Have you wondered about how to cook smoked turkey wings? Or its time to start thinking about what dishes youll be preparing for the big feast. If youre looking for a new recipe to add to your repertoire, why not try smoking some turkey wings?
Theyre a delicious and easy-to-prepare alternative to traditional Christmas turkey, and theyre sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So read on for instructions on how to cook smoked turkey wings like a pro (or some replacement like turkey bacon!)
Table of Contents
What Kind of Woods is Good for Smoked Turkey Wings?
Pecan wood to cook smoked turkey wings
A few varieties of wood work wonders for smoking turkey when you learn how to cook smoked turkey wings.
- One of our personal favorites is pecan, as it leaves the meat with a subtle sweetness.
- Other excellent options include cherry and apple woods.
- Hickory is always a safe classic choice, but we find it produces barbecue-based smoked turkey tastes which some may not enjoy.
How to Prep Turkey Wings before Smoking?
Before you start smoking your turkey wings, they should be prepped and seasoned.
- First, pat the wings dry with paper towels before applying a rub or marinade of your choice. We suggest a combination of spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper for an easy-to-make rub that wont overpower the turkeys natural flavors.
- Once youve applied your rub or marinade, cover the wings and let them sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours. This helps to infuse all those delicious spices into the meat and creates a moist, flavorful wing when smoked.
How to Cook Smoked Turkey Wings by A Smoker?
How to cook smoked turkey wing?
A. Tools:
- Charcoal
- Smoker
- Rub of your choice
- Basting Brush
B. Ingredients of how to cook smoked turkey wings:
- Turkey wings
- Your favorite rub
C. Instructions of how to cook smoked turkey wings:
How to cook smoked turkey wings?
D. Brining turkey wings:
1. Start by creating a brine to soak your turkey wings in overnight. To do this, mix together 1 gallon of cold water with ½ cup of granulated sugar and ¼ cup of sea salt until fully dissolved.
2. Place the turkey wings in the brine solution, cover, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, up to 24 hours.
E. Smoking the Turkey Wings:
1. Set up your smoker according to the manufacturers instructions. Fill the charcoal chamber with enough charcoal for a two-hour smoke, and make sure there is plenty of room at the top for air to circulate.
2. Remove the turkey wings from the brine solution, rinse, and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Generously rub each turkey wing with the dry rub of your choice, and place them in the smoker rack.
4. Place the turkey wings in the smoker and cook for 2 hours at 225°F, basting every 30 minutes with melted butter or oil using a pastry brush to ensure even coating of flavor.
5. Once done, take the turkey wings out of the smoker and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
NOTE
If you prefer a super crispy skin in how to cook smoked turkey wings recipe, remove the wings from the smoker and set aside. Turn your smoker up to high. Once heated, sear the wings for 30 seconds on both sides.
Other special recipe for how to cook smoked turkey wings:
How to Cook Smoked Turkey Wings In the Oven
In case you dont have any smoker available, check out these two methods for how to cook smoked turkey wings:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and set up your roasting pan with a wire rack.
2. Rub the wings with your desired rub and place in the roasting pan.
3. Place a shallow pan filled with water at the bottom of the oven to help keep moisture in. This will also add flavor as it evaporates, coating the turkey in smokey goodness.
4. Smoke for about 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the wings has reached 165°F.
5. Allow to rest before serving and enjoy!
On a Charcoal or Gas Grill, How Can I Cook Smoked Turkey Wings?
In case you dont have any smoker available, check out these two methods for how to cook smoked turkey wings:
1. Preheat your grill for indirect cooking, with one side on high heat and the other off.
2. Rub your turkey wings with your desired rub and place on the cool side of the grill.
3. Add wood chips or chunks directly to your coal, or place in a smoker box if using a gas grill.
4. Cover and smoke for 1-2 hours, depending on how smoky you would like them to be, and how big the wings are.
5. Check the internal temperature and once they reach 165°F, they are done. Allow resting before serving and enjoy!
How to Know My Turkey Wings are Well-Smoked?
How to cook smoked turkey wings?
- Outside: The skin of the turkey wings should be a golden brown color and crispy.
- Inside: If you cut into one of the wings, the meat should be moist and juicy with a smoky flavor. Also, the internal temperature reaches 165 F (following USDA for safe internal temperature).
Pro Tips for Crispy Smoked Turkey Wings
Well well, so lets go through the how to cook smoked turkey wings and keep on with all the tips here to have a stunning dish so far. Were almost done guys!
The low temperature used during smoking prevents crisp skin from developing on meats. But there is a trick I employed with my recipe for smoked chicken legs, where I smoked the meat, then chilled it in the refrigerator before broiling it again. The skin will be attractively crisped by the broilers high heat.
Best Ways to Serve the Smoked Turkey Wings
How to serve smoked turkey wings?
There are many ways to serve your smoked turkey wings in Christmas, with your homemade-special sauce, without any things or just along with some salads. All are great. Here are some suggestion for you about it!
Once cooked, the turkey wings are ready to be served. They can be eaten as-is, or you can incorporate them into your favorite recipes.
For example, try coating them in a sticky glaze for extra flavor. You could also chop them up and mix with rice for a delicious meal.
Thats everything for you to learn about how to cook smoked turkey wings, lets wrap up with a quick FAQs part.
FAQs of Cooking Smoked Turkey Wings
Is it good to smoke turkey wings?
pping on the smoked turkey wings trend is definitely worth a try! They are flavorful, juicy and full of smoky goodness. Be sure to cook them to the proper temperature for safe eating (the internal temp should reach 165°F). Smoked turkey wings make an excellent main dish or side. Enjoy!
Do I need to brine my turkey wings before smoking?
No, brining is not necessary. The smoking process adds flavor and moisture to the meat and makes it tender. Any marinade you use will just enhance the flavors. If you want to brine the wings, be sure to do so prior to adding any rub or marinade. This will help ensure that the turkey wings stay juicy and tasty.
How to heat store-bought smoked turkey wings?
To cook store-bought smoked turkey wings, heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the wings for 15 minutes per pound. If your turkey wings are not already smoked, you can smoke them first using a smoker before cooking them in the oven for the same amount of time. Then learn how to cook smoked turkey wings right above.
What’s the best temperature to cook the turkey wings?
First, roast your turkey at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 40-45 minutes. Then, lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees and let the turkey cook for the remainder of the time. Every 15 to 20 minutes, it is advised that you brush butter or olive oil on the surface of the bird to help with browning as well as keep the meat moist.
Can I eat turkey wings if it’s a little pink?
The only guaranteed way to ensure your turkey wings (or any meat) is properly cooked and safe to eat, is by using a meat thermometer. If the temperature of the thigh reads as 180°F or above, it means the meat is fully cooked - no matter what its color may be.
How long to cook smoked turkey wings?
Smoked turkey wings should be cooked for 2 hours at a temperature of 225°F. Baste the wings every 30 minutes or so with melted butter or oil to add flavor and help them achieve a crispier texture. Once done, take the wings out of the smoker and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving for optimal taste.
Conclusion
We hope this recipe of how to cook smoked turkey wings provides you with a stress-free and enjoyable Christmas. Good luck! If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to us or leave a comment below. And for more great cooking and baking recipes, be sure to visit our website at thebluestove.com. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
