Smoked Turkey Wings - A Delicious Way To Enjoy Poultry

You know, for many people, turkey is often something saved for big holidays, a rather grand bird that takes a long time to get ready. But these wings, they offer all that great taste without quite so much fuss. They are a pretty good option for when you want that deep, savory taste but don't have all day to spend in the kitchen, you know? They are, to be honest, a whole lot easier to handle than a full turkey, yet they give you every bit of that wonderful flavor.

This little guide will walk you through making these wonderful smoked turkey wings, from getting them ready to serving them up. We'll talk about how to get that perfect smoky taste, how to make the skin nice and crisp, and what to put alongside them for a really good meal, like your favorite sides and sauces. You'll also get some tips on cooking them, and a few ideas for what to serve them with, too.

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Table of Contents

• What Makes Smoked Turkey Wings So Good?
• Getting Your Smoked Turkey Wings Ready
• How Do You Cook Smoked Turkey Wings Just Right?
• Making Smoked Turkey Wings Crispy
• What Sides Go Well With Smoked Turkey Wings?
• Storing Leftover Smoked Turkey Wings
• Can Smoked Turkey Wings Be Made Quickly?
• Serving Smoked Turkey Wings for Any Occasion

What Makes Smoked Turkey Wings So Good?

So, what exactly is it about smoked turkey wings that makes them such a favorite for so many people? Well, it's a combination of things, really. For one, these wings are like a bigger, more substantial version of a chicken wing, giving you more of that satisfying, meaty bite. They are, you know, often described as being like the dinosaur version of smoked chicken wings because of their rather impressive size.

Then there's the taste. These smoked turkey wings are usually given a very generous coating of a really flavorful barbecue dry rub. This rub, typically, has a bold taste that gets right into the meat. And then, of course, there's the smoke itself, often from wood like mesquite, which gives the meat a deep, smoky flavor that you just can't get any other way. That rich smoky flavor and the meat, which is really soft and easy to pull apart, make for a truly enjoyable experience, basically.

These smoked turkey wings are a truly delightful treat that brings together the savory taste of turkey with a wonderful smoky twist. Whether you're making food for a big family get-together or just feeling like a really tasty and filling meal, this recipe, you know, is pretty much sure to hit the spot. They give you all the happiness and good feelings of a tasty chicken wing, but in a much bigger package, which is nice.

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Getting Your Smoked Turkey Wings Ready

Before you even think about putting your smoked turkey wings into the smoker, there are a few simple things you'll want to do to get them ready. First off, you'll want to make sure the wings are nice and dry. You can do this by patting them down with some paper towels. This step, actually, helps make sure the outside of the wing gets nice and crisp when it cooks, which is pretty important for texture.

Next, you'll want to get your spice mix ready. You can combine brown sugar and various spices in a small bowl. This blend, typically, includes things like garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, and black pepper, with a little brown sugar added for a sweet and smoky kick. Once your rub is mixed, you'll want to give your smoked turkey wings a good seasoning with it. This helps the seasoning stick to the meat and, in a way, helps keep the meat moist while it cooks, which is really helpful.

Some folks, you know, might even brush the wings with a little olive oil, maybe two tablespoons, before adding the spice mix. This, basically, creates a good surface for the spice mix to really cling to. If you are using a barbecue sauce for marinating, like some people do, you might even let them sit in it overnight in the refrigerator. This, you know, helps the flavors really get into the smoked turkey wings.

How Do You Cook Smoked Turkey Wings Just Right?

Cooking smoked turkey wings to that perfect point of tender juiciness takes a little bit of care, but it's not overly complicated. You'll want to start by getting your smoker ready. This means preheating it to the right temperature. Once it's warm, you'll place the wings inside, making sure they are over indirect heat. This, you know, helps them cook evenly without burning.

As the wings cook, you'll need to add wood chips to your smoker and work to keep a steady amount of smoke going. Pecan wood chips are a good choice for this, but cherry or maple wood chips would also work very well, giving your smoked turkey wings a lovely flavor. The key here is to smoke them until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This usually takes about two hours, or so, for the smoking part.

To know for sure when your smoked turkey wings are done, you really need to use a meat thermometer. You'll want to put the meat thermometer into the thickest part of one of the turkey wings, making sure it doesn't touch any bone. According to the folks at the USDA, poultry, like these wings, must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees, just to be safe, you know.

Making Smoked Turkey Wings Crispy

While smoking gives your smoked turkey wings that wonderful flavor and tender texture, sometimes you want that extra bit of crispiness on the skin. There are a couple of ways to get this just right. After the wings have been smoked and have reached their internal temperature, you can move them to an oven. You'd bake them for about 15 minutes, or until they get even more crispy, which is pretty easy to do.

Alternatively, if you're using a grill, you can move the smoked turkey wings over the direct heat of the coals for this final crisping phase. This can give them a really nice browned and crisp outside. However, it's very important not to leave them alone during this step, as they can burn quickly. You'll want to keep a close eye on them, basically.

If you're using a grill for the crisping, you might want to put a little cooking oil on a folded paper towel and rub it on the hot side of the grill grates when it's at the right temperature. Then, you place the turkey wing sections on that hot side and cook them for about five minutes per side until they are nicely browned and crisp. This, you know, really helps achieve that lovely crispy skin on your smoked turkey wings.

What Sides Go Well With Smoked Turkey Wings?

When you're serving up these delicious smoked turkey wings, choosing the right sides can really make the meal sing. You know, the deep smoky flavor and tender meat of these wings pair wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. For a classic feel, serving them with a side of savory gravy as a dipping sauce can make them taste just like the holidays, which is pretty nice.

Some popular choices for sides include things like instant pot mashed potatoes, especially with gravy that you can make ahead of time. Garlic green beans are another excellent option that adds a fresh, vibrant element to the plate. These combinations, basically, create a really satisfying and complete meal that everyone can enjoy.

If you're looking for more ideas, there are many thanksgiving smoker recipes lists that offer great sides that go well not only with smoked turkey wings but also with a whole smoked turkey. Thinking about what goes well with smoked turkey in general will give you a lot of good ideas for these wings, too. It's really about finding what you like best, you know?

Storing Leftover Smoked Turkey Wings

After you've enjoyed your delicious smoked turkey wings, you might find yourself with some leftovers, which is a good problem to have! Knowing how to keep them fresh for later is pretty straightforward. You'll want to make sure they are cooled down properly before putting them away. This helps keep them safe and tasting good.

Once they've cooled, you can place them in an airtight container. This helps protect them from the air and keeps them from drying out in the refrigerator. They will usually stay good for a few days in the fridge, so you can enjoy them again for another meal or as a quick snack, which is convenient, you know?

If you're planning to keep them for a longer time, freezing them is also an option. Just make sure they are well wrapped or in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. This way, you can pull them out whenever that craving for smoked turkey wings hits again, which is pretty handy, actually.

Can Smoked Turkey Wings Be Made Quickly?

You might be wondering if making smoked turkey wings is a long process, especially since turkey can sometimes take a while to cook. The good news is, these are relatively quick to cook, at least for something that goes in a smoker. Despite their rather massive size, turkey wings actually do not take that much longer than chicken wings to cook, which is a pleasant surprise.

The entire process, from getting your wings ready to having them fully cooked, will only take about an hour and a half, or so. This includes all the preparation steps before they even hit the smoker. So, you don't have to wait for a big holiday to enjoy these tasty smoky wings. They are, basically, a much quicker way to get that great turkey flavor without dealing with a whole bird.

For example, some folks have found that simmering four wings for only an hour, not the usual 90 minutes, is plenty of time for them, especially if they were marinated overnight in barbecue sauce. Then, they might put them on a smoker for just an hour at a lower temperature, like 175 degrees Fahrenheit. This shows that, you know, there are ways to make them even faster if you're in a bit of a hurry.

Serving Smoked Turkey Wings for Any Occasion

These amazing smoked turkey wings are incredibly versatile, meaning they are perfect for enjoying on all sorts of occasions. Whether it's game day and you're looking for a satisfying snack, or you're planning dinner with the whole family, these wings fit right in. They are, basically, a great addition to your Thanksgiving day table too, offering a delicious alternative or complement to the traditional whole bird.

They make for a wonderful main dish, and many people love serving them with those instant pot mashed potatoes and make-ahead turkey gravy, along with garlic green beans. But honestly, no matter how you serve them up, they are sure to be a hit. They can be a fantastic backyard barbecue item, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or just some really good party food, you know?

If you're cooking for a crowd, it's a good idea to plan for one turkey wing for every two people, especially after you separate the drum and the wingette parts. This helps make sure everyone gets a good share of these tender and juicy smoked turkey wings. The magnificent smoky smell of the meat coming from your backyard is pretty much sure to draw in the neighbors, too, which is fun.

So, there you have it. Smoked turkey wings are not only tasty but also quite substantial. They are easy to make and give you turkey that is tender and juicy with a rich smoky flavor. You can learn how to cook them with your favorite barbecue rub and sauce, following easy steps, tips, and serving ideas for a delicious appetizer or main dish. You can find out how to get crispy skin, what wood chips to use, and what sides to serve with this delicious dish. You can also learn how to make them in about two hours with a honey hickory rub, or with any other rub you prefer. These wings are a great choice for anyone who might be a bit tired of eating the same old, rather plain turkey.