[This grilled turkey post is sponsored by The Home Depot! Their Weber Genesis II E315 grill is something I’ve been using all year and I adore! It would make a wonderful holiday gift! p s. The Home Depot is currently providing free assembly and delivery for all in-store and online purchases of grills!].
This is for you if, like me, you believe that Thanksgiving is primarily about the sides, desserts, and pie, and that you could easily eat a plate without the turkey. A grilled turkey that tastes incredible, is super moist and loaded with flavor. Buttery, herby goodness.
So you guys know that every year, we roast a turkey and also smoke a turkey. They both turn out incredible and everyone loves having the two options.
But, this year I’m going the grill route. Since I started working at The Home Depot a year ago, I’ve used the Weber Genesis II E315 grill, which has drastically changed my situation. After grilling this turkey, there’s no going back because it was about 50 times simpler than using our smoker.
Not to mention, it’s a fantastic way to switch up your traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Without going too untraditional.
First, the turkey only took about 3 hours total. The prep is super simple. The ingredients are all things you most likely have on hand.
Second, it has SO much flavor. Super smoky and delicious. The skin is ridiculously crispy and irresistible, just like it is when you roast it in the oven. And! You can still make gravy with the drippings. You can even make the gravy right on the grill if you’d like!.
I like to stuff the turkey with aromatics like onions, lemons, and herbs to boost flavor. I don’t stuff the bird; instead, I add more aromatics and a tiny bit of stock to the pan, and soon I’ll share a fantastic grilled stuffing recipe (!!!).
Also! The key is to use a disposable roasting pan and double it up. This prevents warping and discoloration of your fine roasting pan on the grill and makes cleanup easier on the holiday when you have to wash the most dishes!
Are you tired of the same old roasted turkey for Thanksgiving or other special occasions? Do you crave a juicy flavorful bird with crispy skin and smoky aromas? If so, then barbecuing your turkey is the perfect solution!
This guide will delve into the secrets of grilling a delicious turkey, from prep time to cook time and everything in between. We’ll also explore the benefits of grilling your turkey, answer frequently asked questions, and provide helpful tips to ensure a stress-free and successful grilling experience.
Benefits of Grilling Your Turkey:
- Frees up oven space: Grilling your turkey frees up valuable oven space, allowing you to prepare other Thanksgiving dishes simultaneously.
- Crispy skin: Grilling creates a beautifully crisp and flavorful skin that’s hard to achieve with other cooking methods.
- Smoky flavor: The smoky flavor from the grill adds an extra layer of deliciousness to your turkey.
- Faster cooking time: Grilling a turkey can be significantly faster than roasting it in the oven, especially for larger birds.
Approximate Grilling Time for a Whole Turkey:
| Weight | Unstuffed Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| 10 – 12 lbs (4.5 – 5.5 kg) | 1 ½ – 2 ¼ hours |
| 12 – 16 lbs (5.5 – 7.0 kg) | 2 – 2 ¾ hours |
| 16 – 20 lbs (7.0 – 9.0 kg) | 2 ½ – 3 ¼ hours |
| 20 – 24 lbs (9.0 – 10.9 kg) | 3 ¾ – 4 ½ hours |
Tips for Grilling a Perfect Turkey:
- Start with a clean grill: Make sure your grill is clean and free of debris before starting.
- Preheat your grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F).
- Use a disposable roasting pan: This will prevent your regular roasting pan from discoloring and warping on the grill.
- Stuff the turkey with aromatics: Stuff the turkey cavity with onions, lemons, and herbs for added flavor.
- Baste the turkey regularly: Baste the turkey with butter, herbs, or your favorite marinade every 20-30 minutes to keep it moist.
- Use a meat thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Let the turkey rest: Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I grill a frozen turkey? It’s not recommended to grill a frozen turkey as it can be difficult to cook evenly and safely.
- Do I need to brine the turkey before grilling? Brining is optional, but it can help to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
- What type of wood should I use for smoking? Hickory, apple, or cherry wood are good choices for smoking turkey.
- Can I grill a turkey breast instead of a whole turkey? Yes, you can grill a turkey breast using the same principles as grilling a whole turkey.
Additional Resources:
- Allrecipes BBQ Turkey Recipe: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/95158/bbq-turkey/
- How Sweet Eats Grilled Turkey Recipe: https://www.howsweeteats.com/2019/11/grilled-turkey/
Grilling your turkey is a fantastic way to add a unique and delicious twist to your Thanksgiving or other special occasion meal By following the tips and guidelines in this guide, you can ensure a perfectly cooked turkey that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more So, fire up your grill and get ready to experience the magic of barbecued turkey!
IT FREES UP YOUR OVEN SPACE!
Oh yes. The dish that typically takes the longest to prepare on a day when you have a million things to do at once has just been removed. This will allow you to make homemade Parker House rolls, sweet potato gratin, green bean casserole, and kale gratin. Even all at once!.
Grilling your turkey is a must at this point.
It seriously blows my mind how effortless this is. To make sure you don’t run out of propane, it is advisable to check on the bird and your grill every 20 to 30 minutes. But if you start with a full tank, you’ll be ready to go and swoon over the incredible taste, appearance, and aroma of the turkey!
In my kitchen gift guide earlier this week, I shared my Weber Genesis II E315 grill. Sure, I know it doesn’t go IN your kitchen, but it has become my outdoor kitchen. We grill everything, as you may see if you follow us on Instagram, and this grill is great. It’s easy to use and makes the process work seamlessly.
It would make such a fantastic gift for the holiday season! Especially because The Home Depot is offering free delivery for online grill orders and free assembly for in-store grill purchases! Go go go grab the Weber Genesis II E315!
Now go make all the plans for this beautiful bird to appear on your table.
Best Grilled Turkey Recipe
