Description
This smoked turkey breast recipe is perfect for a smaller holiday gathering, offering tender, flavorful meat infused with smoky goodness. Brined with a mustard base and seasoned with an all-purpose rub and black pepper, then slow-smoked on the grill to juicy perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey
- 4 lbs Turkey breast
Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Yellow mustard
- 4 tbsp All purpose rub
- 3 tbsp Ground black pepper
Finish
- 1 stick Unsalted butter – melted
Instructions
- Defrost the turkey breast: Place the frozen turkey breast in the refrigerator 1-2 days before cooking to allow it to thaw safely and evenly.
- Prepare the turkey: Carefully remove the skin from the turkey breast. If using a bone-in breast, trim off any rib pieces that may be protruding to ensure even cooking.
- Season the turkey: Coat the entire turkey breast with yellow mustard, which helps the seasoning adhere and adds moisture. Then generously season with the all-purpose rub and ground black pepper.
- Let the seasoning absorb: Set the seasoned turkey breast aside, allowing it to sweat and absorb the flavors from the rub for enhanced taste.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to 275°F and set it up for indirect heat by placing coals or burners on one side only. Add wood chunks to the coals for added smoky flavor.
- Smoke the turkey breast: Place the turkey breast skin side up directly on the grill grates over indirect heat. Smoke the turkey until its internal temperature reaches 130°F, which should take about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Butter wrap and continue cooking: Transfer the smoked turkey breast onto a sheet of aluminum foil. Pour the melted butter over the bird, wrap tightly in the foil, and return to the grill. Continue cooking for another hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Rest before serving: Remove the turkey breast from the grill and let it rest in the foil for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice and serve: After resting, slice the turkey breast and serve immediately for the best flavor and juiciness.
Notes
- If you’re cooking for a smaller crowd this Thanksgiving, this smoked turkey breast recipe is perfectly sized.
- Using indirect heat and wood chunks will give the turkey a rich smoky flavor without drying it out.
- Letting the turkey rest after cooking keeps it moist and juicy when sliced.
- Adjust smoking time based on the exact weight and thickness of the turkey breast to ensure proper doneness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 478 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 628 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 67 g
- Cholesterol: 204 mg
