Memphis Style Smoked Turkey Recipe 415

Steps:

• Figure out how much oil you need to fill your fryer: Put the turkey in the empty fryer and cover with cold water. Remove the turkey; mark the line where the water is in the pot. Empty the water and dry the fryer and turkey well.
• Mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper in a bowl. Sprinkle some of the spice rub inside the cavity of the turkey. Separate the skin from the breast meat with your fingers, starting at the top of the breast and sliding to the right and left, then working down. Massage some of the rub onto the meat under the skin. Sprinkle the remaining rub on the turkey's skin. Place the turkey on a sheet tray and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight or up to 24 hours so the flavors can marry.
• Fill your fryer with peanut oil to the line you marked (do not fill more than three-quarters of the way). Preheat the oil to 400 degrees F; it will take about 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature as your oil heats. Once the oil reaches 400 degrees F, very carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil. (Most turkey fryers come with a basket for the turkey that has hooks and a handle to lower and lift; otherwise, get yourself a long set of sturdy tongs to grip the inside cavity and breast and an industrial kitchen fork to hold the back side of the bird.) Make sure the oil maintains its temperature while frying. Fry the turkey until the skin is dark golden brown and crisp, or until the internal temperature of the breast reaches 155 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, about 45 minutes. Carefully remove the turkey from the oil and let it rest and drain on a wire rack, about 30 minutes. Do not cover the turkey with foil or it will lose some of its crispness. The internal temperature will rise to 165 degrees F while resting. Transfer the turkey to a board or platter.

Steps:

• Mix rub together in a bowl, then place into an air tight container. Prepare a thawed turkey, remove the innards and skin, rinse off the turkey. Apply the rub with a light to medium coat. Place into a container large enough to hold the turkey, cover with foil or plastic wrap then place into fridge over night. Remove from fridge and place on counter allowing it to come up to room temperature. Prepare your smoker at this time and preheat it. Once your smoker has been preheated for 30 to 45 minutes start the smoke and place your turkey in the smoker. Smoke with apple, maple, oak for no more then 4 hours. If you like a stronger smoke use mesquite or hickory. Continue to cook until the internal temperature reaches 180°F. Remove and let rest 10 minutes prior to carving.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450°F.
• Place the legs in a 13x9-inch baking pan and sprinkle with the seasoned salt.
• Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the pan and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 1 hour.
• After 1 hour, gently uncover the pan and turn the legs over. Continue to bake for another hour.
• Remove from the oven and drain off any remaining water.
• Combine the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and glaze the turkey legs with the sauce.