Mastering the Art of Grilling Turkey on Your Barbecue

Why Grill Your Turkey?

As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us envision a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. While tradition is comforting, why not spice things up this year by grilling your turkey? This method not only adds a unique flavor but also frees up your oven for other essential dishes.

Choosing the Right Turkey

When selecting your turkey, consider the size of your grill. Ensure the turkey fits comfortably with the lid closed. If your turkey is too large, you can still grill it by propping the lid open and covering the gap with heavy-duty aluminum foil.

Preparing Your Turkey

1. Stuffing: Prepare and stuff your turkey as you normally would.
2. Pan: Place the turkey in a sturdy pan, preferably a heavy-duty aluminum foil pan designed for grilling.
3. Placement: Position the pan on the grill over a burner that can be turned off. This setup uses indirect heat, which is crucial for even cooking.

Adding Smoky Flavor

To infuse your turkey with a smoky taste, you'll need wood chips. These can be found at most stores that sell grills or grill accessories. Follow these steps:

1. Soak the Chips: Soak the wood chips in water as per the instructions.
2. Container: Place the soaked chips in aluminum foil or a special metal box designed for wood chips.
3. Positioning: Place the container over a lit burner. As the chips heat up, they release flavored smoke.

Cooking Your Turkey

1. Close the Lid: Close the grill lid. If the turkey is too large, prop the lid open and cover the gap with heavy-duty foil. Note that this will require additional cooking time.
2. Cooking Time: Cooking time varies based on the turkey's size, whether it's stuffed, and if the lid is fully closed. Generally, a 12-14 pound turkey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
3. Rotate: After a couple of hours, rotate the turkey 180 degrees to ensure even cooking.

Ensuring Safety and Doneness

For safety, cook the turkey until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to avoid guesswork. Properly cooked poultry is crucial to avoid health hazards.

Final Touches

Your fully cooked turkey should be nicely browned, and the juices should run clear when you poke the thigh with a fork or skewer. Consider glazing the turkey before carving to add an extra layer of flavor.

Interesting Stats

• Grilling Popularity: According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, 64% of grill owners use their grills year-round, not just during summer (Source: HPBA).
• Turkey Consumption: In 2020, Americans consumed about 5.3 billion pounds of turkey (Source: National Turkey Federation).

Conclusion

Grilling your turkey can become a new holiday tradition, offering a unique flavor and freeing up your kitchen for other dishes. Experiment with different wood chips and glazes to create a memorable meal that your family and friends will love.

By following these steps, you can master the art of grilling turkey on your barbecue, creating a delicious and memorable holiday meal.