First time Turkey question

[Mike - smoking newbie]

I'm about to smoke one for the first time. It's a frozen one that say it contains up to 10% water/salt mixture. Pretty standard. So do I need to brine? Will it get too salty if I do brine? I've read mixed guidance. I'd prefer not brine this time if I can get away with it just because it has taken so long to defrost in the fridge in my cold garage....many days. My borther-in-law has tasty brine recipe if it's a must

 

[mike243]

It wont do much good to brine,it will only absorb so much water/salt/seasonings,it will still come out great but it takes a lot of looking to find 1 that's not been injected

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

Since the bird is pre-injected, you don't need to brine it.

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

I'm about to smoke one for the first time. It's a frozen one that say it contains up to 10% water/salt mixture. Pretty standard. So do I need to brine? Will it get too salty if I do brine? I've read mixed guidance. I'd prefer not brine this time if I can get away with it just because it has taken so long to defrost in the fridge in my cold garage....many days. My borther-in-law has tasty brine recipe if it's a must

If you can, try to find one that states on the label that it has been minimally processed. These days like almost all store bought frozen turkeys are prebrined/injected, some with up to a 15% sodium solution.

You can get away with brining a preinjected turkey but you must decrease the amount of salt in your brine.
That can be tricky since you don't want your brine too weak on the salt as it will draw out what has already been injected in the turkey.

These days, I prefer to inject instead of brine.

 

[SmokinAl]

I usually buy Butterball turkeys, then inject them with Tony C's marinade. He has a bunch of flavors, but for chicken & turkey we like the roasted garlic & herb one!
Al