Are smoked turkey tails good to eat?

Yes, smoked turkey tails are delicious and flavorful , especially for those who enjoy rich, fatty cuts. Their smoky taste and tender texture make them ideal for soul food dishes, stews, and BBQ platters. When cooked properly, they become fall-apart tender and infuse deep flavor into anything they touch—from greens to rice and beans.

How long does it take for smoked turkey tails to get done?

Even though smoked turkey tails are often pre-cooked, they still need 45 to 90 minutes of simmering or baking to reach ideal tenderness. Boiling takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. If they’re raw and you're smoking them yourself, expect 2.5 to 3 hours at 250°F. The goal is to fully render the fat and soften the meat.

What part of the turkey is smoked turkey tail?

The turkey tail comes from the rear end of the bird , right where the feathers attach. It’s a small, fatty cut with a little meat and a lot of flavor. It’s sometimes referred to as the “bishop’s nose” and was once considered scrap, but has now earned popularity thanks to its savory taste and culinary versatility.

What do you do with the turkey tail?

Turkey tails are extremely versatile. You can: Simmer them in beans or collard greens Roast or bake them for crispy skin Add them to rice dishes for richness Smoke them low and slow for BBQ Use the rendered fat to enhance flavor in soups or stews They’re great as a flavor base or the star of the plate, depending on how you cook them.

Smoked Turkey Tails: The Best Guide for Flavor & Cooking

Description

Smoked turkey tails are a flavorful and traditional Southern favorite, known for their rich, smoky taste and versatility in comfort dishes like greens, beans, and rice.

Ingredients

Scale

2–3 smoked turkey tails
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp black pepper
Optional: chili flakes, apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Rinse turkey tails and place in a large pot.
Add enough water to cover the tails.
Add onion, garlic, and seasonings.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 1–1.5 hours.
Serve alone, over rice, or use the broth for greens.

Notes

For crispy skin, bake at 375°F for 45–60 minutes or smoke raw tails at 250°F for 2.5–3 hours. Always rinse smoked tails before cooking to control saltiness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 90 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Boiling or Baking
Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tail
Calories: 325
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 13g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: smoked turkey tails, soul food, southern cooking, turkey tails, comfort food