From DN Recipes by David Nagy · Food & Beverage

TRAEGER BRINED SMOKED TURKEY

Published

  TRAEGER BRINED SMOKED TURKEY

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 (8-10 LB.) TURKEY BREAST
  • 2 TBSP. BUTTER, ROOM TEMPERATURE
  • 7 LEAVES FRESH SAGE
  • 1/2 TSP. GARLIC POWDER
  • 1/2 TSP. ONION POWDER
  • 1 TSP. SALT
  • 1 TSP. PEPPER
  • 6 QTS. WATER
  • 8 CUPS ICE
  • 1 CUP KOSHER SALT
  • 1/3 CUP BROWN SUGAR
  • 1/2 CUP MOLASSES

HERBED BUTTER:
  • 8 TBSP. BUTTER, AT ROOM TEMPERATURE
  • 1/4 CUP, PLUS MORE FOR GARNISH CHOPPED FRESH HERBS: PARSLEY, SAGE, ROSEMARY, AND MARJORAM OR OREGANO
  • 1 CLOVE GARLIC, FINELY MINCED
  • 1 TBSP. FRESH LEMON JUICE
  • 1 TSP. FRESH LEMON ZEST
  • 1/2 TSP. BLACK PEPPER, FRESHLY GROUND

PREPARATION
  • Place the following ingredients in a large pot: water, kosher salt, brown sugar, molasses, seasonings and fresh sage leaves.
  • Cook on medium heat until the water just starts to boil. Once salt and sugar has dissolved, remove from heat and add ice cubes. Ensure the brine has completely cooled before adding Turkey breast.
  • With Turkey submerged in brine, cover the whole dish with foil and place in your fridge for 24-32 hours.

  • Start the Traeger on Smoke with the lid open, about 4 to 5 minutes, until the fire is established.
  • Meanwhile, remove turkey from the brine and rinse well, inside and out.
  • Take a paper towel and pat the whole exterior of the turkey dry.

  • In a microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine the butter, chopped herbs, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt and pepper.
  • Gently work your fingers or the handle of a wooden spoon under the skin on the breast to loosen it from the meat. Insert 2 tablespoons of herb butter under the skin on each side of the breastbone, massaging it with your fingers to distribute it evenly and push out any pockets of air.
  • Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of herb butter in the microwave using medium-low heat. Brush the outside of the turkey breast with some of the melted butter. Save some and baste with the remaining butter after 1-1/2 hours.

  • Increase temperature to 375 and allow to pre-heat, lid closed, for 10 - 15 minutes.
  • Place turkey breast on the grill for cook for 2 hours and 15 minutes. An additional 15 minutes may be necessary, depending on the size of the bird.
  • Remove Turkey from the grill and allow the meat to rest for 10 - 15 minutes, so the juices can redistribute.