Is it necessary to brine a turkey?

[melrod59]

Hi everyone,

I plan on smoking a fresh turkey on Thanksgiving day, then we're going out to visit family. I'm soking the turkey so that when we come home, we'll have food. I need to know if it's absolutely necessary to brine a turkey before it's smoked. Or is it possible to get a great smoked turkey by basting with a butter/rub solution and rubbing the breast of the the turkey under the skin.

Ideas?

Thanks,

Mel

 

[vlap]

You do not HAVE to brine. I like it and will do so every time I cook a turkey. You can get great results with basting like you said. Its all up to you and your tastes.

 

[walking dude]

brining "cures" the turkey........so in smoking, this way, you don't have to worry bout the turkey being in the danger zone of 40-140 degrees for a longer period of time..........it also helps add moisture and flavor.........moist folks here, from the last few days of posts, are brining.....

hth

d88de

 

[geek with fire]

Having never brined a turkey myself, I think the safe answer is yes. Now, I'll also add that I've never smoked a turkey either. However I've cooked many in the oven and I smoke chicken all the time; both without brining. Just keep it lubed up, and you should be fine. I also found out in my recent "Turducken" clone experiment that bacon adds a tremendous amount of juice to the inside of a bird (does great on the flavor too). If you want more info on that front, take a look here:
http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/for...ad.php?t=10795

 

[gooose53]

Adding to what Geek with Fire said....watching Food Channel and they did a turkey using thick cut bacon on the outside surrounding the breast. That looked interesting as well. I might try that this year.

 

[deejaydebi]

Nope - you don't HAVE to, but ti sure tastes gooder that way!