What Are Smoked Turkey Tails? A Juicy and Indulgent Treat Worth Trying

Smoked turkey tails are a uniquely delicious and indulgent treat that more backyard grillmasters are discovering If you haven’t tried smoking turkey tails yet, you’re missing out! In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about these smoky morsels and why you should add them to your smoker soon

Turkey tails are exactly what they sound like – the actual tail of a turkey including the skin meat, fat and bone. The tail is located right above the rear of the bird and is actually a muscle that holds those iconic turkey tail feathers.

While you may be used to just tossing the turkey tail in the trash after carving your Thanksgiving bird, this humble cut is worth a second look. According to the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, the turkey tail is composed of dark meat, much like the drumstick or thigh. This makes it rich, fatty and flavorful. In fact, a 4 ounce serving of turkey tail contains a whopping 36 grams of fat, making it one of the fattiest cuts of the bird. For comparison, a pork belly has around 60 grams of fat per 4 ounce serving, so turkey tails are sometimes referred to as “the pork belly of the bird”.

So while turkey tails aren’t the leanest or daintiest cut, their high fat content is precisely why they shine when hot smoked low and slow. The fat bastes the meat from the inside out as it renders, ensuring seriously juicy and tender smoked turkey tail.

How to Buy and Prep Turkey Tails for Smoking

Turkey tails are admittedly harder to find than basic cuts like breast or thigh. Many national grocery store chains don’t carry them, but you can sometimes find turkey tails in the frozen section of large stores like Walmart, especially leading up to Thanksgiving. Ethnic grocers like Asian and Latin markets are also a good bet for finding turkey tails. When buying them, look for turkey tails that are intact with the skin still on for the best results when smoking.

Prepping turkey tails is easy. Simply thaw if frozen, then rinse and pat dry. Use paper towels to remove any remaining feather follicles or quills. Then apply a dry rub, marinade or brine if desired. Keep it simple with just a basic salt, pepper and garlic rub to let the turkey’s rich flavor shine.

Choosing Your Wood and Smoker Setup

To add that quintessential smoky flavor, we recommend smoking turkey tails over a mild fruitwood like apple, cherry or pecan. Oak and hickory also pair nicely with poultry. For the ideal setup, go with a true smoker or offset smoker, but you can also use a standard charcoal or gas grill with indirect heat.

Aim to keep your smoker or grill between 250-275°F using indirect heat with a drip pan underneath the tails. This low and slow temperature helps render fat and develop that lovely color and tenderness.

Smoking Times for Juicy Turkey Tails

Smoking turkey tails takes around 2 – 3 hours depending on thickness. After the first hour, you’ll notice the fat start to render and bubble up beneath the skin. At around two hours, the tails take on a beautiful mahogany color. By 2 1/2 – 3 hours, they should be perfectly rendered, tender and ready to eat.

Always use a meat thermometer to gauge doneness rather than time alone. Turkey tails are safe to eat at 165°F, but for the best texture, we recommend smoking them to between 205 – 210°F. This extended low and slow smoking gives all that lovely fat a chance to melt and baste the meat.

Sauces and Rubs That Compliment Smoked Turkey Tails

One of the great things about turkey tails is that they pair well with lots of different seasonings and sauces. A sweet and sticky glaze is always a crowd pleaser. Try brushing the turkey tails with a honey bourbon glaze during the last 10-15 minutes of smoking for an added layer of sticky sweetness and color. A spicy dry rub also works wonderfully to cut through the richness. Or go classic with just a simple salt, pepper and garlic seasoning.

You can even chop up smoked turkey tails after cooking and mix it with your favorite barbecue sauce to make appetizers like smoked turkey tail sliders, tacos or nachos. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Up Your Smoked Turkey Tails

Okay, the turkey tails are smoked perfectly with that glistening mahogany hue. Now it’s time to serve them up and indulge!

You can absolutely serve smoked turkey tails whole for a unique presentation. Guests will be intrigued when a giant juicy turkey tail arrives at the table. Offer some moist towelettes for cleaning up those tasty fingers and digits.

For easier eating, simply chop or pull the meat and skin off the bone after smoking. Mix it up with your favorite sides to make tacos, sandwiches, nachos, beans, mac and cheese or more. The tender, smokey meat also shines when quickly seared in a hot skillet or broiler after smoking to crisp it up.

However you choose to serve them, smoked turkey tails always make for a fabulous, fatty and flavorful feast that feels a little special. They’re perfect for holidays, game day, or anytime you feel like getting your smoke on.

Frequently Asked Questions About Smoked Turkey Tails

Do you need to boil turkey tails before smoking them?

Nope, boiling is not required prior to smoking turkey tails, but some people do choose to parboil or braise them first for extra tenderness. Keep in mind this can result in less smoke absorption though.

Are there bones in smoked turkey tails?

Yes, there is a Y-shaped bone that runs through the center of the turkey tail. The meat is on either side of it.

How unhealthy are smoked turkey tails?

Turkey tails are high in fat and calories compared to lean cuts of poultry. A 4 oz serving provides around 820 calories and 65 grams of fat. However, they also supply 25 grams of protein and minerals like calcium and iron. Enjoy smoked turkey tails in moderation as an occasional indulgent treat.

Put Smoked Turkey Tails on Your Smoker Soon!