Turkey smoking breast side down

smokinkat

Newbie

Original poster

Nov 19, 2012

6

10

• Nov 19, 2012

• #1

Anyone smoke their turkey breast side down??

On another note, typically my turkeys white meat has a slight pale pink color to it.  I have heard that it is the chemical reaction to being smoked.

It did not taste "raw" or underdone.

 

smokinhusker

Legendary Pitmaster

Oct 20, 2010

8,179

77

Mountains west of Colorado Springs, CO

• Nov 20, 2012

• #2

I roasted one like that in the oven years ago. Couldn't tell a big difference personally except the skin on the breast wasn't crisp!

 

rbranstner

Smoking Guru

OTBS Member

Oct 18, 2007

5,698

39

West Fargo, ND / Northern MN

• Nov 20, 2012

• #3

Personally  I hang my birds but when I use to put them on a rack I would usually set them breast side up. I don't really have a good reason for it other than that's what I've always done. Yes it's common to get a slight pink color when you smoke a bird. Just make sure that you have  a good thermometer and you know your temps are correct and you will be fine.

 

smokinkat

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Nov 19, 2012

6

10

• Nov 20, 2012

• #4

Hi Ross,

Thanks for the reply.  I read another thread, I think Alesia, that when she smoked a turkey breast down the skin did not crisp.  GAK!!!  I want my yardbird skin crispy.  lol

So.......I think I will ditch that fairy good idea out the window.  lol

I just bought an internal meat probe that shows the IT while it is smoking.  Digital model.  Also bringing the backup meat thermometer also.  (Taking the MES with me camping)

Love this forum so far and will definitely branch out beyond my chicken, salmon and turkey smokes.

Kat

 

smokinkat

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Nov 19, 2012

6

10

• Nov 20, 2012

• #5

Thanks Alesia.

Definitely breast side up on Thurs.  I want the skin nice and crispy!!!    :)

This is a nice forum and have picked up alot of tips already!

Kat