Apple and Honey Grill Smoked Turkey

This recipe for grill smoked turkey was perfected by my brother. For years he kept it a secret, but he finally gave me the recipe. And now, I'll share it with you.

Joel's Grill Smoked Turkey Recipe with Apple and Honey

The ingredient list for this recipe is short and sweet. And cooking the turkey is a breeze, too. For this recipe you'll need...

• One whole turkey, 12-14 pounds
• 1 pint apple juice
• 1 tablespoon canning or pickling salt
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3/4 teaspoon Tender Quick curing mix
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

Inject about one ounce of the brine per pound of weight of the turkey. For a 12 pound bird, inject 2 ounces into each leg, thigh, and breast half. Insert the needle fully, then begin to slowly inject the brine as the needle is being pulled out.

Add brine to different areas by pulling the needle out partially, then pushing it back in to a different spot, injecting as you pull it back out again.

It's best to let the turkey set in the fridge for 2 full days before smoking it. This will give time for the flavors and salt to distribute throughout the meat, and for the Tender Quick to do its thing.

Smoking Your Turkey

Using the gas grill smoking method, cook at 325 degrees for 10 minutes per pound, using apple wood for smoke. Then wrap with foil and continue smoking until the thigh reaches 175.

Remove the turkey from the grill and let it rest for an hour. During this time the internal temperature will rise a bit and the juices will redistribute themselves evenly throughout the meat.

Your grill smoked turkey can now be unwrapped, sliced and served to your anxiously waiting guests.