American, Cuisine

Smoked Turkey Wings Recipe

Ratings: (4.8/5 based on 150 reviews)

Servings: 4

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Smoked turkey wings recipe is a mouthwatering treat that is perfect for gatherings or game days or even to have a delicious twist on your favourite comfort food. If you are a fan of barbeque, these wings, with their rich, smoky flavour and juicy, tender meat, will satisfy your cravings. We are going to season them with a blend of spices that will be put to slow cook on the grill to get that perfection infused with wood-smoked goodness that your taste buds will adore. Smoked turkey wings work both ways, either you are a barbeque enthusiast or want to serve something special, this recipe will work wonders.

Smoked Turkey Wings Recipe – A Backstory

Origin – Smoked turkey is truly a delicacy whose origins lie in the American culture of barbequing. Turkey has been popular in various countries across the globe but it is especially popular in North America because of how it is linked to the Thanksgiving holiday. As for the part where we smoke the meat, this tradition could be traced back to the traditions of Native Americans where they used the method of smoking in order to preserve food. In the southern regions, smoking meat became an important part of the barbeque culture and hereby, turkey was brought in as an alternative to meats such as pork or beef.

Inspiration – The smoked turkey wings recipe is inspired by the traditional techniques of barbeque where when we slow cook the meat, it brings out the best of flavours. Turkey wings are often underutilized and thus, are a fantastic choice for smoking as they are known for absorbing the flavours well and thus become incredibly tender. Smoked turkey wings are a healthier alternative to deep fried wings while also delivering bold taste and satisfying textures.

Popularity – The popularity of smoked turkey wings have risen in recent times where it has become a popular choice for the barbeque enthusiasts while also serving the needs of casual cooks at the same time. The recipe serves as an alternative to fried wings or even smoked meats as it has the same rich, smoky flavour while also maintaining lower fat content. Chefs are always looking to diversify their BBQ menus and thus, the smoked turkey wings have received a devoted following at various barbeque joints as well as food festivals and even on social media. Also, people are always looking for healthier alternatives to red meat and thus, the turkey wings steal the spot.

Ingredients

For the Turkey Wings:

2 lbs turkey wings
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Dry Rub:

1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon brown sugar

For Smoking:

Wood chips (such as hickory or applewood), soaked in water for 30 minutes

Also read: The Ultimate Smoked Turkey Breast Recipe for Juicy, Flavorful Goodness

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Wings
First things first, you need to pat the turkey wings down with paper towels so as to remove the moisture. Then rub olive oil on each of the wings to help the seasoning stick to the meat and later get a golden brown texture.

Step 2: Make the dry rub
Take a small bowl where you mix all the seasonings together. Add your smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar. This spice mix will give the wings a smoky flavor while also maintaining a hint of sweetness.

Step 3: Season the turkey wings
Be generous while rubbing the spice mix on the turkey wings. Don’t hesitate to make a new bowl of seasonings if the ones you are using are over. Make sure that the turkey wings are well coated on each side. Now sit on the couch, and watch TV as your wings need to rest for 30 minutes to allow the flavours to soak in.

Step 4: Prepare the Smoker or Grill
Get your smoker or grill to preheat at 250°F (120°C). Now place the soaked wood chips in the smoker box or if you are using a charcoal grill, place them directly on the coals to create that smoky flavor.

Step 5: Smoke the Turkey Wings
Now place the seasoned wings on the smoker or on the grill grates while making sure that they are spaced out. This will allow the smoke to circulate around the grill and maintain an even texture on the meat. Close the lid and let the turkey wings smoke for 2 hours approximately or till they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are tender.

Step 6: Rest and Serve
After making sure that they are done, remove the turkey wings from the smoker and let them rest for 5-10 minutes as it allows the juices to settle. Serve them all hot and enjoy their juicy, smoky flavor.