5 Juicy Tips for ThanksGrilling Turkey

For barbecue enthusiasts, the fourth Thursday in November means it’s ThanksGrilling. Cooking turkey outdoors on a grill or in a smoker makes perfect sense for regions that aren’t shivering from the late fall chill. Hello, Hawaii and FLA! Still, inclement weather doesn’t slow down the hardy pitmaster, who’s chasing those dreams of a smoky bird that family and friends will be talking about until next Thanksgrilling.

Photo by Sherri

Inspired by a Very Cool Collection

I’m always searching for a new approach to Thanksgiving. Last year, that was a dramatic beer can turkey. This year, it’s going to be all about setting an intentional kind of fire after I spotted a thoughtfully curated ThanksGrilling Collection by Allrecipes Allstar bdweld. Not only does he include several recipes for smoked and grilled turkey, but also some sides that make so much sense. Anyone who’s got a profile on the site can create a Collection. It’s one of the best ways to keep track of awesome recipes you’ve made and loved, and those you’re excited to try. As soon as I came across this Collection in my feed, I saved it to my favorites. Come November 24, my patio is going to smell so smoky good.

Tips for Smoking Turkeys

Pros know success is all about patience. It takes time to cook a big bird low-and-slow, at 225 degrees for around 10 hours. Here’s what seasoned pitmasters suggest:

• Fill the cavity with some type of liquid to maintain the moisture, especially of the white meat. For the 5-star Turkey in a Smoker recipe, that’s a mixture of cola, butter, chopped apples and spices.
• Bestselling author Meathead Goldwyn advises spatchcocking the bird before smoking it, as a way to infuse more flavor and cut down on cooking time.
• Barbecue University’s Steven Raichlen goes for maximum flavor and juiciness by brining the turkey. In one preparation, the brine includes bourbon and maple syrup.
• At Cozy Corner, a famous Memphis, Tenn., barbecue restaurant, the kitchen has been known to tuck a few barbecued ribs inside turkeys as they cook, doubling down on the smoke.
• Keep the turkey covered loosely in a tent of foil, and baste often. This cooking method makes for a finished bird that ranges from golden to deep mahogany. A centerpiece of the feast you’re going to want to document for Instagram.

For more inspiration, watch this short video on how to smoke a turkey:

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