Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast Recipe

Overview:

This article provides a detailed recipe for preparing a brined and smoked turkey breast, perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion. The process involves a brine to lock in juices and flavors, followed by slow smoking and roasting for a delicious and memorable meal.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Pellets: Turkey Blend
• Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• Brine:

  • 8 quarts water
  • 1 cup plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 7 fresh sage leaves
  • Ice
  • 1 (8-10 lb) turkey breast

• Rub:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub

Instructions:

1. Make the brine: Combine water, salt, brown sugar, molasses, garlic salt, onion powder, pepper, and sage leaves in a large pot. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat and add ice to cool completely.
2. Brine the turkey: Submerge the turkey breast in the brine, ensuring it stays fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours.
3. Preheat the grill: Set the Traeger to 375°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
4. Prepare the turkey: Rinse the turkey breast well and pat dry. Spread butter over the skin and season with Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub.
5. Smoke the turkey: Insert a probe into the thickest part of the breast and place the turkey directly on the grill grates. Smoke until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 2-2.5 hours.
6. Rest and serve: Remove the turkey from the grill and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips and Additional Information:

• Thanksgiving Tips & Tricks: The article includes a guide to smoking turkey, including tips on buying, brining, rubs, smoking woods, and cooking times.
• Product Recommendations: Various Traeger products are recommended for the best results, such as wood pellets and rubs.

Perfectly Brined and Smoked Turkey Breast

Thanksgiving is all about family, gratitude, and, of course, an unforgettable feast. This year, impress your guests with a perfectly brined and smoked turkey breast, bursting with flavor and juiciness. Follow this step-by-step guide to prepare a turkey breast that will be the star of your holiday table.

The Art of Brining: 

Brining is a crucial step in ensuring your turkey breast stays moist and flavorful. This process involves soaking the turkey in a seasoned saltwater solution, allowing the meat to absorb moisture and seasoning. For this recipe, you'll need 8 quarts of water, kosher salt, brown sugar, molasses, garlic salt, onion powder, black pepper, and fresh sage leaves. Simmer the ingredients to dissolve the salt and sugar, then cool the brine with ice before submerging the turkey breast. Let it brine in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.

Smoking to Perfection:

After brining, rinse and pat dry the turkey breast. Rub it generously with unsalted butter and Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub for an added layer of flavor. Preheat your Traeger grill to 375°F and prepare to smoke the turkey. Place the turkey breast directly on the grill grates and smoke it until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This should take about 2 to 2.5 hours. The slow smoking process infuses the meat with a rich, smoky flavor while keeping it tender and juicy.

Rest and Serve:

Once the turkey breast is perfectly smoked, let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful. Serve your smoked turkey breast with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that will be remembered long after the holiday is over.

By following these steps, you'll create a brined and smoked turkey breast that's not only delicious but also a testament to the art of outdoor cooking. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a beginner, this recipe will help you deliver a show-stopping centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast. Happy cooking and happy Thanksgiving!