Spiced Grilled Turkey Breast
Instructions:
Soaking a whole turkey breast overnight in a spiced salt solution (brine) produces exceptionally tender and flavorful meat. You can also brine a whole chicken before roasting. Serve with Peach Salsa .
Makes 12 main-dish servings. Prep: 35 minutes plus brining and standing Grill: 25 minutes
- Spiced Turkey
- 1â„4 cup sugar
- 1â„4 cup kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 whole boneless turkey breast (about 4 pounds), skin removed and breast cut in half
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed with side of chef’s knife
- Peach Salsa
- Honey Glaze
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 chipotle chile in adobo, minced
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- Prepare turkey: In 2-quart saucepan, heat sugar, salt, pepper, ginger, cinnamon, and 1 cup water to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to low; simmer 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in 3 cups ice water.
- Place turkey breast in large zip-tight plastic bag; add brine and garlic. Seal bag, pressing out excess air. Place bag in bowl and refrigerate breast, turning occasionally, 24 hours.
- Prepare outdoor grill for covered direct grilling over medium heat.
- Meanwhile, prepare glaze: In small bowl, stir honey, mustard, chipotle, and vinegar until blended; set aside.
- Remove turkey from bag; discard brine and garlic. With paper towels, pat turkey dry and brush off most of pepper. With long-handled basting brush, oil grill rack. Place turkey on grill, cover and cook turkey, turning once, 20 minutes. Brush turkey with glaze and cook, basting and turning frequently, until temperature on meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of breast reaches 165°F, 5 to 10 minutes longer (depending on thickness of breast). Internal temperature will rise 5°F upon standing. Transfer turkey to cutting board and let rest 10 minutes to set juices for easier slicing.
- While turkey rests, prepare Peach Salsa.
- Serve turkey hot, or cover and refrigerate to serve cold. Accompany with salsa.