Turkey Breast Questions

I

IRGoode

New member
This is only my second smoke in the SI so I thought I should ask a few questions before I mess this bird up. I have a 9lb turkey breast that contains a 15% solution. It is a HoneySuckle White if that maters. I plan to smoke at 250 from the start with 3oz cherry wood. My questions are should I use a water pan, how long should it take to get to 165IT, and should I brine? It seems like I remember reading on here somewhere that some don't brine with that high of a solution already in it. Thanks in advance for your help.
 
Hello Bob,

You probably wouldn't want to brine a bird that is in a 15% solution.

I use water pans in pretty much all of my smokes "except" for Poultry, Jerky, Fish, and Sausage.

The one exception would be for poultry with the skin removed.
 
+1.  As for time to get to 165IT, I have done 7# turkey breasts that required about 4 hours at 225F to reach 165.  Smoking at 250F will speed things up a bit, but for a 9# breast, I think you are still looking at likely 4 hours or so.
 
I agree with no brine, and no water pan for a skin-on breast.  Seasoning can be a simple olive oil coat and something like Lawry's Chicken and Poultry Rub.  I get that at Sam's, and it has a real "traditional" flavor (salt, rosemary, garlic, onion, etc.).  You can also inject - check out the Brines section for ideas.
 
Thanks guys I will count on 4 to 5 hrs, no brine, no water pan, and rub with Tony's Chachere's. My wife is a Cajun who puts Tony's on everything. I would hate to get all 98 lbs of her ticked off! One reason I bought this smoker was to plump her up a bit. Worked on the chicken, she thought it was very good. She is up to 98.5!!! Thanks again.
 
Turned out good. 5 hours total on the smoke. My neighbor said it was the best smoked turkey he ever had. Obviously the smoker is great because I am still just learning. Thanks for all the advice.
 

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She had 2 sandwiches John which is saying a lot for someone that usually orders a wataburger junior so I think she liked it! Definitely more important!
 
Hey Bob, really nice looking breast. Where did you purchase it if I might ask? Hope it was Wal-Mart or Sams Club.
 
Bill the wife bought it at Walmart. I am hoping Walmart ribs are good because that is about the only place she shops. Kroger some time but mostly Wally World.
 
If you have a Sam's Club or Costco, you will find their quality is much better especially for ribs.
 
Hey Bob, I agree with Greg, Sam' Club for ribs or if you have a restaurant depot they also have good ribs. Can give you instructions for restaurant depot if you have one close.
 
Well dammit! I'd love to give the Sam's club ribs a try but my wife has been on a vigil to boycott Wal Mart and everything associated since July 3, 2003 due to an "incident"...I know that because I've heard the story 5000 damn times! I may have to go rogue and hang around the parking lot and try to score a sleazy rib deal with one of the customers. Hope I don't get busted.
 
Hey Tim, nothing says you cannot go to sam's on your own get the ribs and remove the tag b/4 getting home. That way will be your secret, once she tries them she may change her mind about the boycott. And let you purchase meat ie, ribs, pork butts, and brisket from sam's. Do you have a restaurant depot close to your home?
 
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