Turkey Breast - Rotisserie or Spatchcock?

tdub4

I have a large turkey breast (11.5lbs) for Thanksgiving. I have the joetisserie and considering going that direction but not sure that is the way to go. Any thoughts on what may be the best route to go between those two options? Also, brine or no?

sheetmetalpete

I've read positive reviews about a rotisserie turkey breast but I have yet to do it.  I too have a large turkey breast.  I usually brine mine and cook them as is but spatchcocking is a good idea to get it to sit properly.

BigreenGreg

My neighbors favorite, do it every year. I never bother with the shears, smoke gets everywhere. This is timed for a kettle grill, usually end up smoking about 3 hours while monitoring temperature. Sorry anti-Raichlenites MAPLE-SMOKED TURKEY BREAST Source: BBQ USA by Steven Raichlen (Workman Publishing, 2003) Method: Indirect Yield: Serves 8 to 10 Advance Preparation: 12 hours for curing the turkey FOR THE RUB AND THE TURKEY 2 tablespoons maple sugar or light brown sugar 1 tablespoon sweet paprika 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon coarse salt (kosher or sea) 1 teaspoon celery salt 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard 1 bone-in turkey breast (about 5 pounds) FOR THE MAPLE BUTTER BASTING MIXTURE 1/4 cup maple syrup 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) salted butter, melted You’ll also need: Poultry shears; 2 cups wood chips or chunks (preferably maple), soaked for 1 hour in cold water to cover, then drained 1. MAKE THE RUB: Place the maple sugar, paprika, black pepper, coarse salt, celery salt, garlic and onion powders, cayenne, and mustard in a small bowl and stir to mix. 2. Rinse the turkey breast under cold running water, then drain and blot dry with paper towels. Using poultry shears or a large knife, cut out the ribs so the turkey breast lies flat. Trim off and discard any excess fat. Sprinkle the rub over the turkey on all sides, patting it onto the meat with your fingertips. Place the breast in a covered bowl or resealable plastic bag and let cure overnight in the refrigerator. 3. MAKE THE BASTING MIXTURE: Combine the maple syrup and melted butter in a small saucepan. 4. Set up the grill for indirect grilling and preheat to medium. If using a gas grill, place all of the wood chips or chunks in the smoker box or in a smoker pouch and run the grill on high until you see smoke, then reduce the heat to medium. If using a charcoal grill, place a large drip pan in the center, preheat the grill to medium, then toss all of the wood chips or chunks on the coals. 5. When ready to cook, place the turkey breast in the center of the hot grate, over the drip pan and away from the heat. Cover the grill and cook the turkey until cooked through, 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours. To test for doneness, use an instant-read meat thermometer: The internal temperature should be about 170 degrees F. After 45 minutes, brush the turkey breast with some of the maple butter basting mixture. Baste the turkey 2 or 3 more times with the maple butter. If using a charcoal grill, after 1 hour you’ll need to add 12 fresh coals to each side. 6. Transfer the grilled turkey breast to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then carve. Or refrigerate the turkey until completely chilled and serve it cold. VARIATION: While I call for a turkey breast here, you could certainly smoke a whole turkey the same way. For a 10-pound turkey, you’d need a double batch of the rub and basting mixture. The cooking time would be 2-1/2 to 3 hours. © 2006 Steven Raichlen | site design Benjamin Wilchfort

GregW

Look up the Aaron Franklin's turkey breast recipe- it is simple and I have done this the last couple of years with 7.5 Lb boneless breast. 

MaskedMarvel

I spatchcock two turkeys (bone in breast) every thanksgiving. Different compound butters, rubs, and wood. 

It’s 90 minutes at 450° direct, and the turkey will squirt juice across the cutting board while you slice. 

rekameohs

GregW said:

Look up the Aaron Franklin's turkey breast recipe- it is simple and I have done this the last couple of years with 7.5 Lb boneless breast. 

I thought it was interesting that he says he just removes and throws away the skin.  I would think you could make cracklins or something with it vs just tossing it.