Would you believe me if I told you that this garbage can turkey recipe makes for one of the best turkeys that I have ever tasted?!
When I first witnessed a turkey being cooked in a garbage can it blew my mind. I couldn’t fathom how that was even possible!
Since then we have made numerous turkeys this way and it has quickly become my preferred way of cooking the most moist and delicious turkey I have ever had. Let me show you how…
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No seriously, this turkey was cooked in a garbage can in 1.5 hours you guys! It’s super easy to set up and makes the tastiest trash can turkey.
We also have an amazing Smoked Turkey recipe that is to die for. Full of rich, smokey flavour, it’s another one that you should add to the must try list!
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If this is your first time making trash can turkey, be sure to burn the galvanized coating off of your garbage can before cooking. This is done by heating the can to a very high temperature – we did this over a camp fire, using a torch or smoker would work too.
Alternatively you can use an extra large stainless steel stock pot to cook the bird as well (cooking times will vary for this method).
Cooking turkey in a trash can may sound crazy, but it’s actually a fun, easy way to make a juicy, flavorful bird. This unique cooking method steams and roasts the turkey at the same time, keeping it incredibly moist while infusing it with delicious smoky flavor.
As a home cook who loves trying new things, I was intrigued when I first heard about trash can turkey. After testing it out, I was amazed by how simple it is and how unbelievably delicious the turkey turns out. Now it’s become my go-to method every Thanksgiving and Christmas!
In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process of making perfect trash can turkey from start to finish. With just a few supplies and some basic prep, you’ll have a show-stopping centerpiece turkey on your table in under two hours. I’ll also share my best tips for brining, seasoning, and ensuring your bird turns out juicy and full of flavor.
Overview of Cooking Trash Can Turkey
The basic concept of cooking trash can turkey is simple:
- Place a charcoal fire in the bottom of a large metal trash can
- Put the turkey on a stand above the coals
- Surround the turkey with the hot can to steam and roast it
Cooking the turkey enclosed in the can
- Keeps the meat incredibly moist and tender
- Infuses tons of delicious smoky barbecue flavor into the bird
- Cooks the turkey very quickly and evenly
The end result is a turkey that’s juicy, fall-off-the-bone tender with crispy skin and amazing smoky aroma. It’s much easier than oven roasting and frees up your oven for other dishes.
Supplies Needed
Cooking trash can turkey requires just a few supplies
- 15-20 gallon metal trash can with lid
- Aluminum foil
- 15 inch wooden stake or metal rod
- 5-10 lbs charcoal briquettes
- Chimney starter or lighter fluid
- Oven mitts and tongs
- Instant read meat thermometer
You’ll also need a 12-15 lb whole thawed turkey and seasonings of your choice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfect trash can turkey every time:
1. Prepare the Turkey
- Thaw the turkey completely in the fridge
- Remove giblets and neck from cavities
- Rinse turkey inside and out; pat dry
- Apply a dry rub, herbs, spices, or seasoning of your choice. Try a savory cajun rub or herb butter under the skin.
- Truss legs together with twine so they stay tucked in
- Insert a meat thermometer probe into the thickest part of the breast
2. Set Up Cooking Area
- Choose a spot away from anything flammable
- Place 4-5 layers of heavy duty foil on the ground in a 3 foot square
- Firmly drive wooden stake into the center
- Top with more foil to create a drip tray
3. Light the Charcoal
- Fill a charcoal chimney with briquettes
- Light chimney and let burn until coals are fully ignited and covered in white ash
- Carefully pour lit charcoal onto the center of the trash can lid
4. Put Turkey on Stand
- Place turkey breast up onto the wooden stake
- Legs should be pointing down with bird centered on the stake
- Completely cover turkey with the trash can, making sure it’s not touching the sides
5. Add Coals
- Evenly distribute more hot charcoal around the bottom of the can
- Let burn for 1.5-2 hours, adding more coals as needed
- Use thermometer to check doneness – 165°F minimum
6. Uncover and Enjoy!
- When turkey reaches 165°, carefully remove can using mitts
- Let rest 15 minutes before carving to let juices settle
- Dig in and enjoy your juicy, tender, smoky trash can turkey!
Be sure to wear oven mitts when removing the hot trash can. Letting the turkey rest allows juices to redistribute so it stays nice and moist.
Helpful Tips and Suggestions
- Use a clean new trash can or burn off any interior plastic coating before cooking
- Have extra charcoal on hand to replenish as needed
- Use wood chips or spices in the coals for more flavor
- Rotate the can if cooking unevenly or add coals to hot spots
- Let turkey rest tented in foil at least 15 minutes before carving
With these handy tips, you’ll get perfect results every time with this fun, unique cooking method. The enclosed heat and steam make trash can turkey extra juicy and tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to cook food in a trash can?
Yes! As long as you use a clean new can or thoroughly scrub out an older one first. Be sure to burn off any interior plastic coating before cooking.
How long does it take to fully cook the turkey?
Cooking time depends on the size of your turkey, but plan on 1-2 hours for a 12-15 lb bird. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
What size turkey works best?
A 12-15 lb turkey is ideal for a standard 20 gallon trash can. You can adjust cooking time for smaller or larger birds as needed.
Can I get crispy skin?
Absolutely! The enclosed heat makes the skin extra crispy. Coating it in oil or butter helps further crisp up the skin.
What if I don’t have a trash can?
You can use a large steel drum, bucket, or extra large stockpot instead. Just adjust cooking time and charcoal amounts accordingly.
Time to Feast on Trash Can Turkey!
Now you’ve got all the tools and knowledge needed to make the most insanely delicious trash can turkey! This unique cooking method consistently delivers perfectly cooked, juicy and tender turkey with awesome smoky flavor. I hope you’ll give trash can turkey a try this holiday season – it just might become your new favorite way to cook turkey!
A little bit of preparation…
3: Wrap the stake in tinfoil, creating a ball of foil at the top to support the turkey. Layer about 2 ft of tinfoil on the ground around the stake.
4: Place the bird on the stake.
At this point you can insert a wireless meat thermometer, like the Meater, into the bird to help determine the perfect doneness.
5: Cover the turkey with the garbage can, making sure that it is centered and not touching the can.
6: Pour 1/3 of the bag of briquettes into the garbage can lid and light them. Tip: Be sure to use oven mitts when handling the hot lid and garbage can.
7: Pour lit briquettes around the base of the can.
8: Scatter the remaining briquettes around the base of the can on top of the already lit ones.
9: Set your timer for 1.5 hours and allow the garbage can to work its magic! Cook for 1 hour 45 mins for an 18-20 lb turkey.
10: Using oven mitts, lift the can to reveal the delicious turkey underneath.
Doesn’t this turkey just look amazing you guys?! Trust me, it tastes even better!
This garbage can turkey recipe is perfect for using while camping when you don’t have access to an oven or at home when you don’t want to heat up the entire house with the oven or just when you want to make, seriously, the best tasting turkey ever!
We also love, love, love this easy Beer Can Chicken recipe, it makes the tastiest bird that we have ever had. If you want to make a smaller dish, try this one and let us know how you like it!
My friend Michelle cooks her turkey in an air fryer!! Have you ever tried it?! Be sure to check out her Air Fryer Turkey for all of the details!
How to cook delicious garbage can turkey?
1: Prepare the turkey for cooking. We found that the absolute best turkey was brined the day before cooking using this amazing turkey brine recipe.
After removing from the brine we then coated it in melted butter and our favorite Mango Chipotle Seasoning. You could also use this herb butter rub recipe. Fasten the wings to the bird with twine and tuck the legs in or fasten together with twine.
2: Prepare the cooking area. You will need to make a stake that sticks out of the ground by 14″. When we make this recipe while camping we simply use a branch and bury it at least 4″ in the ground so that it’s sturdy enough to hold a 15 lb turkey.
At home we’ve created a stake using an old ground tamper that we cut to 14″. The weighted end of the tamper is enough to hold up the turkey.