Firepit Fiesta Turkey
Experience the joy of an unconventional roasting method with our Firepit Fiesta Turkey! This whole turkey is expertly roasted upright on a stake beneath a metal trash can, creating a moist, flavorful result that will impress your family and friends alike. The combination of savory spices enveloping the turkey, along with the unique cooking method, ensures that you will savor every bite. Perfect for backyard gatherings, camping trips, or festive celebrations, this Boy Scout-inspired recipe offers a fun and memorable cooking adventure.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Poultry seasoning
2 tablespoons (mixed)
Coarse salt (kosher or sea)
2 tablespoons (mixed)
Dry mustard
1 tablespoon (mixed)
Black pepper
1 tablespoon (mixed)
Garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (mixed)
Turkey
1 (12 lb) (thawed if frozen)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (brushed or rubbed)
Instructions
1
Gather all necessary equipment: 1 sturdy wood or metal stake (at least 1" thick and 20" long), heavy-duty aluminum foil, and a clean 30-gallon metal trash can. You will also need approximately 20 lbs of charcoal.
2
In a small bowl, combine the poultry seasoning, coarse salt, dry mustard, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well and set aside.
3
Prepare the turkey by removing the giblets from the neck and body cavities; set them aside for future use, such as making gravy. Discard the excess fat from inside the cavities.
4
Thoroughly rinse the turkey inside and out under cold running water. Pat it dry using paper towels.
5
Generously season the turkey by placing 1 tablespoon of the spice rub into the neck cavity and 2 tablespoons into the body cavity. Rub the remaining spice mixture all over the exterior of the turkey.
6
Brush the turkey with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to enhance flavor and help the seasoning adhere.
7
Cover the seasoned turkey with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
8
Prepare your cooking area by clearing a 4-foot circle on the ground, ideally on dirt (avoid grass). Cover the circle with heavy-duty aluminum foil to protect the ground.
9
Drive the stake into the center of the cleared area, leaving approximately 16" protruding above the surface.
10
Light the charcoal in a grill until evenly hot and glowing.
11
Carefully place the turkey onto the stake, ensuring that the neck end is at the top and the tail end is approximately 6" above the ground.
12
Position the trash can over the turkey, making sure it is centered and resting securely on the ground.
13
Disperse one-third of the hot coals atop the trash can, and arrange the remaining coals around the base, creating a heat enveloping the can that rises 3 to 4" up the sides.
14
Allow the turkey to roast undisturbed for 1.5 to 2 hours, until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
15
Once cooked, carefully remove the coals and ash from the top and sides of the can with a shovel. Exercise caution, as the can will be extremely hot!
16
Gently lift the trash can off the turkey, taking care not to burn yourself, and transfer the turkey to a serving platter.
17
Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil, allowing it to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Firepit Fiesta Turkey?
Firepit Fiesta Turkey is a whole turkey roasted upright on a stake beneath a metal trash can, creating a moist and flavorful result using charcoal heat.
What size turkey is recommended for this recipe?
A 12 lb turkey, thawed if frozen, is recommended for this cooking method.
What size trash can is needed?
You will need a clean 30-gallon metal trash can.
What type of stake should I use?
Use a sturdy wood or metal stake that is at least 1 inch thick and 20 inches long.
How much charcoal is required?
You will need approximately 20 lbs of charcoal for the entire roasting process.
What spices are in the seasoning rub?
The rub includes poultry seasoning, coarse salt, dry mustard, black pepper, and garlic powder.
How do I prepare the cooking area?
Clear a 4-foot circle on dirt ground and cover it with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
Can I cook this on a grassy area?
It is recommended to avoid grass and cook on a dirt surface protected by aluminum foil.
How deep should the stake be driven into the ground?
The stake should be driven into the ground leaving approximately 16 inches protruding above the surface.
How should the turkey be positioned on the stake?
Place the turkey with the neck end at the top and the tail end approximately 6 inches above the ground.
How much seasoning goes inside the turkey?
Place 1 tablespoon of the rub into the neck cavity and 2 tablespoons into the body cavity.
Why is olive oil used on the turkey?
Olive oil enhances the flavor and helps the dry seasoning rub adhere to the skin.
How long should the turkey marinate?
Refrigerate the seasoned turkey for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
How do I arrange the hot coals?
Place one-third of the coals on top of the trash can and the remaining two-thirds around the base, rising 3 to 4 inches up the sides.
How long does the turkey take to cook?
The turkey typically roasts for 1.5 to 2 hours.
What is the target internal temperature for the turkey?
The turkey is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Should I peek at the turkey while it cooks?
The recipe advises allowing the turkey to roast undisturbed to maintain consistent heat.
How do I safely remove the trash can?
Use a shovel to clear coals and ash first, then carefully lift the hot can while wearing protective gear.
How long should the turkey rest after cooking?
The turkey should rest loosely covered with foil for 10 to 15 minutes before carving.
What should I do with the turkey giblets?
Set them aside for future use, such as making gravy.
Is this recipe suitable for camping?
Yes, it is a fun and memorable Boy Scout-inspired recipe perfect for camping and outdoor gatherings.
How do I ensure the seasoning is mixed well?
Combine the dry spices in a small bowl and mix thoroughly before applying to the turkey.
What type of salt is best for this recipe?
Coarse salt, such as kosher or sea salt, is recommended.
Can I use a larger turkey?
The method is designed for a 12 lb turkey; larger birds may require more time and a larger trash can.
How do I prepare the turkey skin?
After rinsing and before seasoning, pat the turkey dry using paper towels.
Where did this cooking method originate?
This is an unconventional, Boy Scout-inspired roasting method.
Is heavy-duty foil necessary?
Yes, heavy-duty foil is required to protect the ground and withstand the heat of the coals.
How high should the coals reach on the side of the can?
Coals should be arranged around the base so they rise about 3 to 4 inches up the sides of the trash can.
Can I use this for Thanksgiving?
Absolutely, it is a great unique recipe for festive celebrations like Thanksgiving.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is gathering all necessary equipment, including the stake, foil, trash can, and charcoal.