Deep-frying a turkey is so ten years ago. And roasting in the oven? Yawn. To really wow everyone at the Thanksgiving table this year, put that bird on the grill.
- Make sure your turkey will fit on your grill. This may seem basic, but it happens. Consider making two smaller turkeys—they’ll be easier to cook through, and it’s less likely they’ll end up dry.
- In St. Louis, the average temperature on Thanksgiving is around 40-50 degrees, so you might want to give yourself extra time (about 3 minutes per pound) if it’s especially chilly or windy.
- Make sure you have extra propane or charcoal on hand; the last thing you want to do is run out of fuel on Thanksgiving!
- Add wood chips from cherry, hickory or other fruit and nut trees to give your bird added flavor.
- Purchase a cheesecloth, then soak it in a liquid and cover the top of your turkey with it for the first half of the cooking time. This adds flavor to the turkey, protects the skin and keeps the breast from drying out.
- Thoroughly clean your grill, so your turkey doesn’t end up tasting like last night’s pork steaks (unless that’s what you’re going for).
- Cook your turkey over indirect heat for 11–13 minutes per pound at 350-375 degrees.
- To maintain a steady temperature, keep the lid closed as much as possible. If you’re using a charcoal grill, you’ll also need to add 9 unlit briquettes every hour on the hour.
- If you aren’t using a rotisserie, you’ll need to flip and rotate the bird(s) halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Check the internal temperature halfway through the cooking time, again at three quarters through, and then when you think it’s done. This will give you a good picture of how quickly your turkey is cooking, so you can make sure it doesn’t overcook. The temperature should read 165 degrees when measured on the innermost part of the thigh and the thickest part of the breast.
- To keep your cooked bird moist and juicy, cover it loosely with foil and let it rest for 20 to 30 percent of the total cooking time before carving.
If you’re still nervous about grilling your turkey, enter your email below to gain access to the recipe from Weber Grill Restaurant & Academy and make your bird sing.
This piece was created in partnership with Weber Grill Restaurant & Academy. Visit their site to learn more grilling tips, make a dinner reservation and schedule a class at Weber Grill Academy.
