How to Smoke Wild Turkey Breast: Jeremiah Doughty's Recipe

Jeremiah Doughty's recipe for smoking wild turkey breast starts with a 12-hour brine before applying a BBQ rub that complements the wood-fired flavor perfectly. The process involves prepping and cooking the turkey breast with a detailed blend of spices to enhance the flavor.

Ingredients:

For Brine:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons cracked black pepper
• 4 cups cold water
• 1 turkey breast and deboned thigh, tied with skin-on

For Rub:

• 1/4 cup paprika
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons dried onion
• 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Steps:

1. Combine the brown sugar, salt, pepper, and water in a large bowl. Submerge the turkey in the brine and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
2. Remove and discard the brine. Preheat the Traeger grill to 180℉ with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
3. Prepare the rub by mixing all the ingredients in a medium bowl. Season the turkey with the rub.
4. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the turkey breast and place it on the grill, skin-side up. Smoke until the internal temperature reaches 160℉, approximately 5-8 hours.
5. Remove the turkey from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes, allowing the temperature to rise to 165℉.
6. Slice and serve with your favorite sides.

Perfectly Smoked Wild Turkey Breast

Smoking wild turkey breast is an art that brings out the rich, natural flavors of the meat while infusing it with the smoky essence of apple wood pellets. Jeremiah Doughty, a renowned wild game chef, offers a meticulous method that transforms a simple turkey breast into a gourmet delight. Here’s how to achieve that perfect smoked turkey breast that will be the star of any meal.

Preparation is Key

The journey to a flavorful turkey breast begins with a crucial step: brining. Brining not only imparts flavor but also ensures the meat stays moist during the long smoking process. Combine brown sugar, kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and cold water in a large glass bowl. Submerge the turkey breast and deboned thigh in the brine, ensuring it's fully covered. Refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours. This step is non-negotiable for achieving the best results.

Crafting the Perfect Rub

The rub is where the magic happens. It’s a blend of spices that will create a flavorful crust on the turkey. Mix paprika, garlic powder, dried onion, freshly ground black pepper, brown sugar, granulated sugar, chili powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt in a medium bowl. This combination of sweet, spicy, and savory elements ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Smoking to Perfection

Preheat your Traeger grill to 180℉ and ensure the lid remains closed to build up the heat. Once ready, season the turkey breast thoroughly with the prepared rub. Insert a temperature probe into the thickest part of the breast and place it on the grill, skin-side up. Smoke the turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 160℉, which typically takes 5 to 8 hours. Patience is essential here; the low and slow cooking process is what infuses the meat with that irresistible smoky flavor.

Rest and Serve

Once the turkey reaches 160℉, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, and the temperature will continue to rise to a perfect 165℉. Slice the turkey breast and serve it with your favorite sides for a meal that showcases the rich flavors of wild turkey enhanced by the smoky, wood-fired cooking process.

Conclusion

Smoking wild turkey breast using Jeremiah Doughty’s method is a rewarding culinary endeavor that elevates the natural flavors of the meat. The careful preparation, precise smoking technique, and perfect seasoning all come together to create a dish that is both impressive and delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice, this recipe will help you create a smoked turkey breast that is sure to impress your guests.