20 # Turkey Brine & cure

Former Member

I plan to Smoke a 20 # Turkey for Thanksgiving.
I will be using Smokin's holiday brine for 48 hours.My question is can i substitute insta cure #1 for tender quick? If so how much? I have a Smokentex 1400 smoker that only gets up to 250 temp . I plan to stand the turkey vertical on a spanic roaster so it will fit.Was concerned about the danger zone! You guys a great thanks for your help.

10/30/118:53 AM

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maxqMember

Welcome to the forum.

My understanding is that insta cure is saltier than TQ.

Smokin could probably advise you more accurately.

If you're worried about the danger zone given a top temp setting of 250, don't be. As long as you achieve internal temps above 140 (you want at least 160 for turkey) you'll be fine.

10/30/119:13 AM

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Former Member

Rock,

Guess you haven't read Turkey 101 in a while (check the "featured" link at the very top of this forum). I do believe the recent versions say TQ is "optional".

I've not recommended any kind of cure for many years IF you're keeping the bird in the fridge.

Just drop the cure and keep it below 40 and you'll be fine.

If you have to, I'll need to check my notes for substitutes.

10/31/117:43 AM

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Former Member

Thanks for quick response,I read 101 just am a little confused only because of the size of the turkey 20 lbs i will brine in ref for 48 hrs. Just was concerned about the amount of time turkey in my smoker the time it gets to 250 ? Is best to preheat then put turkey & wood once 250? If this were a 10 lber it wouldn't be a concern.

10/31/1110:23 AM

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maxqMember

Preheating your smoker & adding wood and turkey at the 250 mark certainly won't hurt. That will also kill any spores or bacteria in the smoker.

Were you cooking a 20 lb bird in your oven at 325, it really wouldn't be all that much different. Just be sure your internal finish temp is beyond 140.

10/31/1110:47 AM

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Former Member

I changed my Turkey to 14 LBS & a 7lbs Breast to be safe. Everyone hear said smaller is better that's a FIRST