Are you looking for a unique and delicious way to cook your Thanksgiving turkey this year? Look no further than the trash can turkey! This method is surprisingly easy and produces a moist and flavorful bird that will impress your guests.
What You’ll Need:
- 15-pound turkey, thawed
- 1 bag (18 pounds) of charcoal briquettes
- 20-gallon trash can with lid
- Aluminum foil
- 18-inch stake
- Lighter
- Twine
- Butter
- Your favorite turkey seasoning
Instructions:
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Prepare the Turkey:
- Brine the turkey overnight in a flavorful brine solution. This will help to keep the turkey moist and juicy.
- After brining, pat the turkey dry and rub it with butter and your favorite turkey seasoning.
- Truss the turkey by tying the legs together with twine.
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Prepare the Trash Can:
- Burn off the galvanized coating from the inside of the trash can. This can be done by heating the can over a campfire or using a torch.
- Alternatively, you can use a large stainless steel stock pot instead of a trash can.
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Set Up the Cooking Area:
- Drive the stake into the ground so that it stands about 14 inches tall.
- Wrap the stake in aluminum foil to create a ball at the top to support the turkey.
- Spread a layer of aluminum foil around the base of the stake.
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Cook the Turkey:
- Place the turkey on the stake, legs down.
- Light about 1/3 of the charcoal briquettes and place them on the lid of the trash can.
- Carefully place the trash can over the turkey, making sure that it is centered and not touching the can.
- Pour the remaining lit briquettes around the base of the can.
- Cook the turkey for 1.5 hours for a 15-pound turkey, or 1 hour 45 minutes for an 18-20 pound turkey.
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Enjoy!
- Once the turkey is cooked, carefully lift the trash can to reveal the delicious bird underneath.
- Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Tips:
- Use a wireless meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- If you are using a stainless steel stock pot, you may need to adjust the cooking time.
- Be sure to use oven mitts when handling the hot trash can and lid.
- This method can also be used to cook other meats, such as chicken or pork.
Additional Resources:
- Homemade Heather’s Garbage Can Turkey Recipe: https://homemadeheather.com/how-to-cook-delicious-garbage-can-turkey/
- Food.com’s Trash Can Turkey Recipe: https://www.food.com/recipe/trash-can-turkey-69818
FAQs:
- Is it safe to cook food in a galvanized container?
No, it is not safe to cook food in a galvanized container unless you have burned off the galvanized coating.
- Can I use a different type of charcoal?
Yes, you can use any type of charcoal, but briquettes are the easiest to light and maintain.
- How long will the turkey stay warm in the trash can?
The turkey will stay warm in the trash can for up to 30 minutes.
- Can I use this method to cook a smaller turkey?
Yes, you can use this method to cook a smaller turkey. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Making a trash can turkey is a fun and easy way to cook a delicious and moist turkey. With a little preparation, you can impress your guests with this unique and flavorful dish.
How to Cook a Trash Can Turkey
Try this delicous garbage can turkey recipe and cook a 13 lb. Thanksgiving Turkey in less than 3 hours!.
Cook a Trash Can Turkey on Thanksgiving
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it is officially #Campsgiving season, which means lots of outdoor cooking, time spent with family and friends, and sleeping under the stars thanks to the perfect fall-time weather. We tried out a brand-new turkey recipe to help you enjoy Thanksgiving outside. It’s so simple and delicious that your family will look forward to it every year, just like ours did.
All you need for this holiday recipe is a turkey, 20-gallon galvanized or non-galvanized steel trash can, a large bag of charcoal, a turkey stand, tongs, oven mitts, and a square pan to set the roasting stand in and catch all the drippings. The herbs and spices you choose are up to you, but our blend of garlic powder and Herbs de Provence proved to be an absolute win among all the hungry campers at Thanksgiving dinner.
During the holiday break, your Scout can earn the Cooking Merit Badge and gain valuable cooking experience, which will help them move closer to Eagle status. This garbage-can turkey recipe makes a fantastic Thanksgiving meal, regardless of whether your family has opted for a weekend campout this year or you want to try something different.
How to Get Started with Your Thanksgiving Trash Can Turkey
Although cooking a turkey in a trash can sounds odd and complicated, its super easy to set up and quick to make. We cooked our 13-pound turkey in just under 3 hours! Once your supplies are ready, pick the right area to cook your trash can turkey. If youre celebrating Thanksgiving at home, we recommend cooking your garbage can turkey in the driveway, away from dry leaves on the ground. On the other hand, if the family is celebrating turkey day in the great outdoors, you should prepare all your meals at your campsites designated food preparation area. If its your first time cooking with charcoal, check out our video “How to Get Started with Charcoal.” And like you always should, remember your Leave No Trace Principles when cooking a meal outdoors.