How to Cook a Moist and Juicy Turkey in the Big Easy

How to Cook a Turkey in the Big Easy

The Big Easy is known for its rich culinary traditions, and one of the most iconic dishes is the Cajun-style turkey. This flavorful and moist bird is a must-try for anyone who loves good food.

In this article, we’ll show you how to cook a turkey in the Big Easy style. We’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions, as well as tips and tricks to help you create a perfect turkey every time.

So whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast or just a family dinner, read on for all the information you need to know about cooking a turkey in the Big Easy!

Step	Ingredients	Instructions
1	1 (12-14 lb) turkey 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup butter, melted 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce 1/2 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup honey 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon onion powder 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper	Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry. In a large bowl, combine the oil, butter, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub the turkey with the marinade inside and out. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour the remaining marinade over the top. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 3 hours. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 1-1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving.
2	1 cup chicken broth 1/2 cup white wine 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley	After the turkey has roasted for 3 hours, pour the chicken broth and white wine into the roasting pan. Cover the pan and bake for an additional 1-1/2 hours. Sprinkle the parsley over the turkey before serving.

Equipment and Ingredients

To cook a turkey in a Big Easy, you will need the following equipment:

• A Big Easy electric smoker
• A turkey (thawed)
• A roasting pan
• A meat thermometer
• Cooking spray
• Wood chips (optional)
• Salt and pepper
• Other desired seasonings

You will also need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

Preparation

To prepare the turkey for cooking, you will first need to thaw it. If the turkey is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. Once the turkey is thawed, rinse it inside and out with cold water. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

Next, you will need to season the turkey. Rub the turkey inside and out with a mixture of salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings. You can also use a store-bought dry rub.

Place the turkey in a roasting pan and add the water, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and black pepper. Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight.

Cooking

To cook the turkey in a Big Easy, you will first need to preheat the smoker to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the smoker is preheated, place the roasting pan with the turkey inside. Cook the turkey for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are using wood chips, add them to the smoker during the last hour of cooking.

Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Serve the turkey with your favorite sides.

Ingredients

For a 12-14 pound turkey:

• 1 (12-14 pound) turkey, thawed
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup white wine

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. Remove the giblets from the turkey and reserve for another use. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil, mustard, salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, rosemary, and bay leaf. Rub the mixture all over the turkey, inside and out.
4. Place the turkey in a large roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth and white wine into the bottom of the pan.
5. Cover the turkey with aluminum foil and roast for 3 hours.
6. Remove the foil and continue to roast the turkey for 1-1 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
7. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Cooking Tips

• To make sure the turkey is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
• If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can check if the turkey is done by inserting a skewer into the thickest part of the thigh. The juices should run clear when the skewer is removed.
• Be careful not to overcook the turkey, as this will result in a dry bird.
• If you want to make a flavorful gravy, use the drippings from the roasting pan.

Serving Tips

• Carve the turkey and serve with your favorite sides. Some popular side dishes include mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.
• If you have leftovers, you can make turkey sandwiches, turkey soup, or turkey pot pie.
• Turkey is a versatile meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. Experiment with different recipes and find your favorite way to enjoy turkey.

Cooking a turkey in the Big Easy is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a holiday meal. With a few simple ingredients and a few hours of your time, you can create a feast that your family and friends will love.

How long does it take to cook a turkey in a Big Easy?

It takes about 3-4 hours to cook a turkey in a Big Easy. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey and the temperature of the Big Easy.

What temperature should I cook my turkey in a Big Easy?

The ideal temperature for cooking a turkey in a Big Easy is 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

What size turkey can I cook in a Big Easy?

You can cook a turkey up to 12 pounds in a Big Easy.

What type of turkey should I use for a Big Easy?

You can use any type of turkey for a Big Easy, but a fresh, unfrozen turkey is best.

How do I prepare my turkey for cooking in a Big Easy?

To prepare your turkey for cooking in a Big Easy, you will need to:

1. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water.
2. Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity.
3. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
4. Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.

How do I cook a turkey in a Big Easy?

To cook a turkey in a Big Easy, you will need to:

1. Preheat the Big Easy to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the turkey in the Big Easy, breast-side up.
3. Cook the turkey for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.

What are some tips for cooking a turkey in a Big Easy?

Here are some tips for cooking a turkey in a Big Easy:

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey.
• Baste the turkey with melted butter or cooking oil every 30 minutes or so.
• Cover the turkey with aluminum foil if it starts to brown too quickly.
• Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.

What are some common problems people have when cooking a turkey in a Big Easy?

Here are some common problems people have when cooking a turkey in a Big Easy:

• The turkey is dry.
• The turkey is overcooked.
• The turkey is undercooked.

To avoid these problems, follow the tips in the previous section.

How can I make sure my turkey is cooked all the way through?

To make sure your turkey is cooked all the way through, you will need to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

How can I reheat a leftover turkey?

To reheat a leftover turkey, you can:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the turkey in a baking dish.
3. Cover the turkey with aluminum foil.
4. Bake the turkey for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

You can also reheat leftover turkey in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.

cooking a turkey in the Big Easy is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this holiday classic. By following these tips, you can be sure to end up with a perfectly cooked turkey that is moist and flavorful. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking!