17+ Grilled Turkey Thanksgiving Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 12, 2024
Grilled turkey is a mouth-watering and flavorful alternative to traditional oven-roasted turkey for Thanksgiving. This recipe is perfect for those who want to switch up their Thanksgiving menu and impress their guests with a unique and delicious dish. Grilling the turkey adds a smoky and slightly charred flavor to the meat, while keeping it tender and juicy. With a few simple steps, you can create a perfectly grilled turkey that will be the star of your Thanksgiving dinner.
Main Ingredients: Mashed Potatoes, Turkey, Vegetables, Garlic Clove
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Pecan Injected and Rubbed Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Pecan, Marinade, Rub
Preparing the Turkey
Ingredients:
1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
1/2 cup olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
Salt and pepper
To start, make sure your turkey is completely thawed and at room temperature before grilling. This will ensure even cooking and prevent the meat from drying out. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped herbs. This will be the marinade for the turkey.
Pro tip: If you're short on time, you can use a store-bought herb and garlic marinade instead.
Next, pat the turkey dry with paper towels and place it on a large baking sheet. Use your hands to carefully loosen the skin from the turkey breast. This will create a pocket for the marinade to be rubbed under the skin, giving the meat extra flavor and moisture.
Using your hands or a basting brush, generously coat the turkey with the marinade, making sure to get it under the skin as well. Sprinkle salt and pepper all over the turkey, including inside the cavity. Cover the turkey with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Grilling the Turkey
When you're ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit). If you're using a gas grill, turn off the burners on one side to create an indirect heat zone. For a charcoal grill, push the coals to one side to create the same effect.
Place the turkey on the indirect heat side of the grill, with the breast side facing up. Close the lid and let the turkey cook for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Pro tip: To add extra flavor, throw some wood chips onto the coals or use a smoker box on a gas grill.
After 1 hour and 15 minutes, carefully flip the turkey over so the breast side is now facing down. This will allow the skin to get crispy and prevent it from burning. Close the lid and let the turkey cook for another 45 minutes to an hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the turkey is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and juicy.
Serving the Grilled Turkey
Carve the turkey and arrange it on a platter for a stunning presentation. The grilled turkey will have a beautiful golden-brown color and a delicious aroma that will make your mouth water. Serve it with your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes and enjoy the flavorful and tender meat.
With this grilled turkey recipe, you can elevate your Thanksgiving dinner and impress your guests with a unique and delicious dish. Give it a try this year and make your Thanksgiving celebration even more memorable.
