Quick Turkey Smoke Question...

dejacks

Fire Starter

Original poster

Aug 20, 2007

58

10

San Diego

• Nov 24, 2009

• #1

I going to do a test run on my first smoked bird. I have found what I think are some good recipes for a brine and a rub. In doing my research though, and even in this forum, I have come across some who say smoke breast side up, and other sources say breast side down. Does it matter? Just looking for some friendly info. I read where some swear by the juices running down into the breast when smoke breast side down. Any input?

Thanks & have a Happy & Safe Thanksgiving!

 

igolf2

Meat Mopper

Feb 19, 2009

152

11

Huntsburg, Ohio ( snowbelt!)

• Nov 24, 2009

• #2

The only time I smoke/grill/cook Turkey breast side down is in a pan with a lot of chicken broth, butter,wine,herbs,etc. in it - Does not make the prettiest bird but super moist and flavored breast meat.

Mostly I brine then smoke breast side up with great results. Ice the breasts prior to putting in the smoker.

 

dejacks

Fire Starter

Original poster

Thread starter

Aug 20, 2007

58

10

San Diego

• Nov 24, 2009

• #3

Do the breast need additonal ice if I brine them in a cooler with ice?

 

mr mac

Master of the Pit

SMF Premier Member

Oct 19, 2009

1,325

522

Doniphan MO

• Nov 24, 2009

• #4

Mine is actually going in at a slant though still breast up on the turkey cannon filled with apple juice and bourbon.

 

raceyb

Smoking Fanatic

Jul 15, 2007

781

14

• Nov 24, 2009

• #5

I've always smoked em breast side up in a roaster on a rack. Never had a problem. Just baste as you would in an oven. The problem with asking a general question like this is, you are going to get 30 different opinions and explanations. try some, or experiment and find what you like. There is no set answer to your question.

 

alx

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

Feb 4, 2009

2,849

12

Annapolis,Maryland

• Nov 24, 2009

• #6

If you brine in a cooler then put the ice in ziplock bags etc....If you throw ice in the brine unbagged it will dilute your brine ratio......Very important to keep your liquid ratios correct in a brine for proper penetration....

 

fire it up

Smoking Guru

OTBS Member

Feb 24, 2009

5,167

14

South Jersey

• Nov 24, 2009

• #7

I have always done them breast side up and never had a problem, just give it a good brine or injection and spritz occasionally and you will be good to go.

 

sumosmoke

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

SMF Premier Member

Dec 29, 2007

3,431

91

New Smyrna Beach, FL

• Nov 24, 2009

• #8

Stand the bird up, if your smoker has the space.

Link to another thread where a fellow smoker did a 20# bird that way - LINK

 

travcoman45

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

Jan 19, 2008

4,118

34

A Holler in North Iowa

• Nov 24, 2009

• #9

Breast up. I like mine standin on end as a personal choice. Best way is hangin in nettin, although most folks don't have the equipment fer that, although it can be done without the stuffin horn, just a bigger pain.

 

mballi3011

Gone but not forgotten. RIP

OTBS Member

SMF Premier Member

Mar 12, 2009

14,477

58

• Nov 26, 2009

• #10

I always smoke my birds with the breast up to the sky and I have always had good results that way too.