Turkey Breast Questions

[IRGoode]

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.

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[NDKoze]

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.

[swthorpe]

+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.

[TejasMike]

Looking at the same thing.   Would you guys season in someway?

[DivotMaker]

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.

[IRGoode]

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.

[DivotMaker]

Ha!  Sounds like a good plan, Bob!  Everything's better with a little Tony's!

[IRGoode]

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.

[jcboxlot]

Nice!   'tis the season.

Your neighbor liked it but how about the wife!   Which counts:)

[swthorpe]

Nice job, Bob!  The breast looks great from here!

[IRGoode]

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!

[gregbooras]

Bob,

The turkey looks great, nice job!

Greg

[DivotMaker]

Looks great, Bob!  Nice job, Sir!

[elkins20]

Hey Bob, really nice looking breast. Where did you purchase it if I might ask? Hope it was Wal-Mart or Sams Club.

[IRGoode]

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.