Roasting a Turkey in a Charcoal Grill

Step 7 Checking the Temperature of the Meat

Position the grill lid so the vent holes are above the meat thermometer in the turkey's breast. As the cooking time nears completion, remove the candy thermometer from the vent holes and shine a flashlight through a vent hole while looking through another to read the meat thermometer. Do not let too much smoke get into your eye. It stings.

When the meat reaches 185 degrees F. remove the lid. Use a couple of pairs of large pliers to lift the turkey and its disposable pan out of the grill. Set it on a platter and carry it inside for carving. There may be just a little ash on the turkey's skin, but you can wipe that off.

Close the grill and its vents and allow the charcoal to snuff itself out.

Enjoy the turkey.

Comments

[NDaussie1]

A turkey on the Weber is just in my opionion the best way to cook Thanksgiving or Christmas Dinner. I live in North Dakota and it is my ritual to cook even in the coldest weather.

The main difference is I use a foil pan with water in between the charcoal (indirect heat method). And I do leave the upper grate on the grill. (I use the type I can add more charcoal on ether side of the grate without lifting out the enter grate). A turkey with a pop up timer is really helpful.

Cooking time about 11 min / lb unstuffed, 14 min /lb stuffed.

A great treat is if you have some apple twigs, soak them in water for about an hour before cooking then add them to the beginning. Umm Goood!

[bl0rq]

This is a pretty bad method. For starters, 185 is about 22 deg too high for the meat. Having the bird that close to the coals will really mess up the cooking evenness. If you dont have the right equipment for the job, just use the oven. If you want to do it right, get a Big Green Egg and use something more like http://www.nakedwhiz.com/madmaxturkey.htm

[Phil B]

Well, I have done what I described many times over quite a few years and the meat was always evenly cooked, but not overcooked. But, suit yourself.

[nrkey4ever]

Clever. Very clever idea over all.

[Phil B]

Thanks. I think the basic idea was included with instructions that came with our grill. I made some adaptations with the candy and meat thermometer. I also learned some things on my own about how and when to add charcoal.