How to Make Delicious Turkey Barbecue Worth Raving About

Barbecued turkey is a mouthwatering alternative to traditional oven-roasted turkey that infuses smoky flavor into the meat. With the right techniques, you can make juicy, tender barbecue turkey on a gas or charcoal grill that your family and friends will love.

Why Barbecue Turkey?

Cooking turkey on a grill has many advantages over roasting it in the oven Here are some of the top reasons to give barbecued turkey a try

• Frees up oven space for side dishes on holidays
• Infuses smoky flavor that oven roasting can’t replicate
• Crispy skin from grilling over direct heat
• Juicy meat when cooked slowly over indirect heat
• Fun change from the usual roasted turkey
• Impress guests with your grilling skills

Barbecuing allows you to take turkey to the next level for backyard gatherings, summer holidays and anytime you crave deliciously smoked meat.

Tips for Grilling the Perfect Turkey

Grilling turkey requires some preparation and monitoring, but the payoff of tender, juicy meat is worth the effort. Here are tips for barbecue success:

Choose the Right Size

Pick a turkey between 12-15 lbs Too small and it will dry out, too large and it won’t cook evenly The ideal weight allows ample time over indirect heat.

Brine for Added Moisture

Soaking the turkey in a saltwater brine before cooking helps retain moisture and gives the meat a boost of flavor. Dissolve 1 cup salt and 1/2 cup brown sugar per gallon of water along with aromatics like garlic, rosemary and peppercorns. Submerge the turkey for 8-12 hours.

Prep the Bird

Remove giblets, rinse the turkey, pat dry and truss. Be sure to tuck the wings under the body and tie the legs together. Rub olive oil all over and generously season inside and out with salt, pepper and herbs. Stuff the cavity with halved lemons, onions and garlic.

Set Up for Indirect Heat

To prevent burning, bank coals to one side of a charcoal grill or turn off one burner of a gas grill. Use a drip pan on the cool side to catch drippings. Maintain a temperature of 325-350°F using a grill thermometer.

Grill Slowly Over Indirect Heat

Figure on 15-20 minutes per pound, rotating every 45 minutes for even cooking. Monitor the temperature, removing when the thigh reaches 180°F and breast 175°F. If browning too quickly, tent foil over the skin.

Let It Rest

Never cut into turkey right off the grill! Letting it rest for at least 30 minutes allows juices to redistribute for tender, juicy meat. Use this time to make gravy with the drippings.

Delicious Barbecue Turkey Recipes

Now that you know the tips and techniques, get ready to wow your guests with these finger-licking good barbecue turkey recipes:

Tangy Barbecue Turkey

The sweet and tangy sauce in this recipe packs a flavor punch:

Ingredients:

• 1⁄4 cup butter
• 1⁄2 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1⁄2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cups chopped cooked turkey

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, celery and pepper. Cook 5 minutes.
2. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, chili powder and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt.
3. Simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.
4. Add turkey and simmer 30 more minutes.
5. Serve on rolls.

Pennsylvania Dutch Style Turkey

Get authentic barbecue flavor with this Pennsylvania Dutch recipe:

Ingredients:

• 14-20 lb whole turkey
• Turkey drippings
• 1 stick butter
• 2 cans cream of celery soup
• 1 can water
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Roast turkey and strain drippings.
2. Add drippings, butter, soup, water and seasonings to a Dutch oven. Simmer.
3. Shred breast and dark meat. Add to pot and simmer 3-6 hours.
4. Serve on Kaiser rolls.

Beer Can Turkey

Cooking the bird upright on a can of beer yields impressively moist meat:

Ingredients:

• 12-15 lb turkey
• 12 oz beer
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons seasoning rub

Instructions:

1. Remove giblets and neck. Rinse turkey and pat dry.
2. Sprinkle cavity with rub. Rub outside with oil and seasoning.
3. Open beer and pour out half. Insert can in cavity.
4. Set turkey upright on grill over indirect heat for 3-4 hours until 165°F.
5. Carefully remove can and let rest before carving.

Get creative with your own spice rubs and barbecue sauces too. The options are endless for customizing scrumptious turkey on the grill!

Grilling Turkey Safely

When handling raw turkey and cooking it on the grill, be sure to follow these safety guidelines:

• Wash hands and sanitize cooking tools after touching raw turkey
• Use separate plates and utensils for raw turkey
• Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a food thermometer
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and reheat fully to 165°F

The minimal time turkey spends in the “danger zone” of 40-140°F makes grilling a safe option. Take care not to cross-contaminate and fully cook the bird.

Game Day Turkey Tacos

Leftover smoked turkey also shines in creative recipes like these zesty tacos:

Ingredients:

• Shredded turkey
• Tortillas
• Shredded lettuce
• Pico de gallo
• Avocado
• Lime wedges
• Queso fresco

Instructions:

1. Warm tortillas on the grill.
2. Load tortillas with turkey, lettuce, pico de gallo, avocado and queso fresco.
3. Squeeze lime juice over top.

With endless possibilities for creating tacos, nachos, sandwiches, salads and more, you’ll look forward to leftovers after grilling a barbecue turkey.

Satisfying and Simple

Barbecuing a turkey infuses it with sweet, smoky flavor you just can’t achieve in the oven. With minimal active cooking time, it frees up your holiday to enjoy family and friends. Follow these foolproof tips for grilling success this season. Surprise your guests with your skill at producing a gorgeous, delicious barbecue turkey!