Smoked Sweet Tea Cajun Turkey

Sweet tea marinade turkey, smoked and cured turkey, turkey, festive feast, communal feast

APPS & SIDES

Jason

A ceiling full of the southern-style charm of unlocking a smoked turkey!

Prep Time

20 Min

Cook Time

3-4H

SERVINGS

6-8

Prep Time

20 Min

Cook Time

3H-4H

SERVINGS

6-8

Recommend

INGREDIENTS

Brine

1 gallon brewed sweet tea
1 cup kosher salt
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup Cajun seasoning
2-3 bay leaves, black peppercorns（optional）

Turkey

1 whole bone-in turkey breast or 2 boneless turkey breasts

Seasoning & Glaze

Cajun seasoning
Yellow mustard or oil
Butter
Honey or additional sweet tea reduction

TIPS

Brine 12-24 hours max—longer can make meat too salty.
Rinse and pat dry after brining for better bark formation.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Brine the turkey

Brew strong sweet tea and cool. Mix with kosher salt, brown sugar, Cajun seasoning, and optional aromatics. Submerge turkey breast in brine for 12-24 hours in fridge.

Step 2: Prep and season

Remove turkey from brine, rinse thoroughly, pat dry. Apply thin coat of mustard or oil as binder. Season heavily with Cajun seasoning on all sides.

Step 3: Preheat and start smoking

Preheat Z Grills to 250-275°F. Place turkey on rack or foil tray. Smoke until internal temp reaches about 150°F.

Step 4: Baste and continue

Baste with melted butter. Continue smoking until internal reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Glaze, rest & serve

Optional: Brush with honey or reduced sweet tea glaze in last 15-20 minutes for shine. Remove at 165°F, rest 15-20 minutes. Slice against grain and serve hot—juicy, smoky, sweet-tea Cajun perfection!