Brined Smoked Turkey Breast Recipe: The Best Way to Smoke a Turkey Breast

Brined Smoked Turkey Breast: A Delicious and Easy Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about the main course. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy turkey recipe, look no further than brined smoked turkey breast. This flavorful and moist turkey is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Brining is a simple process that involves soaking the turkey in a saltwater solution. This helps to tenderize the meat and add flavor. Smoking the turkey afterwards gives it a delicious smoky flavor.

This recipe is perfect for beginners, as it’s easy to follow and doesn’t require a lot of special equipment. So if you’re looking for a delicious and easy Thanksgiving dinner, give brined smoked turkey breast a try!

Ingredients	Instructions	Notes
– 1 (8-10 pound) turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on – 1 gallon water – 1 cup kosher salt – 1 cup brown sugar – 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar – 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce – 1 teaspoon garlic powder – 1 teaspoon onion powder – 1 teaspoon dried thyme – 1 teaspoon dried oregano – 1 bay leaf	1. In a large stockpot, combine the water, salt, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the salt and sugar. 2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. 3. Remove the pot from the heat and let cool completely. 4. Place the turkey breast in a large, non-reactive container. Pour the brine over the turkey, making sure it is completely submerged. 5. Cover the container and refrigerate for 24-48 hours, turning the turkey breast occasionally. 6. Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees F. 7. Remove the turkey breast from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. 8. Smoke the turkey breast for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. 9. Let the turkey breast rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving.	– The turkey breast can be brined for up to 72 hours. – The turkey breast can be smoked at any temperature between 225 and 275 degrees F. – The turkey breast can be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 170 degrees F.

Brined Smoked Turkey Breast Recipe

Ingredients

* 1 (7- to 8-pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
* 1 gallon water
* 1 cup kosher salt
* 1 cup brown sugar
* 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
* 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
* 1/4 cup dried oregano
* 1/4 cup dried thyme
* 1/4 cup black peppercorns
* 10 whole cloves
* 1 bay leaf

Instructions

1. In a large stockpot, combine the water, salt, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, thyme, peppercorns, cloves, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the salt and sugar. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Remove the pot from the heat and let cool completely.
3. Place the turkey breast in a large container or deep sink. Pour the brine over the turkey, making sure that it is completely submerged. Cover the container and refrigerate for 24 hours.
4. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. Season the turkey with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place the turkey breast on a roasting rack in the smoker. Smoke the turkey for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Tips

* For a more flavorful brine, use a mixture of apple juice and water instead of plain water.
* Add some fresh herbs, such as rosemary or sage, to the brine for extra flavor.
* If you don’t have a smoker, you can also cook the turkey breast in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the turkey for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Conclusion

This brined smoked turkey breast is a delicious and easy way to cook a Thanksgiving turkey. The brine helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful, and the smoking adds a smoky flavor that is perfect for the holidays. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Ingredients

* 1 (8-pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
* 1 gallon water
* 1 cup kosher salt
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
* 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tablespoon dried thyme
* 1 tablespoon dried oregano
* 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
* 1 bay leaf

Instructions

1. In a large pot or bucket, combine the water, salt, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved.
2. Place the turkey breast in the brine, making sure it is completely submerged. Cover the pot or bucket and refrigerate for 24 hours.
3. Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Remove the turkey breast from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels.
5. Smoke the turkey breast for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Tips

* To make sure the turkey breast is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* If you don’t have a smoker, you can also cook the turkey breast in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the turkey breast for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Baste the turkey breast with the brine every hour or so while it is smoking or baking. This will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
* Serve the turkey breast with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green beans.

Troubleshooting

* If the turkey breast is dry, it may have been overcooked. Try reducing the cooking time next time.
* If the turkey breast is tough, it may not have been brined long enough. Try brining the turkey breast for a longer period of time next time.
* If the turkey breast is not cooked through, it may not have been cooked at a high enough temperature. Try increasing the cooking temperature next time.

A brined smoked turkey breast is a delicious and easy way to cook a holiday turkey. This recipe is sure to please everyone at your next gathering.

Q: What is a brined smoked turkey breast?
A: A brined smoked turkey breast is a turkey breast that has been soaked in a salt water solution before being smoked. This process helps to add moisture and flavor to the meat, and also helps to make it more tender.

Q: What are the benefits of brining a turkey breast?
A: There are several benefits to brining a turkey breast, including:

* Moisture: The salt water solution helps to draw moisture into the meat, which results in a more juicy and flavorful turkey breast.
* Tenderness: The salt water solution also helps to break down the proteins in the meat, which makes it more tender.
* Flavor: The salt water solution adds flavor to the meat, which can be enhanced by adding herbs, spices, or other flavorings to the brine.

Q: How long do I need to brine a turkey breast?
A: The length of time you need to brine a turkey breast will depend on the size of the breast. For a small turkey breast (3-4 pounds), you will need to brine it for 2-4 hours. For a large turkey breast (5-7 pounds), you will need to brine it for 6-8 hours.

Q: What temperature should I smoke a turkey breast?
A: The ideal temperature for smoking a turkey breast is 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the meat to cook slowly and evenly, and will help to preserve the moisture.

Q: How long does it take to smoke a turkey breast?
A: The cooking time for a smoked turkey breast will vary depending on the size of the breast and the temperature of the smoker. For a small turkey breast (3-4 pounds), it will take about 2-3 hours to smoke. For a large turkey breast (5-7 pounds), it will take about 4-5 hours to smoke.

Q: What are some tips for smoking a turkey breast?
A few tips for smoking a turkey breast include:

* Use a good quality wood for smoking. Some good options include hickory, oak, or applewood.
* Brined the turkey breast before smoking. This will help to add moisture and flavor to the meat.
* Smoke the turkey breast at a low temperature. This will help to prevent the meat from drying out.
* Check the internal temperature of the turkey breast with a meat thermometer. The turkey breast is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when smoking a turkey breast?
A few common mistakes people make when smoking a turkey breast include:

* Not brining the turkey breast. This can result in a dry and tough turkey breast.
* Smoking the turkey breast at too high a temperature. This can also result in a dry and tough turkey breast.
* Not checking the internal temperature of the turkey breast. This can lead to undercooked or overcooked turkey breast.

Q: Where can I find more information about brining and smoking a turkey breast?
There are many resources available online and in libraries that can provide you with more information about brining and smoking a turkey breast. Some good resources include:

* [The Spruce Eats: How to Brine a Turkey Breast](https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-brine-a-turkey-breast-591568)
* [Serious Eats: The Science of Brining](https://www.seriouseats.com/the-science-of-brining-turkey-thanksgiving-2016)
* [Bon Apptit: How to Smoke a Turkey Breast](https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/how-to-smoke-a-turkey-breast)

In this blog post, we have discussed the key steps involved in making a brined smoked turkey breast. We have also provided a detailed recipe for this dish. We hope that you found this information helpful and that you will enjoy making this delicious and flavorful dish for your family and friends.

Here are some key takeaways from this blog post:

* Brining a turkey breast before smoking it helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
* The type of wood you use for smoking the turkey will impart its own unique flavor.
* Smoking a turkey breast takes time, but it is worth the wait for the delicious results.
* Brined smoked turkey breast is a great dish to serve for a holiday meal or any special occasion.