Spatchcock Lemon Rosemary Smoked Turkey

Main MealPicnic FareIrish/English/Scottish Inspired

Ingredients:

  • 1 x 10lb (approx 5kg) whole frozen turkey
  • zest from 1 lemon
  • juice from 1 lemon
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
  • ¼ cup olive oil or butter (or non-dairy butter)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper

Directions:

  1. Defrost turkey completely in a sink filled with cold water, or in the fridge.
  2. Once thawed, spatchcock turkey (google “how to spatchcock a turkey” if unsure of the method), and lay flat, cut side down on a baking sheet.
  3. Preheat smoker to 350 degrees (or oven to 375 degrees).
  4. Zest, then juice the lemon into a bowl.
  5. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped rosemary, oil or butter, salt, and pepper to a small pot over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
  6. Using a basting brush, baste entire top of the turkey with half of the lemon mixture, set the rest aside.
  7. Place turkey directly on the smoker cut side down (or in the oven still ON the baking sheet) and cook for 2 hours, basting the turkey at the 1 hour mark with the remaining lemon mixture.
  8. Use a meat thermometer and be sure the temperature reaches 170 degrees on the thickest part of the turkey.
  9. Slice turkey and serve with your favorite healthy sides.