Smoked Whole Turkey with Citrus and Herb Brine
A whole turkey brined in citrus and fresh herbs, then smoked low and slow for juicy, flavorful meat with a crisp skin. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 380 minutes pairs whole turkey, gallon water, kosher salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 10, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 lbs whole turkey
- 1 gallon water
- 3/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
- 2, sliced lemons
- 4 fresh rosemary sprigs
- 6 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 tbsp black peppercorns
- 6, smashed garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, combine 1 gallon water, 3/4 cup kosher salt, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 cup orange juice, 2 sliced lemons, 4 rosemary sprigs, 6 thyme sprigs, 1 tbsp black peppercorns, and 6 smashed garlic cloves. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve, then chill brine completely in refrigerator.
- Step 2: Submerge the 12 lb whole turkey in the chilled brine, cover, and refrigerate for 12 to 16 hours to deeply flavor and tenderize.
- Step 3: Remove turkey from brine and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Rub skin evenly with 1/4 cup olive oil and 2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Preheat smoker to 225°F using a mild wood like apple or cherry. Place turkey breast-side up on the smoker grate and smoke for approximately 5 to 6 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast.
- Step 5: Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoked Whole Turkey with Citrus and Herb Brine take to make?
Total time is about 380 minutes (20 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Smoked Whole Turkey with Citrus and Herb Brine?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep whole turkey from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Whole Turkey with Citrus and Herb Brine?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Smoked Whole Turkey with Citrus and Herb Brine for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Smoked Whole Turkey with Citrus and Herb Brine?
American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
