Tips and Tricks for Grilling a Whole Turkey
As the fall season rolls in, the holidays are right around the corner. You might already be thinking about Thanksgiving dinner plans. The fall season is also a great time to take advantage of the crisp weather and grill outdoors before it gets cold. If you plan on grilling for the holidays, follow these tips and tricks for grilling a whole turkey to make sure your meal is perfect.
Choose Your Cooking Method
There are a couple different ways to grill your turkey, depending on what kind of grill you have at your disposal. You can use either a charcoal grill or a gas grill, though the cooking techniques will vary slightly. With a gas grill, you’ll have a more accurate idea of how hot your grill burns and how long to cook the turkey for. A charcoal grill, on the other hand, can instill more flavor in your turkey, but it will need a bit more attention.
Keep the Meat Moist
One common problem with cooking turkey and other poultry is their tendency to dry out while cooking. Try brining your turkey in a salty brining mixture before you cook it to infuse the bird with more moisture. This will help the meat stay juicy and avoid drying out while cooking.
Have a Thermometer on Hand
Make sure to have a thermometer on hand during the cooking process. Judging when turkey is cooked through based on appearance alone can be tricky, so having a meat thermometer ready is key. You want to cook the bird until the internal temperature of both thighs reads 180° F and the breast reads 165–170° F. This window is safest for consuming poultry, including turkey.
Grilling Tips
No matter what type of grill you’re using, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of fuel for a longer burn session. So make sure you have a full bag of charcoal or a full tank of gas. You’ve also probably heard horror stories of grilled turkeys causing fires, but you won’t have anything to worry about as long as you keep your grill away from the house and out in the open. Never leave the grill unattended for long periods, either.
It may seem like a difficult task to some people, but with these tips and tricks for grilling a whole turkey, you can look forward to a juicy and delicious meal. And if you’re looking for turkey meat for sale in the Bronx area or online, make sure to stop by Vincent’s Meat Market for high-quality poultry and more.
