How Long Should You Let a Smoked Turkey Rest?

After hours of slow-smoking, your turkey is finally ready to come off the grill or smoker. But don’t carve into it right away! Letting the turkey rest is a crucial step for maximizing moisture and flavor Follow this guide to learn just how long you should let a smoked turkey rest.

Why Resting Smoked Turkey Matters

It may be tempting to dive right into slicing that juicy, smoky turkey fresh off the smoker But resist the urge! Resting gives the juices and proteins in the meat time to redistribute and reabsorb This prevents them from spilling out onto your cutting board.

According to experts, resting allows for:

• More even moisture distribution for juicier meat.
• Improved texture as proteins reabsorb.
• Locked in smoky flavor.
• Easier, cleaner carving.

Letting the turkey sit post-cook also allows its internal temperature to continue rising a few degrees to ensure it reaches safe doneness.

How Long Should You Rest Smoked Turkey?

For ideal results, plan to let your smoked turkey rest for 20-30 minutes after removing it from the heat source.

Some chefs even recommend resting for up to 1-2 hours for large whole turkeys over 20 pounds. The longer rest within this window allows for more thorough moisture redistribution.

General guidelines for resting times:

• Whole turkey (12-15 lbs): 20-30 minutes
• Whole turkey (15-20 lbs): 30-45 minutes
• Whole turkey (20+ lbs): 45 mins – 1 hour
• Turkey breast (5 lbs): 15-20 minutes

The thickness and size of the turkey impacts total resting time. Tailor times based on the weight and dimensions of your particular bird.

Better to rest too long than not long enough. An extra 10-15 minutes resting never hurts!

Should You Cover the Turkey While Resting?

You have two options when it comes to covering or tenting the rested turkey:

Uncovered

Leaving the turkey uncovered is ideal if you want to preserve the crispy, browned skin. The open air will help keep it crisp.

Loosely Tented with Foil

To retain more heat and moisture, loosely tent the turkey with aluminum foil. However, this steam will soften the skin.

If crispy skin is essential, rest uncovered. If keeping it as hot and moist as possible is more important, tent it loosely with foil.

What Happens If You Don’t Rest the Turkey?

Skipping the resting period results in a dry, tough turkey. Without time to redistribute, the juices end up on your cutting board rather than in the meat.

Carving too soon also causes the proteins to squeeze out moisture. And the turkey won’t have time for the internal temperature to finish rising to the safest level.

Bottom line: Skipping resting means you miss out on juicy, flavorful meat.

Step-by-Step Guide to Resting Smoked Turkey

Follow these simple steps for properly rested smoked turkey:

1. Check Internal Temp

Use an instant read thermometer to check temperature in the thickest part of the breast and thigh. Once it reaches 160°F, remove from smoker.

2. Transfer to Platter or Pan

Carefully move the smoked turkey from the smoker to a platter, pan or carving board.

3. Let Sit 20-30 Minutes

Allow turkey to rest for 20-30 minutes (or up to an hour for large birds). Do not cut into it during this time.

4. Check Temperature

Double check the internal temperature to ensure it has risen to 165°F minimum.

5. Carve and Serve

Once fully rested, use a sharp knife to carefully carve the turkey and serve immediately.

The short wait is well worth it for more flavorful, juicy smoked turkey!

Common Smoked Turkey Resting FAQs

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about letting smoked turkey rest:

Should you rest turkey breast and other cuts?

Yes, all turkey portions benefit from resting. Whole birds just need more time than smaller cuts like breast.

Can you rest turkey in a cooler or oven?

Yes, placing in an insulated cooler or warming oven extends resting time. Keep temperature above 140°F.

Is smoked turkey safe at room temp for 2 hours?

Turkey held between 40-140°F for over 2 hours can grow dangerous bacteria. Refrigerate or reheat leftovers.

Should you rest stuffing separately from turkey?

For food safety, cook stuffing in a baking dish separate from turkey. Still rest both before serving.

Can you rest turkey in a faux cambro?

A faux cambro helps retain heat and extend resting time. Place foil-wrapped turkey in a cooler lined with towels.

Can you rest turkey too long?

Within reason, no. Turkey can rest up to 2 hours if kept warm. After that, cool and refrigerate the leftovers.

Should you make gravy while turkey rests?

Yes, use the 20-30 minutes to prepare gravy using the drippings for maximum flavor.

7 Tips for Resting and Carving Smoked Turkey

Follow these tips and tricks for success when letting your smoked turkey rest:

• Always rest turkey breast-side down so juices absorb back into the breast meat.

• Loosely tent with foil if you want to retain moisture and heat.

• Use a digital food thermometer to accurately check doneness.

• After resting, double check temperature before carving.

• Let turkey rest on a wooden or other heat-safe surface, not plastic or glass.

• Sharp knives make cleaner cuts and prevent tearing of the meat.

• Pour any accumulated juices from resting over the carved turkey to keep it moist.

Start Carving Up Perfectly Smoked and Rested Turkey

Armed with this advice, you can confidently smoke a turkey knowing just how long to let it rest afterwards. A short waiting period delivers big rewards in taste and texture.

Now relax and look forward to juicy, flavorful smoked turkey worth sharing with family and friends. Just be sure to keep them away until the full resting time is up!