2 brine or not 2 brine, that is the ?

dawgdrvr

Newbie

Original poster

Jan 1, 2008

7

10

Rochester, WA 98579

• Jul 8, 2011

• #1

The wife just bought a bunch of 3 lb boneless turkey breast at the local "Shopping Cart" for $3.99 each. I have thawed 2 of them and  was going to throw them on the U.D.S. Tomorrow.  I am still quite wet behind the ears at smokin meats. I've smoked Beef, Pork and Fish but never Fowl. My question is: Should I brine the Turkey breasts? or should I just inject and wrap in Bacon?

Thanx 

Cody

 

shoneyboy

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

Nov 3, 2010

1,895

58

Denham Springs La

• Jul 8, 2011

• #2

Personally I like to brine Chickens and Turkeys, I think it gives the meat a better taste.   

 

adiochiro3

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

Apr 19, 2010

2,088

42

Bay Area, CA

• Jul 9, 2011

• #3

Your choice.  I often don't brine my poultry, and it comes out moist and tender with great flavor.  I rub with salt, pepper, and butter with lemon juice.  Smoke until 165* IT.  I recommend a light fruit or nut wood -- apple, cherry, alder, ash.

Try brining one and not the other and have your own personal taste test.   And don't forget the Qview!

 

gregzee

Smoke Blower

Oct 25, 2009

78

10

Wichita, KS

• Jul 9, 2011

• #4

Id brine one, cook both and see how it turns out.  2 Turkey days ago I did this very thing.  The brined one came out juicier to me and others, but to some it didnt matter, they couldnt tell.  Im also of the opinion that if you hot smoked any bird at 325 is gonna be great as long as you dont over or under cook it. 

Good luck,

Greg

 

smokinstevo27

Master of the Pit

Aug 17, 2010

1,025

17

Winston Salem NC in Ardmore between the two hospit

• Jul 9, 2011

• #5

tis not really a question. brining can only help. if you have the time its worth it.

Shakespeare

 

SmokinAl

SMF Hall of Fame Pitmaster

Staff member

Moderator

OTBS Member

★ Lifetime Premier ★

Jun 22, 2009

51,390

12,228

Central Florida (Sebring)

• Jul 9, 2011

• #6

If time permits I brine, if not then I inject.

 

meateater

Legendary Pitmaster

SMF Premier Member

Oct 17, 2009

8,983

63

Hendertucky, Nv.

• Jul 10, 2011

• #7

If I have the time I brine.