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
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.
Charcoal Grilling Instructions
Step 1
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.
Step 2
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.
Step 3
Remove the turkey wings, neck and innards (giblets). Wash the inside and outside of the bird. Use paper towels to pat dry.
Step 4
Rub the turkey with cooking oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the turkey in the roasting pan, breast side down.
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
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.
Step 7
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.
Step 8
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.
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.
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