Turkey Pastrami Recipe

Step 1

In a large pot, add 6 cups of water and bring to a boil. Add in the sugar, salt, garlic and all the spices. Stir to dissolve then remove from the heat to cool to room temperature, about an hour.

Step 2

Pour the cooled brine to a large container or large plastic bag. Add 6 additional cups of cold water.

Step 3

Place the turkey breast into the brine to fully submerge. Place the brine into the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 4

Preheat the smoker to 225 F. and set it for indirect heat

Step 5

Prepare the homemade pastrami rub and set aside.

Step 6

Remove the turkey breast from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. Discard the brine mixture.

Step 7

Lightly coat the turkey breast on all sides in a light coating of mayo. Then coat in a even layer of the pastrami rub as well.

Step 8

Butterfly the turkey breast by tucking the tapered end or tail end under the thickest part of the breast to create a rolled shape. This encourages even cooking.

Step 9

Use butchers twine to keep the tail in place and knot the twin under the turkey, seam side down.

Step 10

Place the turkey breast onto the grill grates and smoke for an hour.

Step 11

After an hour, lightly spray the outside of the skin with chicken stock to encourage the bark to form and for the turkey to take on more smoke flavor.

Step 12

Continue to smoke and spray the turkey every 30-40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches about 145-150 F. then increase the grill temperature to 425 F.

Step 13

Smoke the turkey until golden brown on the outside and the final internal temperature reaches 165 F. in thickest part of the breast meat. Baste with some melted butter.

Step 14

Remove the turkey breast from the grill and place skin side up on a cutting board to rest 10-15 minutes before slicing if serving hot. Slice pieces against the grain in 1/4 inch thick portions and serve

Step 15

Cool the entire turkey breast overnight to completely chill the meat to slice thin.

Step 16

Use a sharp knife to thinly slice and shave pieces of turkey into thin slices like you would get at a deli. Slice against the grain for best results.

Step 17

Make a turkey Rueben or cold turkey sandwich and enjoy!