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seasoned turkey

Cajun Spatchcock Smoked Turkey

Ingredients
  

  • A Turkey See chart above for sizes

For the Cajun Injection:

  • Butter 1 stick, melted
  • Chicken broth 1 cup
  • Lager beer 1/2 cup
  • Hot sauce 1/4 cup
  • Lemon juice of 1 lemon
  • Cajun seasoning 2 tablespoons

Seasoning:

  • Store bought cajun seasoning

For Smoking the Turkey:

  • Pecan wood chunks for the smoker

Instructions
 

Thaw the Turkey:

  • Place the frozen turkey in the fridge for 3 days for a slow thaw.
  • After 3 days, move it to a room temperature environment for 18-24 hours to complete thawing.
  • Remove the turkey from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.

Spatchcock the Turkey:

  • Use kitchen shears or a knife to cut out the backbone of the turkey.
  • Flip the turkey over so it's breast-side up and press down on the breastbone to crack it and flatten the turkey.

Prepare the Cajun Injection:

  • In a bowl, mix 1 stick of melted butter, 1 cup chicken broth, 1/2 lager beer, 1/4 cup hot sauce, juice of 1 lemon, and 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning.
  • Whisk the mixture thoroughly.
  • Use a kitchen syringe to inject this mixture into the turkey's breasts, thighs, drums, and legs.

Season the Turkey:

  • Dry the turkey thoroughly with paper towels.
  • Flip the turkey and season the underside with Cajun seasoning.
  • Flip it back over and season the skin side with Cajun seasoning.

Smoke the Turkey:

  • Preheat the smoker to 275 degrees Fahrenheit with pecan wood chunks.
  • Smoke the turkey for 20-25 minutes per pound. (Adjust the time based on the size of your turkey.)
  • Place a drip pan underneath the turkey to catch drippings.
  • Cook until the internal temperature reaches 158 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the breast.
  • Remove the turkey from the smoker and wrap it in foil.
  • Let the turkey rest for 20-25 minutes.

Carve and Serve:

  • Break down the turkey into quarters.
  • Carve the turkey and serve.

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