Lunch & Dinner

Traeger Turkey Breast Recipe – Friendsgiving Food Ideas

Name: Traeger Turkey Breast Recipe – Friendsgiving Food Ideas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1/4 cup avocado oil; 1/4 cup unsalted melted butter; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Other Ingredients; 1 tablespoon Tajín seasoning; 7 lbs turkey breast; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon dried sage; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Iris Miller December 17, 2024

Servings: 6 Total Time: 5 hrs 15 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Traeger Turkey Breast Recipe

Before diving into the details of the turkey breast recipe, let’s talk about some fantastic pairings. Serving a well-cooked turkey breast can be a celebratory moment at any gathering or family dinner.

To elevate the meal, consider sides like creamy mashed potatoes, zesty coleslaw, or a seasonal roasted vegetable medley. Each of these options complements the turkey’s flavors beautifully, creating a cohesive meal.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Tender Juiciness Guaranteed
The magic of a Traeger grill lies in its ability to create moist, flavorful meat. When you inject a seasoned marinade into the turkey breast, you ensure that every bite is filled with delicious flavor. The low and slow cooking method allows the meat to absorb all the flavors like a sponge.

2. Simple Preparation
Don’t be fooled by the apparent complexity. This recipe doesn’t require a culinary degree. With straightforward steps and easily accessible ingredients, it’s perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. I’ve yet to meet someone who didn’t find it simple to prepare.

3. Flavor Explosion
Combining spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder results in a mouthwatering flavor profile. When combined with the juicy turkey, your taste buds go on a little adventure. Trust me when I say that your palate will be dancing with joy.

4. Versatile and Customizable
One of the best features of this recipe is its versatility. You can play around with the spice levels or even add a personal touch with different marinades. Whether you want it spicy or savory, the choice is yours.

How Does It Taste Like?

Imagine biting into a slice of turkey breast that’s perfectly moist. The exterior is slightly crispy from the grill, while the inside surprises you with juicy tenderness. As you chew, the rich flavors of the spices mingle, creating a satisfying experience that makes it hard to stop at just one slice. You’ll find hints of citrus from the orange and lemon that brighten the entire dish, making it feel refreshing.

Strip away the fancy restaurant experiences; this recipe brings enticing flavors straight to your kitchen.

What Sets This Recipe Apart?

This isn’t your average turkey breast recipe. Many versions out there may leave you with dry or bland meat. What makes this dish unique is the marinade injection technique paired with Traeger’s wood-fired cooking. The injection allows deep flavor penetration, ensuring each slice is flavorful to the core, not just on the surface.

Additionally, where other recipes use only a basic rub, this recipe employs a combination of spices and an injection marinade that makes a difference. You’ll notice this subtly in every bite.

The Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

Turkey Injection Marinade:

¼ cup avocado oil
¼ cup unsalted melted butter
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme

Other Ingredients:

1 tablespoon Tajín seasoning
7 lbs turkey breast
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon dried sage
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Injection Marinade

Start by combining the avocado oil, melted butter, lemon juice, orange juice, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and thyme in a bowl. This mixture will be the flavor-packed elixir that transforms your turkey. Whisk it all together until it’s well blended.

Step 2: Inject the Turkey Breast

Use a turkey injector to inject the marinade into the turkey breast at various points to ensure even distribution. Aim for a few spots in each breast to maximize flavor. This step is crucial; don’t skip it.

Step 3: Season the Turkey

Now, sprinkle the Tajín seasoning, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried sage, sea salt, and black pepper evenly over the turkey. Rub the seasonings into the meat, ensuring a delicious coat on all surfaces.

Step 4: Preheat the Traeger

Preheat your Traeger grill to 225°F. This low temperature will allow the turkey to absorb plenty of smoky flavors.

Step 5: Place the Turkey on the Grill

Once your grill is preheated, place your seasoned turkey breast on the grill grates. Close the lid to let it work its magic.

Step 6: Monitor and Cook

Cook the turkey breast until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This could take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours, depending on the exact size and weight of the turkey. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy!

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once done, remove the turkey from the grill and let it rest for at least 20 minutes. This step is essential to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. After resting, carve the turkey breast and serve!

Notes

1. Choose Quality Meat:
Start with a high-quality turkey breast for the best flavor.

2. Experiment with Marinades:
Feel free to adapt the injection marinade with flavors you enjoy.

3. Ensure Calibration:
Always ensure your Traeger is calibrated correctly for accurate cooking temperatures.

4. Resting is Key:
Don’t rush the resting period. It makes all the difference.

5. Save Some Marinade:
You can grill vegetables in the leftover marinade for a delicious side dish.

How Do You Store This Traeger Turkey Breast Recipe?

Storing leftover turkey can be a breeze. Allow it to cool completely, then slice it into portions. Place the slices in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just remember to label the container with the date for future reference.

Sides for Traeger Turkey Breast Recipe

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
What’s a turkey dinner without mashed potatoes? Elevate your sides with rich, buttery mashed potatoes. They soak up the turkey juices beautifully, making for one irresistible combo.

2. Zesty Coleslaw
A refreshing coleslaw can cut through the richness of the turkey. Toss together cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing, and you have a crunchy contrast that everyone loves.

3. Seasonal Roasted Vegetables
A mix of seasonal vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers can bring color and nutrition to your plate. Toss them with olive oil and your favorite spices, then roast until tender.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients?

1. Avocado Oil:
If you don’t have avocado oil, olive oil makes a perfect substitute. It adds a different but delightful flavor.

2. Cajun Seasoning:
Got no Cajun seasoning? Try a blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and thyme for a similar kick.

3. Fresh Citrus:
If lemons and oranges are out of stock, lime juice or even vinegar can work to provide acidity.

4. Smoked Paprika:
In the absence of smoked paprika, regular paprika with a dash of liquid smoke can mimic that smoky flavor profile.

Conclusion

In a world of culinary chaos, this Traeger turkey breast recipe stands out as a beacon of simplicity and flavor. With a handful of spices and some tender love, you can create a centerpiece that shines at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting friends for a casual barbecue or trying something new for the holiday dinner, this turkey breast won’t disappoint.

As always, cooking should be enjoyable, and sharing meals with loved ones is what it’s all about. So, give this recipe a try and watch as your kitchen transforms into a haven of delightful aromas and flavors. Your family will thank you, and so will your taste buds!

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Print Recipe

Traeger Turkey Breast Recipe – Friendsgiving Food Ideas

Author: Iris Miller Cuisine: American Courses: Lunch & Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 4 hrs Rest Time 1 hr Total Time 5 hrs 15 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 567 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Turkey isn’t just for Thanksgiving anymore. This delicious Traeger turkey breast recipe will make you wonder why you ever limited turkey to one holiday a year. With its juicy texture and the subtle smokiness from the Traeger grill, this dish is both easy to prepare and hard to resist.

After years of experimenting with various spices and cooking techniques, I’ve found a foolproof approach that guarantees a tasty turkey breast every time. Trust me; your dinner guests will leave with satisfied smiles and compliments that make all your efforts worthwhile.

Now, let's explore what makes this recipe standout.