How To Smoke a Turkey Breast
Explore a flavorful alternative to whole turkey this Thanksgiving with our easy Smoked Turkey Breast recipe. Juicy, smoky perfection awaits! Try it now.
Planning the perfect Thanksgiving feast often involves finding the right centerpiece dish that will impress your guests and satisfy their taste buds. If you’re in search of an alternative to the traditional whole turkey, which we have a recipe for here, look no further! Today, we’re exploring a delicious and straightforward recipe for smoked turkey breast. This flavorful dish not only offers a convenient alternative but also ensures a juicy and smoky delight for your Thanksgiving table. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure and discover how to create a mouthwatering smoked turkey breast that will elevate your holiday meal to new heights!
Ingredients for Smoked Turkey Breast:
- 1 whole turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Wood chips for smoking (like hickory, apple, or cherry), check our guide out here:
How To Smoke a Turkey Breast:
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Breast
Start by rinsing the turkey breast and drying it with paper towels. This helps the tasty seasonings stick to the meat.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
Mix together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, paprika, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and salt in a bowl. This mixture will give your turkey breast its amazing flavor.
Step 3: Soak Up the Flavors
Put the turkey breast in a big plastic bag or a dish and pour the marinade over it. Close the bag or cover the dish and put it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. This lets the turkey soak up all the delicious flavors!
Step 4: Get the Smoker Ready
While the turkey is marinating, get your smoker ready. Follow the instructions to set it up and choose your favorite wood chips for that smoky taste.
Step 5: Smoke Away!
Take the turkey out of the marinade, let the extra sauce drip off, and put it in the smoker, skin side up. Close the lid and let it smoke at around 225°F (107°C) for 3 to 4 hours, or until it reaches 165°F (74°C) inside. That’s when the magic happens, and your turkey transforms into a smoky delight!
Step 6: Rest and Enjoy!
Once your turkey breast is perfectly smoked, take it out, let it rest for 15-20 minutes, and then slice it up. The juicy, smoky slices are ready to be enjoyed with your family and friends.
And there you have it, a simple and tasty way to make smoked turkey breast! So, next time you’re in the mood for something special, give this recipe a try and impress everyone with your cooking skills. Happy cooking!
What to Serve with a Smoked Turkey Breast
1. Roasted Vegetables:
Roasted vegetables are not only colorful but also packed with nutrients. Try roasting a mix of carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers. Toss them with a bit of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until they are tender and slightly crispy. Kids love the natural sweetness that comes out when vegetables are roasted, making it a delightful and healthy side dish.
2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes:
Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that pairs wonderfully with smoked turkey. Peel and chop potatoes into chunks, then boil them until they are fork-tender. Drain the water, mash the potatoes, and add butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Kids enjoy the velvety texture of mashed potatoes, and it’s a perfect canvas for gravy, too!
3. Sweet Corn on the Cob:
Sweet corn on the cob is a fun and tasty side dish that kids love to eat right off the cob. Boil the corn in a large pot of salted water for about 7-8 minutes until they are tender. Serve them hot with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of salt. Eating corn on the cob is not only delicious but also interactive, making it a hit with younger diners.
These sides are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them ideal choices for a hassle-free meal.
Smoked Turkey Breast
Equipment
- Wood chips for smoking (like hickory, apple, or cherry)
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey breast bone-in and skin-on
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Breast
- Start by rinsing the turkey breast and drying it with paper towels. This helps the tasty seasonings stick to the meat.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
- Mix together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, paprika, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and salt in a bowl. This mixture will give your turkey breast its amazing flavor.
Step 3: Soak Up the Flavors
- Put the turkey breast in a big plastic bag or a dish and pour the marinade over it. Close the bag or cover the dish and put it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. This lets the turkey soak up all the delicious flavors!
Step 4: Get the Smoker Ready
- While the turkey is marinating, get your smoker ready. Follow the instructions to set it up and choose your favorite wood chips for that smoky taste.
Step 5: Smoke Away!
- Take the turkey out of the marinade, let the extra sauce drip off, and put it in the smoker, skin side up. Close the lid and let it smoke at around 225°F (107°C) for 3 to 4 hours, or until it reaches 165°F (74°C) inside. That’s when the magic happens, and your turkey transforms into a smoky delight!
Step 6: Rest and Enjoy!
- Once your turkey breast is perfectly smoked, take it out, let it rest for 15-20 minutes, and then slice it up. The juicy, smoky slices are ready to be enjoyed with your family and friends.
