Big Green Egg Turkey Breast: A Cheat Sheet for Perfect Results

Big Green Egg Turkey Breast Cheat Sheet

The holidays are coming up, and that means it’s time to start thinking about your Thanksgiving turkey. If you’re planning on cooking your turkey on a Big Green Egg, you’ve come to the right place. This cheat sheet will give you everything you need to know to smoke a perfect turkey breast on your Big Green Egg.

We’ll cover everything from choosing the right turkey to smoking and carving it. So whether you’re a Big Green Egg novice or a seasoned pro, this cheat sheet will help you make the best turkey breast of your life.

What You’ll Need

* A Big Green Egg
* A Big Green Egg Turkey Breast Probe
* A Big Green Egg Thermometer
* A Spray Bottle
* A Meat Thermometer
* A Cutting Board
* A Sharp Knife
* Paper Towels
* Aluminum Foil
* Butcher’s twine

Preparing Your Turkey Breast

1. The first step is to thaw your turkey breast. If you’re thawing it in the refrigerator, give yourself at least 24 hours. If you’re thawing it in a sink full of cold water, change the water every 30 minutes.
2. Once your turkey breast is thawed, rinse it under cold water and pat it dry.
3. Remove the giblets from the cavity of the turkey breast.
4. Cut a 1-inch deep pocket in the thickest part of the turkey breast.
5. Stuff the pocket with your favorite stuffing.
6. Tie the turkey breast up with butcher’s twine.

Smoking Your Turkey Breast

1. Preheat your Big Green Egg to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the turkey breast on the grill grate, breast side up.
3. Smoke the turkey breast for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Baste the turkey breast every hour with your favorite barbecue sauce.
5. Remove the turkey breast from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Carving Your Turkey Breast

1. Carve the turkey breast against the grain.
2. Serve the turkey breast with your favorite sides.

Enjoy!

Temperature	Time	Instructions
325F	5-6 hours	Preheat your Big Green Egg to 325F. Truss your turkey breast. Place the turkey breast breast-side up on the grill grate. Cook for 5-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F.
350F	4-5 hours	Preheat your Big Green Egg to 350F. Truss your turkey breast. Place the turkey breast breast-side up on the grill grate. Cook for 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F.
400F	3-4 hours	Preheat your Big Green Egg to 400F. Truss your turkey breast. Place the turkey breast breast-side up on the grill grate. Cook for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F.

Introduction

A big green egg is a versatile outdoor cooking appliance that can be used to cook a variety of dishes, including turkey breast. This cheat sheet will provide you with all the information you need to choose, prepare, cook, and carve a turkey breast on your big green egg.

Choosing the Right Turkey Breast

When choosing a turkey breast for your big green egg, there are a few factors to consider:

* Size and weight: The size of the turkey breast will determine how long it will take to cook. A general rule of thumb is to allow 1 hour of cooking time per pound of turkey breast.
* Bone-in or boneless: Bone-in turkey breasts are more flavorful, but they also take longer to cook. Boneless turkey breasts are easier to cook, but they can be dry if not cooked properly.
* Fresh or frozen: Fresh turkey breasts are more flavorful, but they also have a shorter shelf life. Frozen turkey breasts are more convenient, but they can be tough if not thawed properly.

Preparing the Turkey Breast

Before cooking your turkey breast, you will need to prepare it by thawing, brining, or marinating it.

* Thawing: If you are using a frozen turkey breast, you will need to thaw it before cooking it. The best way to thaw a turkey breast is to place it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. You can also thaw a turkey breast in the microwave, but this is not recommended as it can dry out the meat.
* Brining: Brining is a process of soaking the turkey breast in a salt water solution. This helps to add flavor and moisture to the meat. To brine a turkey breast, combine 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of salt, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar in a large container. Submerge the turkey breast in the brine and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
* Marinating: Marinating is a process of soaking the turkey breast in a flavorful liquid. This helps to add flavor to the meat. To marinate a turkey breast, combine your favorite marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Submerge the turkey breast in the marinade and refrigerate for 4-6 hours.

Cooking the Turkey Breast

Once you have prepared your turkey breast, you are ready to cook it. There are two main methods for cooking turkey breast on a big green egg: smoking and grilling.

* Smoking: Smoking is a slow and low-temperature cooking method that imparts a smoky flavor to the meat. To smoke a turkey breast, preheat your big green egg to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey breast on the grill grate and smoke for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Grilling: Grilling is a high-temperature cooking method that sears the meat and creates a crispy crust. To grill a turkey breast, preheat your big green egg to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey breast on the grill grate and grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Resting

After cooking your turkey breast, it is important to let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy turkey breast.

Carving and Serving the Turkey Breast

Once your turkey breast has rested, you are ready to carve it and serve it. To carve a turkey breast, use a sharp knife to slice it against the grain. Serve the turkey breast with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Cooking a turkey breast on a big green egg is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this holiday classic. By following these tips, you can be sure to cook a perfectly cooked and flavorful turkey breast every time.

Additional Tips

* If you are cooking a large turkey breast, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* To check the internal temperature of the turkey breast, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* When carving the turkey breast, be careful not to overcook the meat. The meat should be slightly pink in the center.
* Serve the turkey breast with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Big Green Egg Turkey Breast Cheat Sheet

This cheat sheet will provide you with all the information you need to cook a perfect turkey breast on your Big Green Egg.

Ingredients

* 1 (8-10 pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat your Big Green Egg to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey breast under cold water and pat dry.
3. Rub the turkey breast with the olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme.
4. Place the turkey breast breast-side up on the grill grate.
5. Cook the turkey breast for 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Baste the turkey breast with the melted butter every 30 minutes.
7. Remove the turkey breast from the grill and let rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Tips

* To make sure the turkey breast is cooked all the way through, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* If you don’t have a Big Green Egg, you can also cook the turkey breast in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the turkey breast for 2-2 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Baste the turkey breast with the melted butter every 30 minutes while it’s cooking.
* Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Conclusion

A perfectly cooked turkey breast is a delicious and impressive centerpiece for any holiday meal. With this cheat sheet, you’ll be able to cook a turkey breast that is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time.

Q: What is the best way to cook a turkey breast on a Big Green Egg?

A: There are a few different ways to cook a turkey breast on a Big Green Egg, but the most popular method is to smoke it. To do this, you will need to:

1. Preheat your Big Green Egg to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Truss your turkey breast and place it in a roasting pan.
3. Fill the roasting pan with water to about halfway up the sides of the turkey breast.
4. Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil.
5. Smoke the turkey breast for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Remove the turkey breast from the Big Green Egg and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Q: How long does it take to cook a turkey breast on a Big Green Egg?

A: The cooking time for a turkey breast on a Big Green Egg will vary depending on the size of the breast, but it will typically take between 3-4 hours.

Q: What temperature should I cook a turkey breast on a Big Green Egg?

A: The ideal temperature for cooking a turkey breast on a Big Green Egg is 225 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the turkey breast to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful finished product.

Q: What wood should I use to smoke a turkey breast on a Big Green Egg?

A: There are a variety of woods that can be used to smoke a turkey breast on a Big Green Egg, but some of the most popular options include hickory, oak, and apple. The type of wood you use will impart its own unique flavor to the turkey breast, so experiment with different woods until you find one that you like.

Q: How do I prevent my turkey breast from drying out when I cook it on a Big Green Egg?

A: There are a few things you can do to prevent your turkey breast from drying out when you cook it on a Big Green Egg. First, make sure to brine the turkey breast before cooking it. This will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful. Second, cook the turkey breast at a low temperature (225 degrees Fahrenheit) and avoid overcooking it. Finally, tent the turkey breast with aluminum foil after it has been cooked to help keep it moist.

Q: What are some tips for carving a turkey breast on a Big Green Egg?

A: Here are a few tips for carving a turkey breast on a Big Green Egg:

* Let the turkey breast rest for 10-15 minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the meat easier to carve.
* Use a sharp knife to carve the turkey breast. A dull knife will make the meat tough and difficult to cut.
* Start by carving the breast in half lengthwise. Then, cut each half into thin slices.
* Serve the turkey breast immediately or keep it warm in a covered dish.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when cooking a turkey breast on a Big Green Egg?

A: Here are a few common mistakes people make when cooking a turkey breast on a Big Green Egg:

* Overcooking the turkey breast. The ideal internal temperature for a turkey breast is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Overcooking the turkey breast will dry it out and make it tough.
* Not brining the turkey breast. Brining the turkey breast before cooking it will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
* Using too much wood. Using too much wood will create a harsh smoke flavor that will overpower the flavor of the turkey breast.
* Not letting the turkey breast rest. Letting the turkey breast rest after it has been cooked will allow the juices to redistribute and make the meat easier to carve.

In this Big Green Egg Turkey Breast Cheat Sheet, we have covered everything you need to know to smoke a perfect turkey breast on your Big Green Egg. We have discussed the different brines and rubs that you can use, as well as the optimal temperature and cooking time. We have also provided tips on how to reheat and carve your turkey breast.

With this cheat sheet, you will be able to smoke a delicious and juicy turkey breast that will impress your guests. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!