Smoked Cajun Turkey
Smoked Cajun Turkey is a flavor-packed dish that transforms an ordinary turkey into a culinary masterpiece. Infused with smoky Cajun spices, this turkey is perfect for holiday gatherings or backyard barbecues. Each juicy bite delivers a delightful dance of flavors, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a novice, this recipe provides foolproof steps to achieve restaurant-quality results at home.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: Approximately 6 hours
- Total Time: 2 minute
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
Scale
- 12–14 lbs whole turkey
- 1/4 cup Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups hickory or mesquite wood chips (soaked)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Thaw the turkey completely and rinse under cold water; pat dry.
- Rub the turkey with olive oil, ensuring even coverage, then coat generously with Cajun seasoning (under the skin as well).
- Marinate in the refrigerator overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
- Add soaked wood chips to the smoker.
- Smoke the turkey breast side up for approximately 30 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Feel free to adjust the spice levels in your Cajun rub by adding brown sugar for sweetness or cayenne for heat. For added flavor, stuff the turkey with lemon slices or fresh herbs.