Smoked Orange & Bourbon Brined Turkey
By Traeger Kitchen
47 Reviews
Take your turkey hunt by the tail feathers and turn that gobbler into a warm citrus and bourbon-infused feast. This smoked bourbon brined turkey with the Trager orange brine and turkey rub kit is great for holidays or any freshly-fetched trophy.
Prep Time
20 Min
Cook Time
4 Hr
Pellets
Apple
Yields: 8 Servings
Ingredients
main
1 | |
4 Quart | cold water, divided, plus more as needed |
1 Cup | bourbon |
1 | (12-14 lb) turkey, thawed if frozen |
1 Tablespoon | unsalted butter, melted |
1 Tablespoon | orange-flavored liquor, such as Grand Marnier |
Units of Measurement:
Steps
Step 1
In a large pot, combine the Orange Brine Seasoning (from the Traeger Orange Brine & Turkey Rub Kit) with 1 quart of water. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for 5 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and add the remaining 3 quarts of water and the bourbon. Refrigerate until completely chilled.
Ingredients
4 Quart cold water, divided, plus more as needed
1 Cup bourbon
Step 2
Place the turkey, breast-side down, in a large container. Pour the cooled brine over the bird, adding more cold water if needed to fully cover. Place a few plates on top to weigh the turkey down and completely submerge in the brine. Refrigerate for 24 hours.
Ingredients
1 (12-14 lb) turkey, thawed if frozen
Step 3
Remove the bourbon brined turkey from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. Discard the brine.
Step 4
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and orange-flavored liqueur, then evenly rub all over the outside of the turkey. Season the outside of the turkey with the Traeger Turkey Rub (from the Orange Brine & Turkey Rub Kit).
Ingredients
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
1 Tablespoon orange-flavored liquor, such as Grand Marnier
Step 5
When ready to cook, set the Traeger temperature to 225˚F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes. For optimal flavor, use Super Smoke, if available.
225 ˚F / 107 ˚C
Super Smoke
Step 6
Insert the probe into the thickest part of a turkey thigh. Place the turkey directly on the grill grates, breast-side up. Close the lid and smoke for 2 hours.
02:00
225 ˚F / 107 ˚C
Super Smoke
Step 7
Increase the Traeger temperature to 350˚F and roast the turkey until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, 2-3 hours more, depending on the size of the turkey.
02:00
350 ˚F / 177 ˚C
165 ˚F / 74 ˚C
Step 8
Remove the turkey from the grill and let rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. Enjoy!
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