How to Grill a Turkey on a Weber Grill

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Things You'll Need

  • Turkey (defrosted)

  • Paper towels

  • Roasting pan

  • Drip pan

  • 1 tbsp. cooking oil

  • Salt

  • Pepper

  • Charcoal briquettes

  • Tongs

  • Turkey baster

  • Meat thermometer

Use your Weber grill to make a golden, juicy turkey.

Whether cooking with a Weber gas or charcoal grill, the method you use to cook your turkey is what determines the outcome. There are two types of grilling methods: indirect and direct. Direct grilling is done directly over fire and is best for small, thin cuts of meat. With turkey, however, you should use the indirect grilling method which is done next to the fire. This method allows you to regulate your heat and cook the turkey slowly without sacrificing the grilled flavor. Your turkey will be juicy and fully cooked on the inside without being scorched on the outside.

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Charcoal Grilling Instructions

Step 1

Light the charcoal.

Rake the charcoal into two piles on opposite sides of the charcoal grate. Light the coals and let them burn until they form a light-colored layer of ash.

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Step 2

Evenly distribute hot coals on each side of the drip pan.

Fill the drip pan halfway with warm water. Place the pan in the center of the charcoal grate with the coals evenly distributed on each side. Put the grilling rack on top of the charcoal grate and close the grill lid.

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Step 3

Wash the inside and outside of the turkey.

Remove the turkey wings, neck and innards (giblets). Wash the inside and outside of the bird. Use paper towels to pat dry.

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Step 4

Use salt, pepper and cooking oil to season the turkey.

Rub the turkey with cooking oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the turkey in the roasting pan, breast side down.

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Step 5

Center the roasting pan on the grill rack. Close the lid and leave all of the vents open. Cook the turkey for an hour.

Step 6

Use tongs to spread the new coals evenly.

Add 12 fresh charcoal briquettes to the burning charcoals. Use tongs to spread the new coals evenly. Turn the turkey breast side up and continue to cook for another hour.

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Step 7

Stick the meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone.

Baste the turkey in its own juices. Stick the meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. The turkey is done when the temperature is 175 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is lower than this, continue to cook for 30 minutes to an hour as necessary. The total cooking time is approximately 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours.

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Step 8

Cover the turkey with aluminum foil and let it rest for 30 minutes before carving.

Remove the roasting pan from the grill and place on a flat, heat-safe surface. Cover the turkey with aluminum foil and let it rest for 30 minutes before carving.

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Gas Grilling Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the grill to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn the heat setting to medium-low and reduce the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using a three-burner grill, turn the center burner off and use only the front and back burners. Close the grill lid.

Step 2

Remove the turkey wings, neck and innards (giblets). Wash the inside and outside of the bird. Use paper towels to pat dry.

Step 3

Rub the turkey with cooking oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the turkey in the roasting pan, breast side down.

Step 4

Center the roasting pan on the grill rack. Cook the turkey for one hour. Turn the turkey over, breast side up, and continue to cook for another hour.

Step 5

Baste the turkey in its own juices. Stick the meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. The turkey is done when the temperature is 175 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is lower than this, continue to cook for 30 minutes to an hour as necessary. The total cooking time is approximately 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours.

Remove the roasting pan from the grill and place on a flat, heat-safe surface. Cover the turkey with aluminum foil and let it rest for 30 minutes before carving.

Tip

If any parts of the turkey get too dark while cooking on the Weber charcoal grill, wrap them tightly with aluminum foil.

Check out this related video from ExpertVillage on Youtube

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