Can You Boil Smoked Turkey? The Simple Guide to Cooking Smoked Meat

Smoked turkey is a delicious and flavorful meat that is commonly enjoyed around the holidays. But sometimes you may want to reheat leftover smoked turkey or prepare it in a way that enhances the smoky flavor even further. This leads many home cooks to wonder – can you boil smoked turkey?

The short answer is yes, you can absolutely boil smoked turkey to reheat it or infuse it with even more flavor. While smoked turkey is already fully cooked when you purchase it from the store, boiling it in broth, herbs, spices, and vegetables is an easy way to keep the meat moist and tender. It also allows the smoky flavor to permeate throughout the meat.

In this article we will walk through everything you need to know about boiling smoked turkey at home, from tips for choosing the right turkey to steps for preparing and cooking smoked turkey in broth. Keep reading for the complete guide to boiling smoked turkey successfully!

How to Choose a Smoked Turkey for Boiling

When selecting a smoked turkey to boil here are a few things to look for

• Weight – For easier cooking and food safety, choose a smaller smoked turkey breast or turkey legs rather than a whole large bird. Aim for cuts that are 5 lbs or less.

• Pre-cooked – Make sure the turkey you select is fully cooked and smoked. The product details should clarify this. Raw turkey requires very different cooking methods.

• Sodium level – Opt for a low or reduced sodium smoked turkey, if possible, especially if you plan to boil it in broth or stock. Otherwise, it may end up overly salty.

• Skin on or off – Go with your preference here. Skin-on turkey will yield crispier skin when boiled, while skinless may be easier to work with.

Following these tips will ensure your smoked turkey is perfectly primed for boiling!

How Long to Boil a Smoked Turkey

The amount of time needed to properly boil smoked turkey depends on a few factors:

• Size – Smaller cuts like turkey breast or drumsticks will boil faster than a whole turkey. Plan for around 30-45 minutes for pieces.

• Temperature – A gentle simmer is best, so keep the broth at a low boil. Rapid boiling can cause the meat to get rubbery.

• Desired texture – Boil turkey just until heated through and tender for 15-30 minutes, or longer if you want it very soft and shred-able.

For the best results, boil smoked turkey cuts for approximately 30 minutes and up to 1 hour at a gentle simmer. Use a thermometer to check for doneness.

How to Boil Smoked Turkey Perfectly

Follow these simple steps for tender, juicy boiled smoked turkey every time:

Ingredients:

• 3-5 lbs smoked turkey breast, drumsticks, thighs or wings
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 4 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse smoked turkey under cool water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Place turkey into a large pot and add broth, onion, carrots, garlic, bay leaf, and any fresh herbs.
3. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
4. Cover the pot and allow turkey to simmer for 30-60 minutes until heated through and fork tender.
5. Check temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure turkey reaches 165°F internally.
6. Remove turkey from broth and serve warm. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

The vegetable-infused broth keeps the turkey moist while adding extra flavor. Feel free to add any other seasonings you enjoy too!

Tips for the Best Results

• For easy shredding, boil turkey up to 2 hours until very tender.
• Use low sodium broth and season turkey judiciously after cooking to control saltiness.
• Add garlic, onion, peppers, celery, carrots, or other vegetables to the broth for extra flavor.
• Reserve the broth after cooking to make soups or gravy.
• Slice or shred the turkey and use it to top salads, make sandwiches, tacos, casseroles, and more!

Common FAQs

Is it safe to boil fully cooked smoked turkey?

Yes, as long as you follow proper food safety guidelines like maintaining temperature control. Boiling smoked turkey is safe and even recommended for thoroughly heating and moisture retention.

Does boiling smoked turkey make it more tender?

Absolutely! The gentle moist heat helps break down collagen and connective tissues in the meat, making it incredibly tender and juicy.

What’s the best way to store leftover boiled smoked turkey?

Let the turkey cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze boiled turkey for longer storage.

Time to Try Boiling Smoked Turkey!

As you can see, boiling smoked turkey is an easy cooking method that results in amazing texture and flavor. The simmering broth keeps the turkey moist and takes its smoky taste to the next level. We recommend giving this a try the next time you have leftover holiday turkey or any smoked meat you want to repurpose!

Let us know if you have any other questions about boiling smoked turkey and enjoy this yummy and versatile ingredient.