Savory Charcoal-Grilled Turkey Half with Herb-Infused Vegetables
Indulge in the rich flavors of a perfectly charcoal-grilled turkey half infused with aromatic spices and paired with a delightful medley of vegetables. This recipe not only promises a succulent turkey that leaves your taste buds dancing but also yields a fantastic homemade gravy that's bursting with flavor. If you're unable to grill, no worries! You can easily roast it in the oven for a similar result. Just remember to baste every 30 minutes to keep the meat moist. The cooking times may vary, especially if you start with a chilled turkey, so plan accordingly and enjoy the mouthwatering experience of this crowd-pleasing dish.
6
Servings
300
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon
Ground Black Pepper
1 teaspoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Chili Powder
1/2 teaspoon
Ground Cumin
1/2 teaspoon
Brown Sugar
1/2 teaspoon
Ground Paprika
2 teaspoons
Dried Oregano
1/4 teaspoon
Turkey Half
6 lbs (cleaned and patted dry)
Onion
1 medium (peeled and chunked)
Carrots
4 (washed and sliced)
Celery
1/2 cup (optional, cut into 1-inch chunks)
Turkey Broth
1/2 cup (or chicken broth)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon
Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, black pepper, salt, chili powder, ground cumin, brown sugar, paprika, and dried oregano to create a seasoning mixture.
2
Place the chunked onion, sliced carrots, and optional celery in the center of a foil pan. Sprinkle 1 1/2 teaspoons of the seasoning mixture over the vegetables and pour the turkey broth over them.
3
Rinse the turkey inside and out under cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels. Gently loosen the skin from the turkey to allow for better flavor absorption.
4
In a separate bowl, mix olive oil and lemon juice. Use this mixture to rub all over the turkey, including under the skin for added flavor.
5
Generously sprinkle the remaining seasoning mixture inside the cavity, on the skin, and between the skin and meat of the turkey.
6
Place the turkey cut side down on top of the vegetables in the foil pan. Cover and refrigerate for one hour to let the flavors meld.
7
Prepare your charcoal grill by ensuring all vent openings (including the lid) are fully open. Add 50 briquettes to the grill and set the grate in place.
8
Allow the briquettes to heat until they glow red and develop a light coating of gray ash, which typically takes about 35 minutes, reaching a target temperature of around 350°F.
9
Once the coals are ready, place the foil pan with the turkey onto the grate. Close 2 of the 3 bottom vents and cover the grill, leaving the lid vent halfway open.
10
Grill the turkey for approximately 90 to 120 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F. Start checking for doneness about 25 minutes before the minimum cooking time. If any areas of the turkey darken too quickly, shield them with a piece of aluminum foil.
11
Once cooked, carefully remove the turkey from the grill and allow it to rest for 15 to 20 minutes before carving and serving.
Nutrition Information
16.67g
Fat
10g
Carbs
26.67g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this turkey recipe?
The recipe is called Savory Charcoal-Grilled Turkey Half with Herb-Infused Vegetables.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe serves 6 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 300 calories.
Can I cook this recipe in the oven?
Yes, you can easily roast it in the oven; just remember to baste every 30 minutes to keep the meat moist.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the turkey?
The turkey should be cooked until a meat thermometer reads 165°F.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 26.67g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains 16.67g of fat.
What size turkey half is required?
The recipe calls for a 6 lb turkey half.
How long should the turkey rest after cooking?
The turkey should rest for 15 to 20 minutes before carving and serving.
How long should the turkey be refrigerated before grilling?
Cover and refrigerate the turkey for one hour to let the flavors meld.
What spices are included in the seasoning mixture?
The seasoning mixture includes garlic powder, black pepper, salt, chili powder, ground cumin, brown sugar, paprika, and dried oregano.
How many briquettes are needed for the charcoal grill?
You should use 50 briquettes for the grill.
What is the target grill temperature?
The target temperature for the grill is around 350°F.
How long does it take for the briquettes to be ready?
It typically takes about 35 minutes for the briquettes to glow red and develop a light coating of gray ash.
What vegetables are cooked with the turkey?
The recipe uses chunked onion, sliced carrots, and optional celery chunks.
What liquid is poured over the vegetables?
1/2 cup of turkey broth or chicken broth is poured over the vegetables.
How should the grill vents be set during cooking?
Close 2 of the 3 bottom vents and leave the lid vent halfway open.
What is the estimated cooking time on the grill?
The turkey should grill for approximately 90 to 120 minutes.
When should I start checking the turkey for doneness?
Start checking for doneness about 25 minutes before the minimum cooking time.
What should I do if the turkey skin darkens too quickly?
If areas darken too quickly, shield them with a piece of aluminum foil.
How do I prepare the turkey skin for better flavor?
Gently loosen the skin from the turkey to allow for better flavor absorption.
What rub is used for the turkey?
A mixture of olive oil and lemon juice is rubbed all over the turkey.
How much turkey broth is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of turkey broth.
How many carrots are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 washed and sliced carrots.
What kind of onion is recommended?
One medium onion, peeled and chunked, is recommended.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much paprika is used in the seasoning?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of ground paprika.
Is celery required for this recipe?
No, 1/2 cup of celery is optional.
How is the turkey positioned in the pan?
The turkey is placed cut side down on top of the vegetables.
Does this recipe produce gravy?
Yes, the recipe yields a fantastic homemade gravy bursting with flavor.