Let’s be honest: Cooking a turkey can be super stressful. There’s a limited amount of space on the stovetop and in the oven, and it can be difficult to worry about the turkey staying moist and cooked through. It’s time to make a switch and grill the turkey!
This turkey grills up juicy and tender, and our amazing marinade clears the oven so you can make your favorite side dishes. When using a charcoal grill, the heat from the grill adds an additional smoky flavor to the meat.
The secret to a Thanksgiving turkey that’s bursting with flavor and juicy tenderness lies in one simple technique: marinating overnight. This time-honored method allows the marinade’s flavors to permeate the turkey resulting in a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests.
Why Marinate a Turkey Overnight?
Marinating a turkey overnight offers a multitude of benefits:
- Enhanced Flavor: The marinade infuses the turkey with a symphony of flavors, transforming it from bland to extraordinary. Whether you prefer the warmth of herbs, the tang of citrus, or the richness of a wine-based marinade, the possibilities are endless.
- Increased Tenderness: The marinade’s acidic components break down the turkey’s tough muscle fibers, resulting in a texture that’s melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Moisture Retention: Marinating helps the turkey retain its natural moisture, preventing it from drying out during the cooking process. This ensures a juicy and succulent bird that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
- Reduced Cooking Time: The tenderizing effect of the marinade allows the turkey to cook faster, saving you precious time in the kitchen.
Choosing the Perfect Marinade
The key to a successful marinade lies in selecting the right ingredients Consider the following factors:
- Flavor Profile: Choose a marinade that complements the natural flavor of the turkey. For dark meat, a bolder marinade like red wine or balsamic vinegar is ideal. For white meat, a lighter and more delicate marinade like citrus or herb-infused oil is a perfect choice.
- Cooking Method: The type of marinade should also align with your chosen cooking method. For roasting, opt for a marinade that won’t burn or char. For grilling, choose a marinade that will create a flavorful crust.
- Marinating Time: The duration of marinating impacts the flavor intensity. A longer marinating time allows the flavors to penetrate deeper, but be mindful of over-marinating, which can make the turkey mushy.
Here are some popular marinade options:
- Wine Marinades: Red wine marinades are excellent for dark meat turkeys, while white wine marinades complement white meat beautifully.
- Citrus Marinades: These light and refreshing marinades brighten the flavor of the turkey, especially white meat.
- Herb Marinades: A classic choice for turkey, herb marinades add a fragrant and flavorful touch to both dark and white meat.
- Spice Marinades: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, spice marinades infuse the turkey with depth and warmth.
Marinating Techniques: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing the Turkey:
- Rinse the turkey thoroughly with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity.
- Decide whether to cut the turkey into pieces or leave it whole. If cutting, remove the legs, wings, and breast, or simply halve the breast.
Marinating the Turkey:
- Choose your desired marinade recipe.
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a large bowl or resealable bag.
- Add the turkey to the marinade, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.
Cooking the Turkey:
Once marinated, cook the turkey according to your preferred method:
- Roasting: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour the marinade over it. Roast for approximately 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Brush the turkey with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for around 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Smoking: Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Smoke the turkey for approximately 5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Tips for Success:
- Marinating in a Bag: This method ensures even distribution of the marinade and simplifies cleanup.
- Marinating in a Pan: If using a pan, cover it with foil to prevent the marinade from evaporating.
- Marinating in a Crockpot: This hands-off approach requires minimal effort and delivers tender results.
- Cooking to Safe Temperature: Always cook the turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.
- Resting the Turkey: Allow the turkey to rest for at least 20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How long can I marinate a turkey overnight?
A: The ideal marinating time is at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for maximum flavor infusion. However, avoid marinating for longer than 24 hours to prevent the turkey from becoming mushy.
Q: What are some good marinades for turkey?
A: Popular marinade options include teriyaki, lemon-herb, spicy, and herb-infused oil marinades. Experiment with different flavors to discover your personal preference.
Q: Can I marinate a turkey in the crockpot?
A: Yes, marinating a turkey in the crockpot is a convenient option. However, remember that the turkey won’t cook in the marinade. You’ll need to remove it and cook it separately.
Q: What are some tips for marinating a turkey?
A: Use a resealable bag or container, turn the turkey periodically to ensure even coating, marinate in the refrigerator, and avoid over-marinating.
Q: What are common mistakes to avoid when marinating a turkey?
A: Don’t marinate for too short or too long, use a marinade that’s not overly salty or acidic, choose the right container to prevent mess, and follow recommended marinating times.
Marinating a turkey overnight is a simple yet effective way to elevate your Thanksgiving feast. By following these guidelines, you can create a flavorful, juicy, and tender turkey that will be the star of your holiday table. Experiment with different marinade flavors to discover your signature dish and impress your loved ones with a culinary masterpiece.
Step 5: Turn and baste
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
After an hour, flip the turkey over so the breast side is facing up and baste with the marinade that was set aside. Put 10 briquettes on the grill, cover it, and cook for an additional 90 to 2 hours. To ensure that the heat is maintained, set a timer to remind you to add 10 more briquettes every hour.
We also advise brushing the turkey every 30 minutes with the reserved marinade for optimal flavor.
How long do you grill a turkey?
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
Depending on the size and weight of your turkey, there are differences in the cooking time on a grill. When unsure about how done a turkey is, always rely on your instant-read thermometer. Turkey thighs should reach 175° while at rest, and breasts should register 165° internally.
| Type | Weight | Cook Time |
| Whole | 8 to 12 lbs. | 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hrs. |
| 12 to 14 lbs. | 2-1/2 to 2-3/4 hrs. | |
| 14 to 18 lbs. | 2-3/4 to 3-1/2 hrs. | |
| 18 to 20 lbs. | 3-1/2 to 4 hrs. | |
| 20 to 24 lbs. | 4 to 4-3/4 hrs. | |
| Breast, Bone-In | 4 to 6 lbs. | 3/4 to 1-1/4 hrs. |
| 6 to 8 lbs. | 1-1/4 to 1-3/4 hrs. | |
| 8 to 10 lbs. | 1-3/4 to 2 hrs. |
Editor’s Tip: The cooking times on a 325° to 375° grill are predicated on a completely thawed turkey and moderate outdoor temperatures. Remember that if your turkey is not completely thawed or if the outside air temperature is below 50°, your cook times may need to be slightly extended.