How Long to Smoke 20Lb Turkey at 350: Ultimate Guide for Perfect Results

To smoke a 20lb turkey at 350°F, it will take approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. Achieve a golden brown, crispy skin and tender, juicy meat by maintaining a steady temperature and using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Smoking a turkey enhances its flavor with a savory and smoky essence that is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. While the time required to smoke a turkey may seem lengthy, the end result is well worth the wait.

Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a novice smoker, mastering the art of smoking a turkey can elevate your culinary skills and impress your guests. Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering centerpiece for your holiday meal or special occasion.

Selecting The Right Wood And Seasonings

When it comes to smoking a 20lb turkey at 350°F, selecting the right wood and seasonings is crucial to achieving a flavor-filled masterpiece. The type of wood used and the seasonings and brines applied play a significant role in infusing the turkey with a rich, smoky flavor. Let’s delve into the essentials of selecting the right wood and seasonings to elevate the taste of your smoked turkey.

Types Of Wood For Smoking

The choice of wood for smoking the turkey can greatly influence its flavor. Different woods impart unique smoky flavors, and it’s important to select the right one. Here are some popular types of wood for smoking:

• Hickory: Provides a strong, smoky flavor that complements the natural flavors of the turkey.
• Apple: Imparts a mild, sweet flavor, perfect for adding a hint of fruitiness to the turkey.
• Maple: Offers a sweet and subtle smoky flavor, ideal for enhancing the overall taste of the turkey.
• Cherry: Delivers a mild, fruity smoke that adds a delightful complexity to the turkey.

Seasonings And Brines For Flavoring

Enhancing the turkey with the right seasonings and brines can take its flavor to the next level. Here are some popular choices for flavoring a smoked turkey:

• Dry Rubs: A blend of herbs, spices, and seasonings rubbed onto the turkey to create a flavorful crust and add depth of flavor.
• Brines: Immersing the turkey in a seasoned saltwater solution before smoking ensures a moist and flavorful end result.
• Herbs and Aromatics: Fresh herbs, garlic, and citrus can be added to the cavity of the turkey to infuse it with a fragrant and aromatic essence.
• Butter and Seasoning Paste: Creating a mixture of butter and seasoning to rub under the turkey skin can enhance its juiciness and flavor.

Preparing The 20lb Turkey For Smoking

Smoking Process At 350 Degrees

Smoking Process at 350 Degrees

When smoking a 20lb turkey at 350 degrees, it’s essential to set up the smoker properly and monitor the temperature throughout the process. Here’s a detailed guide on how to ensure a successful smoking process at this temperature.

Setting up the smoker for the turkey

Setting Up The Smoker For The Turkey

Before you begin, ensure that your smoker is clean and in good working condition. Here’s a step-by-step guide on setting up the smoker:

1. Place a water pan in the smoker to help maintain moisture during the smoking process.
2. Fill the wood chip tray or box with wood chips of your choice and preheat the smoker to 350 degrees.
3. Once the smoker is preheated, you can now move on to preparing the turkey for smoking.

Monitoring and maintaining the temperature

Monitoring And Maintaining The Temperature

Properly monitoring and maintaining the temperature is crucial to achieving a perfectly smoked turkey:

• Use a reliable meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the turkey throughout the smoking process.
• Adjust the vents and check the fuel source regularly to ensure the smoker stays at a steady 350 degrees.
• Consider using a temperature controller for more precise temperature regulation.

Smoking Time And Internal Temperature

When smoking a 20lb turkey at 350°F, it’s essential to pay close attention to both the smoking time and internal temperature. Achieving the perfect balance of smoky flavor and moist, tender meat requires precision. In this guide, we’ll dive into the key points to keep in mind regarding the smoking time and internal temperature.

Estimating The Smoking Time

When smoking a 20lb turkey at 350°F, the estimated smoking time can vary based on several factors, including the type of smoker used, outdoor temperature, and the specific characteristics of the turkey itself. As a general guideline, plan for approximately 30 minutes of smoking time per pound of turkey. Therefore, for a 20lb turkey, the estimated smoking time at 350°F would be around 10 hours.

Checking The Internal Temperature For Doneness

Checking the internal temperature of the turkey is essential to ensure it is safely and thoroughly cooked. The recommended internal temperature for a smoked turkey is 165°F. It’s crucial to utilize a reliable meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the turkey, such as the thigh and the breast. Once the turkey reaches 165°F, it is ready to be removed from the smoker. This step is vital to guarantee that the turkey is safe to eat while retaining its juiciness and flavor.

Achieving Perfect Results

Smoking a 20lb turkey at 350°F can result in a succulent, flavorful dish that will impress your guests. To achieve perfect results, it’s essential to pay attention to the resting and carving process as well as ensuring the serving and enjoyment of the smoked turkey is done right.

Resting And Carving The Smoked Turkey

Properly resting and carving the smoked turkey is crucial for preserving its juiciness and flavor. After removing the turkey from the smoker, allow it to rest for about 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender final product. When carving the turkey, use a sharp knife and carve against the grain to ensure each slice is tender and flavorful.

Serving And Enjoying The Flavorful Outcome

When serving the smoked turkey, ensure to display it beautifully on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs for an appealing presentation. As your guests indulge in the flavors, encourage them to savor the smoky aroma and the tender, juicy texture of the meat. Accompany it with sides and sauces that complement the smokiness of the turkey, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Troubleshooting And Tips For Success

When smoking a 20lb turkey at 350°F, it’s essential to be prepared for potential issues that may arise during the smoking process. Additionally, there are some tips that can help ensure a perfectly smoked turkey. Below, we address potential smoking issues and provide additional tips for achieving culinary success.

Addressing Potential Smoking Issues

• Temperature fluctuations: Monitor the temperature of your smoker closely to ensure it stays at a consistent 350°F. Use an oven thermometer to verify the accuracy of the smoker’s built-in thermometer.
• Uneven cooking: To prevent uneven cooking, rotate the turkey halfway through the smoking process. This ensures that all parts of the turkey cook evenly.
• Smoke flavor intensity: If the smoke flavor is too intense, try using less wood chips or pellets. You can also adjust the ventilation to control the amount of smoke in the smoker.

Additional Tips For Achieving The Perfect 20lb Smoked Turkey

1. Brining: Consider brining the turkey before smoking to enhance its flavor and juiciness. Use a brine solution of salt, sugar, and water, along with optional herbs and spices, for 12-24 hours.
2. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the turkey is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the bird.
3. Basting: Periodically baste the turkey with a mixture of melted butter, herbs, and spices to keep it moist and add extra flavor.
4. Resting: Allow the turkey to rest for 15-20 minutes after smoking to lock in the juices before carving.

Credit: www.epicurious.com

Frequently Asked Questions For How Long To Smoke 20lb Turkey At 350

How Long Does It Take To Smoke A 20lb Turkey At 350 Degrees?

To smoke a 20lb turkey at 350°F, it takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. However, ensure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to guarantee it’s fully cooked. Basting the turkey throughout the process will help maintain moisture and enhance flavor.

What Are The Best Wood Chips For Smoking A 20lb Turkey?

Choosing the right wood chips is crucial. For a 20lb turkey, consider using apple, cherry, or hickory wood chips. These impart a delicious, mild, and slightly sweet flavor to the turkey. Avoid using strong-flavored woods like mesquite, which can overpower the turkey’s taste.

Should I Brine A 20lb Turkey Before Smoking It?

Brining is highly recommended for smoking a turkey. It helps keep the meat moist and adds flavor. For a 20lb turkey, brine it for at least 12-24 hours before smoking. Use a brine solution consisting of water, salt, sugar, and optional aromatics like herbs and spices for added flavor.

Conclusion

Smoking a 20lb turkey at 350°F can take approximately 3. 5 to 4. 5 hours. It’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The ideal wood chips and brine can also enhance the flavor.

Happy smoking and enjoy your delicious turkey!