Are you looking for a flavorful and easy way to cook turkey breast? Look no further than Aaron Franklin’s BBQ Turkey Breast recipe. This recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced smokers alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 (3- to 4-pound) skin-on, nonsolution turkey breast
- 1 cup butter
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
- Seasoned firewood (preferably oak)
- Generous 1/4 cup Pork Ribs and Turkey Rub (2 parts black pepper to 1 part salt)
Instructions:
- Start the fire. Get a fire going and heat the smoker so it’s about 265°F at grate level.
- Trim the breast and apply the rub. If the skin is on the turkey breast, remove it. Use the same rub for turkey as pork spare ribs, so 2 parts black pepper to 1 part salt. Use your judgement, but I think a bit more than 4 cups rub per turkey breast is a good guideline.
- Cook the turkey until golden, then wrap. Place the turkey, skin side up (meaning, the side that formerly had skin), in the smoker and cook until golden brown (typically 2 1/2 to 3 hours). Remove the turkey from the smoker, place the butter on top of the turkey, and wrap tightly in two layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil, dull side out. The turkey breast ends up braising in quite a lot of melted butter and its own juices and the double layer of foil ensures against leakage. Return the turkey to the cooker, this time flipping it so it’s skin side down.
- Finish the book. Continue to cook the turkey breast until the internal temperature registers 160°F. This should take about 1 additional hour.
- Let rest, then serve. Let the turkey rest until the internal temperature drops to 140°F, then slice thinly against the grain and enjoy.
Tips:
- For a more intense smoky flavor, use a combination of oak and hickory wood.
- If you don’t have a smoker, you can cook the turkey breast in a grill or oven.
- Be sure to let the turkey rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Additional Resources:
- Aaron Franklin’s BBQ Turkey Breast Recipe on House & Home: https://houseandhome.com/recipe/bbq-turkey-breast-recipe/
- Turkey Breast – Central Texas Style on The Virtual Weber Bullet: https://www.virtualweberbullet.com/turkey-breast-central-texas-style/
Aaron Franklin’s BBQ Turkey Breast recipe is a delicious and easy way to cook turkey breast. With its simple ingredients and easy instructions, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. So fire up your smoker and give it a try!
FAQs:
- What kind of turkey breast should I use?
You can use either a bone-in or boneless turkey breast for this recipe. If you use a bone-in turkey breast, be sure to remove the skin before cooking.
- What kind of wood should I use?
Seasoned firewood is best for this recipe. Oak is a good choice, but you can also use hickory or pecan.
- How long should I cook the turkey breast?
The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey breast. A 3- to 4-pound turkey breast will typically take 2 1/2 to 3 hours to cook.
- How do I know when the turkey breast is done?
The turkey breast is done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Can I cook this recipe in a grill or oven?
Yes, you can cook this recipe in a grill or oven. If you cook it in a grill, be sure to use indirect heat. If you cook it in an oven, preheat the oven to 325°F.
- How do I store leftover turkey breast?
Leftover turkey breast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftover turkey breast for up to 3 months.