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Smoked Cajun Turkey Breast

Ingredients

Cajun Seasoning Mix

  • 4 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 ½ tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp coarse black pepper
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 ½ tsp cayenne pepper adjust for heat
  • 1 ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 1 ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp white pepper optional
  • Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
  • 1 tbsp light brown sugar optional, for balance

Turkey Breast

  • 1 skinless turkey breast bone-in or boneless (2.5–3 lbs)
  • 2 heaping tbsp Cajun seasoning mix from above
  • Zest of ½ lemon + ½ orange
  • 1 –2 tsp neutral oil olive, avacado, grapeseed

Bourbon Citrus Glaze

  • ¼ cup bourbon
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Zest of ½ orange + ½ lemon
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions

Cajun Seasoning

  • Mix well and store extra in an airtight container.

Turkey Breast Prep

  • Pat turkey dry and trim any excess fat or silver skin.
  • In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning with the citrus zest.
  • Lightly coat the turkey breast with oil.
  • Rub the seasoning mix generously and evenly all over.
  • Place on a wire rack or plate, uncovered in the fridge, for 1 hour to help the rub set.

Smoking Instructions

  • Preheat your pit or cooker to 285-300°F with indirect heat setup.
  • Add a small wood chunk to the coals.
  • Place the turkey breast directly on the cooking grate.
  • Smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours, until internal temp hits 160°F.
  • Remove and rest uncovered for 15 minutes before slicing.

Bourbon Citrus Glaze Instructions

  • In a small saucepan, simmer bourbon + citrus juices over medium heat (2–3 min).
  • Stir in brown sugar, seasoning, paprika, Worcestershire, and zest.
  • Reduce heat and whisk in butter until smooth and lightly thickened (5–7 min).
  • Keep warm until serving.

Serving Instructions

  • Slice the turkey breast across the grain into thick medallions.
  • Spoon or brush the bourbon citrus glaze over each portion just before serving.
  • Optional garnish: a touch of fresh citrus zest or chopped parsley for contrast.