Best Moms Barbeque Style Turkey Recipes

BBQ TURKEY

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, saute onions and garlic in 1/4 cup oil until tender. Stir in the ketchup, water, syrup, vinegar, molasses, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, celery seed, pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon pepper and ginger. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until slightly thickened. Set aside 1-1/2 cups for serving., Remove giblets from turkey (discard or save for another use). Lightly oil the grill rack. Prepare grill for indirect heat, using a drip pan. Skewer turkey openings; tie drumsticks together. Rub remaining oil over skin of turkey. Sprinkle salt and remaining pepper over turkey and inside cavity., Place turkey over drip pan, breast side up; grill, covered, over indirect medium heat 1 hour. Brush with some of the sauce mixture. Grill until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 170°-175°, 1-1/2 to 2 hours longer, basting frequently with remaining sauce. Cover and let stand for 20 minutes before carving. Serve with reserved sauce.

MOM'S ROAST TURKEY

Steps:

• Defrost the turkey several days ahead: If you are starting with a frozen turkey, you will need to allow several days to defrost the turkey. You'll want to defrost it in the refrigerator so that the turkey stays chilled during this process. Put the wrapped frozen turkey in a pan to prevent leaks and then place it in the refrigerator. It will take about 5 hours of defrosting time for every pound of turkey. So, if you have a 15 pound turkey, it should take about 75 hours, or 3 days, to defrost. If you need to defrost it more quickly than that, you can place it in a large tub of cool water, and keep changing the water to keep it cold, until the turkey is defrosted.
• Bring the turkey to room temperature before roasting: Remove the turkey from the refrigerator 2 to 5 hours (depending on the size of the bird) before cooking, to allow it to come closer to room temperature. The turkey will cook more quickly and more evenly that way.
• Remove giblets and rinse: When you are ready to cook the turkey, remove it from its package. Usually turkeys come packaged with the neck and giblets (heart, gizzard, liver) in the main cavity or the neck opening (make sure to check both!) Pull the giblets out; they are often wrapped in a small paper package. If you want, you can chop up the heart and gizzard to make stock for the stuffing or dressing (put the chopped heart and gizzard into a small saucepan, cover with water, add salt, bring to simmer for an hour or so.) You can either cook the neck alongside the turkey, or use it to make turkey stock. You can also use all of the giblets for making giblet gravy . Rinse the turkey inside and out with water. If you see stray turkey feathers, pluck them out. Use paper towels to pat the turkey dry. Many turkeys come with a plastic tie holding the drumsticks together. Check the instructions on the turkey package; it is likely that you will not need to remove the tie unless you are cooking the turkey at a very high temperature.
• Preheat the oven: Turn your oven to 400°F.
• Add the aromatics and truss the turkey: Slather the inside of the cavity with a tablespoon or so of lemon juice . Take a couple teaspoons of salt and rub all over the inside of the turkey. (Skip the salt if you are using a brined turkey .) Put the cut onion, several sprigs of parsley , a chopped carrot or two, and some leafy celery tops into the main cavity of the turkey. These are aromatics that will flavor the turkey from the inside as it cooks. Cover the entrance to the main cavity with aluminum foil, or close it with metal skewers or kitchen string (not nylon string!), so that the aromatics don't fall out while you are roasting the turkey. Put a few sprigs of parsley into the neck opening, cover the opening with the surrounding turkey skin, and close the opening with skewers or string. By the way, we don't cook stuffing (or dressing as it is known in many parts of the country) in the turkey anymore. Stuffing the turkey adds to the overall cooking time. Not packing the turkey with stuffing will allow the turkey to cook more evenly. We do make our stuffing with stock made from the turkey giblets so the stuffing has plenty of turkey flavor. We truss our turkey, though some people choose not too. The point of trussing is to keep the legs and wings close to the body so they don't spread out while cooking. To truss, make sure that the turkey's legs are tied together, held close to the body, and tie a string around the turkey body to hold the wings in close. (Here's a good video: how to truss a turkey .)
• Season the outside of the turkey: Rub either softened butter or extra virgin olive oil all over the outside of the turkey. Sprinkle salt generously on all sides of the outside of the turkey (do not add salt if you are using a brined turkey). Sprinkle black pepper over the turkey as well.
• Place turkey breast side down on the rack: Place the turkey BREAST DOWN on a rack over a sturdy roasting pan big enough to catch all the drippings. How do you know the turkey is breast side down? The wings are up and the legs are down. Note that you can also place the turkey directly on an oven rack with a large roasting pan to catch the drippings on the rack below. That method helps create a convection-like environment, helping the heat circulate more evenly around the turkey. Add several sprigs of fresh thyme, sage, and/or rosemary to the outside of the turkey or tucked under the wings. Note: if you are using a remote thermometer (or two) to gauge the temperature of the turkey while it cooks, it's easiest to find the right place to insert the probe when the turkey is breast side UP. So eyeball where you think the thermometer probe(s) should go first, before placing the turkey breast side down in the pan. Once the turkey is breast side down in the pan, insert the probes into the thickest and coldest parts of the breast and/or thighs, making sure the probe is not touching the metal rack or pan. If you only have one remote thermometer, put it in the breast.
• Roast the turkey: Before you put the turkey in the oven, do a rough calculation of how much overall time it should take to cook the turkey. Usually they say to assume 15 minutes for every pound of meat, but I have found in practice that it's usually less than that, more like 13 minutes per pound. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey, how long it has been sitting at room temperature before cooking, and the shape and particulars of your specific oven. So come up with a rough estimate for the overall cooking time, and then make sure to check how the turkey is doing well before it is supposed to be done! Put the turkey in the oven at 400°F, uncovered. For the 15 lb turkey, start the cooking at 400°F for the first 20 minutes to brown it. Then reduce the heat to 325°F for the next 1 to 2 hours, until the internal temperature of the breast reaches about 140°F to 145°F or so. Then reduce the heat further to 225°F until done, anywhere from a half hour to an hour or more. Note that the lower oven temperature at the end of cooking can help you time when you want the turkey to be done. If the turkey is cooking more quickly than you expect, lowering the oven temp can extend the cooking time. If the turkey isn't cooking quickly enough and you're ready to eat, don't lower the temperature to 225°F, or if you already have, increase it again to 325°F.
• Brown the breast (optional): If you want the turkey skin of the breast to be browned, when the turkey is close to being done (about 150°F for the breast), you'll need to turn the turkey over so that the breast is on top, and put it in a 500°F oven or under the broiler for 4 to 5 minutes, just enough time to brown the breast. Note that by browning the breast you may end up over-cooking the turkey breast a little bit. We often don't turn the turkey over. Turning the turkey over can be a hot, messy job, so if you do it, the best way is to use clean oven mitts or clean kitchen towels (just throw them in the laundry afterwards.)
• Check the turkey to be sure it's done: Start taking temperature readings with a meat thermometer, inserted deep into the thickest part of the turkey breast and thigh, an hour and a half before the turkey should be done. You want a resulting temperature of 165°F for the white meat (breast) and 165°F to 170°F for the dark meat (thighs and legs). The temperature of the bird will continue to rise once you take it out of the oven, so take the turkey out of the oven when the temperature reading for the breast is 155°F to 160°F, and for the thigh is 160°F to 165°F. If you don't have a meat thermometer, spear the breast with a knife. The turkey juices should be clear, not pink. If the thighs reach their target temperature before the breast, turn the turkey over and let the turkey finish cooking, breast side up.
• Rest the turkey and carve: Once you remove the turkey from the oven, transfer it to a cutting board, tent it with aluminum foil to keep it warm, and let it rest for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the turkey. Turn the turkey breast side up to carve it.
• Make a roux with the turkey fat: Use a metal spoon to ladle off some of the excess fat from the pan (leave about 4 tablespoon or so of fat and drippings in the pan) and reserve for another use. You can use either flour or cornstarch to make the gravy. (We find we get better results with flour. So, we recommend making the gravy with flour unless serving a guest who must eat gluten-free.) If using flour, heat the fat and drippings in the pan until they are bubbly. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of flour all over the fat and drippings. Stir with a wire whisk to make a roux with the flour and fat. Let the flour brown a minute or so in the hot pan.
• Add liquid to make the gravy: Slowly add 3 cups of water, stock, or milk to the pan, whisking vigorously to get rid of any lumps. Let the gravy simmer and thicken. Add salt and pepper, ground sage, thyme or other seasonings to taste. See our gravy recipe for more detailed instructions and on making gravy using cornstarch.

TURKEY BARBECUE

Steps:

• Place turkey, breast side up, on a rack in a roasting pan. Combine the butter, Worcestershire sauce, steak sauce and seasonings; rub 3 tablespoons over turkey. Cover and refrigerate remaining butter mixture. Bake turkey, uncovered, at 325° for 3 to 3-1/2 hours or until a thermometer reads 180°, basting occasionally with pan drippings., Remove turkey; pour drippings into a saucepan. When turkey is cool enough to handle, remove meat from the bones. Shred turkey and return to the roasting pan. Add broth and remaining butter mixture to the drippings; bring to a rolling boil. Pour over shredded turkey., Cover and bake at 325° for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Serve on rolls with lettuce and tomato if desired.

NORTH CAROLINA-STYLE BBQ TURKEY

Steps:

• 1. For the brine: In a large stockpot, bring 6 quarts water, 1 1/2 cups salt, brown sugar, coriander, ginger, and bay leaves to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure the salt and sugar are dissolved. While the brine is simmering, fill a bucket (or pot) big enough to hold a turkey with the ice. Pour the brine over the ice. When the brine has cooled, add the turkey. Place a heavy object like a plate or lid on top of the turkey to keep it submerged in the liquid. Brine in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours.
• 2. For the sauce: Heat the vinegar and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Off the heat, stir in the ketchup, honey, 1/4 cup salt, red pepper, and black pepper. Reserve 1 1/2 cups for passing at the table.
• 3. For the turkey: Prepare an outdoor grill with a medium-high fire for both direct and indirect grilling. Position a drip pan under the grate on the indirect side of the grill. Sprinkle the cavity of the turkey with salt and stuff with the celery, lemons, onions, and parsley, then tie the legs. Place the turkey breast-side up over the drip pan. Toss 1 cup of the soaked wood chips onto the coals. Cover the grill and rotate the lid so that the vent holes are directly over the meat. To maintain a medium-low smoky fire, add about a dozen pieces of charcoal and another cup of wood chips to the fire whenever the fire dies down. Rotate the turkey about every 45 minutes to prevent the side closest to the coals from overcooking.
• 4. After 1 hour, begin basting the turkey every 20 to 30 minutes with the remaining 2 1/2 cups of sauce. (Keep the grill covered between basting.) Cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thigh, not touching the bone, registers 165 degrees F, 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 15 minutes before carving.
• Serves: 8-10 (analysis done for 10)
• Nutrition Information (per serving):
• *Sauce for passing included
• Calories: 1109
• Total Fat: 50 grams
• Saturated Fat: 14 grams
• Total Carbohydrates: 23 grams
• Protein: 132 grams
• Sodium: 2009 milligrams
• Cholesterol: 503 milligrams
• Fiber: 0.5 grams
• Serves: 32
• Nutrition Information (per 2 tablespoons):
• Calories: 28
• Total Fat: 0 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams
• Total Carbohydrates: 7 grams
• Protein: 0 grams
• Sodium: 56 milligrams
• Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
• Fiber: 0 grams

BARBECUED TURKEY SANDWICHES

Steps:

• In a saucepan, saute the celery, onion and green pepper in 1/3 cup butter until tender. Add the next seven ingredients. , Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Add turkey; heat through. Spread the cut side of each hamburger bun with 1 teaspoon remaining butter. Serve turkey mixture on buns.

BARBECUED TURKEY

Steps:

• Rinse cavity of turkey with cool running water, and pat dry with paper towel. Place turkey, breast-side down, in a deep bowl or roasting pan. In a medium bowl, combine barbecue sauce, vinegar, red-pepper flakes, and sugar; pour over turkey. Let marinate, refrigerated, at least 8 hours or overnight.
• Light a charcoal fire, and let it burn until the coals have become white ash. Alternatively, heat one side of a gas grill set on medium-high.
• Brush the entire turkey with the marinade. Place turkey on the grill, breast-side up, near but not directly over the coals, or on the side of the gas grill that is not turned on. Cook turkey with the grill lid closed until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the leg and breast is 180 degrees, about 4 to 4 1/2 hours. Baste with the marinade every 30 to 45 minutes, rotating turkey a quarter turn each time. Add coals heated in a firestarter chimney as needed to maintain an even temperature.
• When the turkey is fully cooked, remove from the grill, and let sit for 15 minutes before carving. Serve with tomato-herb gravy, if desired, or additional barbecue sauce.

TURKEY BARBECUE SANDWICHES WITH PICKLES AND SLAW

Steps:

• In a small pot, combine 1/4 cup vinegar, the sugar and the salt. Cover pot and heat just until sugar dissolves, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, toss together cabbage, shallot, carrot and jalapeño. Pour hot vinegar mixture over vegetables and toss to combine. Cover and let sit, tossing occasionally, while you prepare the sandwiches.
• Pour barbecue sauce into a medium bowl and taste it. If it's too sweet, add a little more vinegar and hot sauce, if you like. Toss in turkey and stir until evenly coated.
• To assemble the sandwiches, spread mayonnaise inside the buns, if you like, then fill the buns with slaw, pickles and turkey. Serve with more hot sauce on the side, if you like.

BBQ TURKEY

Steps:

• Preheat a gas grill for low heat.
• Rub some of the butter all over the turkey, inside and out, then rub all over with chicken base. Cut remaining butter into cubes and toss with onions, apples, and garlic in a large bowl. Stuff the bird with this mixture and place in a disposable aluminum roasting pan. Fold the turkey skin around the neck area to cover the hole and then turn the turkey over and pour wine into the opening at the other end until the turkey is full or the bottle is empty. Set the turkey breast side up.
• Place the roasting pan on the grill and cover loosely with aluminum foil. If you have a pop up timer or heat safe meat thermometer, insert it into the turkey breast. Close the lid.
• Roast until the temperature in the breast reads 170 degrees F (75 degrees C) and the temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reads 180 degrees C (80 degrees C), about 4 hours depending on the temperature of your grill. When the temperature is getting close, remove the aluminum foil covering the turkey and allow it to brown during the final minutes of cooking. If it starts to brown too much, just cover it back up. Allow the turkey to rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.