Thanksgiving Recipes - Brined Barbecue Turkey Breast

by Slashfood Editor, Posted Nov 9th 2009 @ 4:45PM

Dry turkey is the ultimate dread of every Thanksgiving host. However, brining basics taught us that the simple act of brining not only adds aromatics, but also results in a moist, more tender bird.

Get the recipe to this classic along with many others after the jump.

Brined Barbecued Turkey Breast
Provided by Woman's Day

3/4 cup salt 1 bone-in turkey breast (about 6 lb)

Rub
1 Tbsp paprika
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 Tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground pepper
2 Tbsp oil

Put salt and 2 cups very hot water in a tall 8-qt pot. Stir until salt dissolves. Add 2 cups ice cubes; stir until water is cold. Place turkey in pot, skin side down, and add enough cold water to cover. Stir brine around turkey, cover pot and refrigerate at least 12 hours, or overnight.

Rub: Mix ingredients, except oil, in a bowl. Stir in oil.

Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for covered indirect grilling over medium heat. Have ready a disposable foil roasting pan.

Remove turkey from brine; pat dry with paper towels. Rub spice mixture over breast, working some under skin. Place in foil pan.

Place pan on grill rack as grill manufacturer directs for indirect cooking. Cover grill and cook 11⁄2 to 2 hours, or until an instant read thermometer inserted in thickest part of breast, not touching bone, registers 165°F. Remove turkey to cutting board; let rest 30 minutes before slicing. Serve with Cranberry-Orange Barbecue sauce (recipe below).

Planning Tip: The rub can be made up to 1 week ahead. Store covered at room temperature. The turkey can be prepared through Step 1 up to 1 day ahead.

Cranberry-Orange Barbecue Sauce
2 cups ketchup
1 can (8 oz) jellied cranberry sauce, cut in small pieces
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
2 Tbsp each yellow mustard and Worcestershire sauce

Mix ingredients in a medium saucepan. Simmer, stirring occasionally, 25 minutes, or until thickened. Serve with the turkey.

Find more Thanksgiving turkey recipes at KitchenDaily.

Filed Under: Holidays, Recipes
Tags: fall, poultry, thanksgiving, thanksgiving recipes, turkey, womans day