think injecting and/or brining gives the best flavor.
I just use a cajun seasoning for the rub but don't think it actually gives the meat much flavor. I think injecting and/or brining gives the best flavor.
This post was edited on 11/21/22 at 2:32 pm
Posted on 11/21/22 at 2:28 pm to BFIV
Apple or cherry. Pecan if that's all you can get.
Posted on 11/21/22 at 2:29 pm to El Segundo Guy
Pecan and Cherry mixed.
Posted on 11/21/22 at 2:33 pm to BFIV
I use pecan wood.
Inject with Tony Chacheres Creole Butter marinade when thawed the evening before.
When it's ready to go on the smoker I rub down with olive oil, light Tony's creole seasoning, and a generous coating of paprika and black pepper. Very simple.
Smoke just above 200, I like 225. I let it smoke for about 1 hour every 2 pounds.
I got a 22 pounder this year, I'll probably smoke it about 10 hours.
This pic is about 3/4 of the way done. It looks black/burnt when it's done, but it's the most juicy tender meat on the inside.
I've been doing this same recipe for years, and have had many different guest comment it's the best turkey they've ever had.
Inject with Tony Chacheres Creole Butter marinade when thawed the evening before.
When it's ready to go on the smoker I rub down with olive oil, light Tony's creole seasoning, and a generous coating of paprika and black pepper. Very simple.
Smoke just above 200, I like 225. I let it smoke for about 1 hour every 2 pounds.
I got a 22 pounder this year, I'll probably smoke it about 10 hours.
This pic is about 3/4 of the way done. It looks black/burnt when it's done, but it's the most juicy tender meat on the inside.

I've been doing this same recipe for years, and have had many different guest comment it's the best turkey they've ever had.
This post was edited on 11/21/22 at 2:36 pm
Posted on 11/21/22 at 3:03 pm to Soda City Spur
quote:Get it in between the meat and the skin.
I just use a cajun seasoning for the rub but don't think it actually gives the meat much flavor.
I make a simple gremolata when I smoke a chicken. It works wonderfully.
Posted on 11/21/22 at 3:31 pm to Abraham H Parnassis
quote:that's a good idea. i normally do that with some garlic, herb butter.
Get it in between the meat and the skin.
Posted on 11/21/22 at 3:40 pm to BFIV
Damp corn cobs for a sweet, smoky tasting bird. Inject bird with your favorite marinade and rub mayo all over the skin.
Posted on 11/21/22 at 5:26 pm to Koolazzkat
Coat with brown sugar then slap ya mama. Smoke with apple chips.
Posted on 11/21/22 at 5:50 pm to BFIV
Any good hardwood, nobody is going to be able to tell the taste difference between different fruit woods... I tend to use pecan, cherry and hickory or blends because that is what is available.
I don't inject turkeys but I do season under the skin, that is the most important part to a good turkey IME.
I don't inject turkeys but I do season under the skin, that is the most important part to a good turkey IME.
Posted on 11/21/22 at 6:03 pm to BFIV
This is my method.
At least a day before cooking it you need to brine it. I use salt and garlic powder.
Day of cooking
Dry it off
I use olive oil and rub it all over the bird
Put Tony’s
Start the egg
Get it to temp and throw some pecan on it
Put the turkey on and cook it until it gets to 165-170
At least a day before cooking it you need to brine it. I use salt and garlic powder.
Day of cooking
Dry it off
I use olive oil and rub it all over the bird
Put Tony’s
Start the egg
Get it to temp and throw some pecan on it
Put the turkey on and cook it until it gets to 165-170
Posted on 11/22/22 at 2:46 am to Koolazzkat
Explain the damp corn cob technique
Posted on 11/22/22 at 6:22 am to Soda City Spur
quote:
I like using cherry if you can find it
This fricker knows how to cook.
ETA: Pecan is pretty good too but not easy to come by.
This post was edited on 11/22/22 at 6:23 am
Posted on 11/22/22 at 6:33 am to 257WBY
Bucket of corn cobs soaking in water ( I add a bottle of Worcestershire to the water, but that’s me). Start your charcoal then start adding the cobs on top as needed. Produces a lot of smoke.
Posted on 11/22/22 at 12:55 pm to Clyde Tipton
This is exactly what I do, except I prefer the Cajun Injector butter creole over the Tony’s.
Posted on 11/22/22 at 4:18 pm to Clyde Tipton
Does anyone brine and inject? Or just one or the other?
Posted on 11/22/22 at 8:04 pm to BFIV
I tried maple last year with a little cherry and really liked it.
Posted on 11/23/22 at 4:01 am to BFIV
I like hickory for the traditional flavor, and mix in some cherry to give the turkey a nice mahogany color.
Posted on 11/23/22 at 1:56 pm to BFIV
Beech
Oak
Sassafras
If the Sassafras is recently cut, take the bark off. If it is seasoned, leave it on.
The Beech and Oak are milder than Hickory, the Sassafras is almost indistinguishable from apple.
Oak
Sassafras
If the Sassafras is recently cut, take the bark off. If it is seasoned, leave it on.
The Beech and Oak are milder than Hickory, the Sassafras is almost indistinguishable from apple.
Popular
Back to top
