Cajun Smoked Turkey | Smoked Turkey Recipe on the Yoder Smoker

Smoked Turkey Recipe with a cajun turkey brine, seasoning and injection smoked on Yoder Pellet Smoker
For more barbecue and grilling recipes visit: howtobbqright.com/
For this Cajun Smoked Turkey, I start with a 14lb turkey that I let thaw for 5 days in the refrigerator. Remove the turkey from its package and rinse under cool water. Be sure to remove the neck and the giblet bag located in the cavity. Also toss out the pop-up thermometer located in the breast if it has one. Those things are unreliable.
For the brine, start with 2 quarts of water in a large pot over medium high heat. Add 2 cups of sugar, 1 cup of salt, and ½ cup of Cajun seasoning (recipe is below). Bring this mixture to a boil and stir occasionally until the dry ingredients dissolve.
Pour the mixture into a gallon container and add 2 ribs of celery (chopped), 1 medium size onion (chopped), 6 cloves garlic, 1 Tablespoon Black Peppercorns, 4 Bay leaves, 1 bundle of poultry herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage) and the juice of 2 lemons. Top the mixture off with 2 quarts of water and let it steep for an hour at room temp.
Place the turkey in an over-sized zip lock bag; you can find these in the storage container section of Walmart or Lowes. Pour the brine over the turkey and add 2 more quarts of water to completely cover the bird.
Squeeze as much air out of the bag as possible and store the bag in a cooler. Place a couple bags of ice on top and below the turkey to weight it down in the brine and keep it cool.
After 24 hours remove the turkey from the brine and rinse off any excess seasoning. Pat the outside dry with paper towel and stuff the cavity with quartered apples and onions.
Tie the legs together to hold everything in the cavity and inject the turkey with a Cajun Butter injection. I use 14oz chicken broth, ½ cup melted butter, 2 TBS Killer Hogs Hot Sauce, and 1 Table spoon of Cajun seasoning (recipe below). Combine these ingredients into a jar and shake or stir. Shoot the legs, thighs, and breast evenly with the injection mixture.
Spray the skin of the turkey with vegetable cooking spray and sprinkle the outside with the Cajun Seasoning. Let the turkey hang out for a few minutes while the grill comes up to temperature.
I’m using my Yoder pellet smoker for this cook but you can use any smoker set up for indirect heat. Run the pit at 300⁰ and use your favorite wood for smoke, pecan is my favorite on turkey.
Place the turkey on the pit and smoke it for about 3 ½ hours. To keep the skin from drying out and turning too dark, spray the outside every hour with additional cooking spray.
If it does start to turn dark, you can lay a piece of aluminum foil over the turkey. This will shield the heat and stop the browning process.
After 2 hours on the pit, you want to start monitoring the internal temp. I use a DOT thermometer from Thermoworks (you can check out the DOT here: www.thermoworks... ) set for 165⁰ in the breast.
Once the alarm goes off you know the turkey should be done. Verify the temp reading in the opposite breast and the thigh. I use a Thermapen for this - and you can check out these Termapens here: www.thermoworks...
Turkey is done when it hits 165 in the breast and 175 in the thigh/leg areas.
Remove the smoked turkey from the pit and cover loosely with foil for 20 minutes before carving.
This Cajun Smoked Turkey is incredible, the brine packs the flavor into the meat and the injection keeps it super moist. It is spicy but not hot and the skin on the outside is just as good as the meat. Give this one a try this Thanksgiving!
For Killer Hogs BBQ Sauce, Rub and Competition BBQ equipment, visit: h2qshop.com/

[@programSense]

This man has all the tools. Yeti for cooling, a automated injector, a cool smoker, and a blessed house. Happy to see a man succeed and do what he loves so comfortably.

[@twsushi1479]

that automated injector!!!!! This man has achieved GOD MODE in BBQ

[@adamfuson6619]

Now if he Jesus in his life too I'll have to agree !

[@steven2212]

There are five hundred turkey smoking vids on yt, I chose yours. Great tutorial.

[@cgdoll]

I made this for Thanksgiving yesterday: it was amazing. Best tasting turkey I've ever had by a country mile. You the man, Malcolm.

[@RayMacksKitchenandGrill]

*Mr. Reed...you inspire me. Awesome turkey my friend.*

[@MrMotovader]

Ray Mack's Kitchen and Grill you're pretty awesome too Ray Mack

[@arunduggal]

Ray Mack's Kitchen and Grill i

[@masterj9785]

Love and not hate what what what

[@eddiegarza1684]

This was the first recipe and only I’ve used since my family loves it and I became the one in charge for Smoked Turkey in family for thanksgiving 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@charlesmarkman9776]

An absolute winner. Have been following this recipe every year for the past 3 years and the crowd squeals with delight every time it is served . . .

[@milesherbst2172]

I've made two turkeys each year over the last 3 years. I've always done two different "versions" you could say and this cajun recipe has always been the crowd favorite. Starting this year, moving forward, both turkeys will follow this recipe. Hands down the best!

[@2nd2nonebutmyselffoo]

I am not going to lie, this vid and recipe is the best one I have seen and used. Treager, Yoder, Big Green Egg... Someone please sponsor this guy!

[@MattLMurphy]

Mozart of the smoker, genius of our time. Used the old video last Thanksgiving and this is a great update.

[@dianadelamer9583]

Reddit has once again steered me right. This man is awesome. I'm Cajun myself, and these recipes are going in my list!

[@robbiewhite323]

FINALLY... a Cajun flavor profile that is accurate. Usually ppl on KZbin cake way too much seasoning and cook it until it's black and call it Cajun. Born and raised in south Louisiana, this is a real good representation of "Cajun" turkey.

[@TheKillingCommittee]

You sure you weren't watching someone 'blacken' whatever they were cooking? That would account for 'too much seasoning' and it being black.

[@js9234]

When you brush butter on it, it brushes off the seasoning. I like the cooking spray idea.

[@lancec7027]

I fell you man, I grew up in Houma,La. Malcolm knows whats up!

[@lancec7027]

Though being half drunk during the process helps...

[@rapinbatches]

Robbie White yeah but you know everyone down here just deep Fry's them. lol.

[@Jesusakaj3d]

Made this 2 years ago and the whole family loved it. Best turkey I ever had by miles. Watching this video today because I’m getting everything prepared for tomorrow 😅

[@ramtough4384]

Just did your recipe with my own twists. Thank you Malcolm. My wife and I pulled off a wonderful last minute Thanksgiving dinner, with all thanks given to you and sharing your recipe. Thank you again, you saved our holiday.

[@Twisted-1904]

This is my second year doing ur recipe an man I tell you what I fucked up twice an it still came out delicious I even talked my parents into doing it from the same recipe they have been doing for 30 years and they love it my family love it man best recipe of all time for real

[@nathanmclain9027]

Watched this one and his other from years ago. You can really see all the tips and tricks he's learned. Not to mention his production and delivery value has really gone waaaay up. Nice one Malcom!

[@JustGrillingandChilling.]

Yes, I just saw his earlier turkey video he did in his kitchen - the early years. He has stuck with it for several years, enjoys what he does, is extra good at it…..and deserves all the accolades….

[@roger25t]

Its that time of the year again!! 3 years deep following your video, great reviews every time!! Cheers and happy thanksgiving!! 🦃

[@eddieh1985]

I’ve been asked to smoke turkeys for the past 3 years now. I’ve never tried to brine one, I will this year! Thanks again Malcolm

[@bobbycurbow3402]

I used this to smoke Thanksgiving turkey. It was such a hit, I’m using it again for Christmas dinner. Thanks for sharing

[@baileydannels831]

Right.....?

[@johnk2249]

I bought a smoker a month ago and thanks to you i have been hitting it out of the park. Thank you for all the tips and recipes.

[@jackdotzman2908]

Before finding you on KZbin my clothes size was a small, because of your fantastic smoking videos I️ am now up to a 1X, it’s not just me it’s my family, the neighbors and the inlaws, who are buying larger clothing, boy do you know how to cook on a smoker. We gotta give the food we fix on our smoker to somebody. You do a great job with your instructors on smoking meat. We will be ordering some items off your website. Again, thanks for helping us really turn out some fantastic meals following your instructions. JD in Missouri

[@MrMotovader]

Jack Dotzman I totally agree with you on that one bud! They say never trust a skinny Pitmaster 😁 Malcom is the man The Bomb Diggity of BBQ. Cheers

[@toohoney8674]

Nice to see a local commenting, from Leawood, KS. Have a happy thanksgiving

[@jackdotzman2908]

Spent 25 years in Leawood raising our girls then to Chicago, retired to Lake of the Ozarks.. The food we fix on our smoker is so much better since finding Malcom, he does a great job. Go Tigers.

[@jasonlinder6770]

This was the best Turkey ever hands down!!!!! Thanksgiving was a hit and there wasn't any left at all. Everyone said it was the best turkey they have ever had. Thanks for sharing this!!!

[@mattmann2541]

I did a tests run on this recipe two weeks ago, and the turkey came out AMAZING! In about an hour, i'm going to pull the two turkeys off for dinner and win Thanksgiving. Malcom, you are my hero!

[@theremingtonjames]

This man is a Legend 🏆

[@NightWindsMusic]

Anabolic turkey

[@Dundatta258]

@@NightWindsMusic lol both of them are lent ends in their craft.

[@andrebagby9652]

It's about that time again. This smoked Turkey was a hit last year. I've already started to prep my next one only this year I'm using pecan smoke pellets (in my pit boys tailgater smoker) and a homemade cajun seasoning. Can't wait.

[@nathanphillips8730]

If you’re trying to decide which way to go with smoking your turkey...please choose this recipe. You and everyone in your crowd will be happy you did. This one recipe changed our family’s turkey recipe for good.

[@heatherhajek2795]

Made this for christmas dinner 2017. It was so good! The flavors were light and not spicy. Everyone was able to eat it.

[@johnpawlakmusic1216]

Every recipe I've tried of yours has been right on! i'm prepping my 11 pounder for your smoking technique with a couple seasoning changes. My family don't like it too spicy so I'm going more for a fresh herb angle with rosemary and thyme in the brine. Thanks Malcolm, I got all your rubs on my Christmas list!

[@29render]

I am such a fan boy...I did this a couple of years ago and by the time I got done buying the toys and gadgets I had a small fortune invested...it turned out amazing! Doing this brine again this year

[@ericklein8783]

I made this yesterday on the Weber kettle and it was delicious. Family said it was the best turkey they've ever had.

[@gmanveis9687]

Thanks for the video! I tried my hand at this cajun smoked turkey and I had several family members tell me it was the best turkey they have ever had - thanks again! I've been tasked to recreate this cook for Christmas.

[@tmintonjr]

I used this recipe a couple of years ago, and will never smoke a turkey another way. It’s so good I had to smoke two turkeys last year just to have leftovers!

[@andrewrandenburg4095]

Tom Minton did it take a lot longer with 2?

[@tmintonjr]

Andrew Randenburg I use a GMG Daniel Boone pellet smoker. It was able to maintain the temperature with both turkeys in there. The time was the same.

[@timothyhanner8118]

This man is a god. I’m smoking a turkey for Thanksgiving this year.

[@qgill778]

Used this recipe to cook for my family and let me say this Smoked Turkey recipe is a hit in Kannapolis NC !

[@MillimeterDefeater720]

Malcom, you outdid yourself this round. You have an exceptional instructional speaking skill, not an easy one to master. Been watching your episodes, damn sure will keep watching them. Thanks!

[@gazhugs]

Cooked this recipe today, did a 9lb bird, only made 1 small mistake and have to say its the nicest flavored Turkey we have ever eaten, cooked it on a Weber Master Touch 57cm, took 3hrs 15mins in total, and got it to the temps you recommended, thanks for the recipe and your videos...we are doing this recipe for Christmas :-)

[@berhardt17]

You are my go to guide for anything I smoke. Keep up the good work!

[@tyso71]

i just wanted to thank you so much for all of your great videos. at first i was very intimidated about smoking and also buying a smoker. thanks to you i bought my first smoker and smoked some ribs and everyone loves them. keep up the great work and please keep making those great videos

[@RAIDERxNATION]

That looks awesome! He seems like the kind of dude u can crack a few cold ones with. Shout out from a Mexican American. Great vid!

[@abird2931]

Are there any houses for sale in your neighborhood? Preferably downwind if possible.

[@donb.1426]

Richard Crainium Heck, can I just move in?

[@gatorhammock1678]

Sure if you like the country one town and 7 miles to the south yeah 17 miles to the north mostly all ranches but not much to rain around here houses for sale land for sale land a farm on

[@coltoncaskey5781]

Gator Hammock what the hell did u just say

[@kellieweaver6321]

WwwzdfqQddwaqq. s

[@anthonynauden59]

He said. Imma cut another piece cause I'm not ashamed. 😆 I heard that! Great job, im trying this for Thanksgiving today have a great one everybody! Christ is King!!

[@mrsnibin6808]

That’s the best turkey I have ever seen in my life . Mind blowing thank u so much for sharing this incredible recipe n method xx

[@jerryjones3689]

Served both the Cajun turkey and your wife's sweet potato casserole on Thanksgiving. Big hits. Thank you for all of the great information!!!!!

[@mikoyanfulcrum1]

Sir,.. You are such a benefit to all on KZbin!!! Your videos are awesome!!!

[@calebkindsvater4538]

3:33 "If you feel a bone..." I couldn't help it. Love the show!

[@levithomas8093]

Wow!!! Thanks!!! Mr.Reed this is one unbelievable Turkey that me and my family have enjoyed today!!!

[@JBsBBQ]

Always good stuff my brotha!! i'm going to fire my pit up and do two for thanksgiving myself. your turkey videos have given me a guideline as to how i wanna do my Turkeys. thank you for sharing these videos bro!

[@ryisworld]

I love how passionate you are! I’m definitely going to be making this turkey!

[@cosplayprincess]

I am on a binge watching all the smoked Turkey videos because I am smoking mine the first time!

[@7porkchop8]

Thank you for the vid. First time smoking a turkey this year and I followed your video. Everyone was impressed as was I. Cant wait to try other recipes from your channel.Keep up the videos sir.

[@lisaalbarranquesada8524]

I made this last year and everyone loved it! Good thing I found your video again for this year 😃😎

[@thebigbody]

I did this version a couple of years ago off of the first video with smoked Turkey. And I smoke it every Thanksgiving now. Can't wait to start tomorrow!!

[@Doug6714]

Like that turkey. I have mine in my new camp chef pellet smoker. It has been on for 3 hours and 15 mns. I am smoking it low and slow and it is at 137 degrees now. Can't wait to see the final result. Keep the videos coming.

[@ctorg]

I am back pre game prepping for the 7th year in a row! Thank you Malcolm!!!

[@74beeper97]

The 91 people who gave this a thumbs down really meant to say "dis I like"

[@E-A-Z-Y]

Vegans

[@calvinthurston1441]

I cant believe anyone dis I likes that turkey....lame

[@chriscarlino2898]

​@@calvinthurston1441 People are so prejudice against Poultry Americans these days!

[@mitchellmanning1436]

Yep... vegans... this Turkey head my mouth watering

[@agentjohnson3973]

Cujuns cause he didnt stuff it with boudin 😂

[@jealousheavens]

This is going on my smoker this afternoon! First ever smoked Turkey. Brine smelled so good yesterday I cant wait to cook it.

[@4uchief]

Love your videos, Malcom. Just one suggestion from my experience. Let that turkey rest for a least an hour or even more... it will stay warm and be that much more juicy, as well as easier to handle. Can't wait for Thanksgiving!

[@christopherdudley8720]

Malcom you have a gift man. I get chills just thinking about how your food taste, purchasing a Yoder because of you.

[@nahtanoj92]

thank you malcom,i made this on monday and it came out super delicious ,everyone at home loved it !

[@jasonr.7993]

This will be my 4th run making this style bird. Can’t wait. So many compliments

[@trhowar]

Just used your method/recipe. Most flavorful and tender turkey I've ever had. By far. Thanks.

[@timpope1221]

My friend you should have your own cooking show, that was AWESOME !!

[@hockeyholic16]

This IS his cooking show lol

[@mrtito32]

Just tried this recipe and the family loved it! Very moist and flavorful! You've got a new fan, thanks.

[@sossmoss20]

Yet again, another awesome job! Thanks for a different take from the traditional turkey

[@poppysplace6572]

My 3rd Thanxgiving turkey! Absolutely a family favorite! Happy Thanxgiving!

[@raulolvera7401]

Malcolm I just want to thank you and I truly do live off of your videos

[@derekjohnson2598]

Bought a store bought Creole Butter and seasoning. Also found a brining kit on Amazon. It came out soooo good. Thanks so much for the video. Everyone loved it. It was juicy and flavorful throughout all of the meat.

[@discoverVNmusic]

Thank you, can’t wait to cook the turkey in 3 days, Cajun styles.

[@yeauxmagz]

me too! mine is soaking in the brine now.

[@funny22i]

You won't regret it. This is year three for me. Family can't get enough. We are doing two turkeys this year.

[@dryfuss1955]

Tried your method and it was by far the best I ever roasted. Cooked mine over mesquite & pecan wood. It was very moist and tasty....thanks !

[@connietaylor504]

Malcolm that was one BEE-U-TIFUL BIRD!! I have never smoked a turkey but plan to do so this Thanksgiving. I am going to use your recipe and smoking method and hope it comes out as nice as yours!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge, time and talents teaching others. God bless you!!💗

[@toddrobert3830]

I followed this pretty much verbatim on my Kamado and it was a huge Thanksgiving hit. Thank you for the recipe!

[@neodelrio]

I am making one like this today on the pellet grill, thanks for the great tutorial

[@FlexMoePower]

Trying this recipe on a 13lb bird. Legs tied & wings tucked makes it look so much better as well. Thanks for the video & tips! Keep them coming!

[@screamindemon811]

Damn Malcom that looks Awesome! Chris from MothersBBQ recommended your channel, and I have been binge watching the old stuff and the new ones as you post em. Not sure if I could get away with smokin a turkey at this time of night but manI sure am salivating over this cajun turkey recipe of yours. Gotta try this out!

[@Bigalv11]

Thanks Malcom just did mine today you were accurate 3 and a half hours and the taste was amazing

[@teresamurphy633]

Thanks Malcom, I have to say you know your stuff! I’ll tell my husband things like I know what I’m doing 😂 only because I try not to let him know I’ve teamed up with a pro😅😉 I think he’s on to me though! Thanks for your awesome expertise, and your personality is infectious! Thank you again sir! You know your stuff 👏🏾🙏🏾👏🏾🙏🏾👏🏾🙏🏾🤗🤗🤗

[@pcfriese4570]

My mouth is watering for turkey! Thanks Malcom!

[@jrposton1]

Have always had great results following your recipes. This turkey was a hit at my house this Thanksgiving! Keep up the good work, and happy holidays!

[@johncorsodvm]

Malcolm, love your passion. Can't wait to give this one a go. Have been making your ribs for years... Friends and family go crazy for them. I think this will be a hit as well!

[@PurpleChevron]

Yes! Master Yoder has returned.

[@lancec7027]

So I made this for Thanks giving (though I mixed the brine with your normal recipe and it turned out great)! Keep them coming Malcolm!

[@csmith-cl8gs]

Malcom is the king of Bbq for sure

[@anthonydidonato2838]

Made this yesterday. Phenomenal recipe, man!

[@willduzenski1653]

Man, you’re a damn genius! I’ve been trying to figure out how was gonna brine my turkey in something other than a bucket! Great idea brother! Love all you videos as well

[@veryykenzie8676]

I made this for my family this Thanksgiving (my first turkey btw) and they LOVED it! The entire bird was gone before I could get a piece 😂 flavorful & juicy

[@TheGreyshine]

Man I made this for thanksgiving and it was awesome thanks Malcom. IT WAS AWESOME!!!!

[@adambratcher6679]

Did you brine it or just inject it?

[@levithomas8093]

Mr. Reed I will smoke my first turkey this year. It looks great the way you cooked it.

[@milesherbst2172]

Be prepped for the time this takes to make everything. I did my first one following one of his other videos 2 years ago. The family loved it. Did this cajun one last year and they are all calling and making sure I'm making this one again. It's definitely not something you can throw together last minute so beware. But the time it takes is so worth it. Good luck!

[@cdoggy911]

You are the man MB! Appreciate all the videos I’ve learned a ton!

[@Ymenefee]

I made this with a chicken to practice minus the brining, today is Thanksgiving Eve and I just set my 14 lbs turkey to brine. if it comes out better than the chicken oh my goodness. So far everything smells amazing

[@thomas3439]

im watching this in june just savoring it waiting for thanksgiving

[@rueridge7597]

How can you not love a guy who says "I'm not ashamed" as he digs into families dinner early. LOL!! This is good stuff. Have used Tony Chacheres, Emerils Essence, Malcolm's blend in the brine and rub. All turned out delicious. Tony's a tad saltier and hotter. But not HOT. Merry Christmas to Malcolm and entire Killer Hogs crew!

[@PostalBarbecue]

Malcom, that is a great looking turkey! Those flavours are perfect.

[@jimmyadams6387]

Best smoked turkey ever! And by the way, if you have leftover meat, add it to your favorite chili, and that smoked turkey chili will be the best you ever had as well.

[@michaelcordisco209]

Happy Thanksgiving Malcolm! Your my go to guy for great eats all year long.

[@finny5093]

great cook.....man o man. you need a TV show. great channel and always a pleasure to watch. Thank You. Maybe upload a blooper video, if you have any. Always seems to be so perfect. A bbq legend. Hope you and the family have a wonderful Thanks Giving. More vids please

[@tynazelrod]

This recipe is awesome I did it for thanksgiving it was a big hit I am going to do it again for Christmas Eve thanks Malcolm

[@markmelton8676]

Really wanting to attempt this! I’m really liking your bbq area

[@user-oi1tb4ff5i]

Really liked you video..straight to the point and no useless stalling and prattling of the mouth like some idiots! This is the first video i have seen of yours and now i am interested in all the videos you posted. Im addicted!😊

[@mr.martinez7275]

I like the recap of what you did through out the cook @ the end. that really helped

[@johnfantozzi7365]

MAAAAAAAN Malcombe, I gotta thank Sir. You really couldn't do any better of a job of cooking and explaining how to do what YOU do with all all your cooking talent for all us wannabe home grillers out there. everything i see you cook i say i have to have it. Thank you again Malcombe for all the details on how to make a wonderful meal. HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you and your family Bro. :):):)

[@jward9637]

Thx Malcom I’m all about the Cajun smoked turkey!

[@lancepage4840]

Looks like another winner Malcolm