If you’re hosting a big Thanksgiving meal at your home this year, it’s time to start planning the star of the show — the turkey. Why not switch things up this year by cooking it on your propane grill?
Grilled turkey is moist and loaded with flavor. Plus, grilling frees up your kitchen, so you have plenty of space to cook your favorite side dishes and casseroles.
How to Cook a Turkey on a Propane Grill
If your propane grill experience is limited to hot dogs and hamburgers, you may not know how to grill a turkey. Here are some tips to ensure your Thanksgiving bird is a meal your guests won’t forget.
Check Your Propane Tank
Turkeys take hours to cook — typically 11 to 13 minutes per pound. Visit a propane refill station before the big day so a trained technician can refill your tank.
Prep Your Turkey
Start with a fresh or thoroughly thawed turkey. The night before, remove it from the wrapper and take out any giblets and neck. Pat the turkey dry and leave it in the fridge overnight.
Before grilling, rub the turkey all over with your favorite oils and seasonings. Butter, salt and pepper are classic options. You can also add your stuffing at this point.
Preheat Your Propane Grill
Preheat all burners to medium-high heat. Your propane grill must stay nice and hot, about 450 degrees throughout the cook. Otherwise, you may wind up with an unevenly cooked bird.
Grill Your Turkey
Place your turkey on the grill in a disposable foil roasting pan. Add plenty of chicken stock and your favorite aromatics, such as onions and herbs. Position your turkey in the same direction as your burners. Close the lid.
Check your bird every 30 minutes and baste it with the juices at the bottom of the pan, adding more stock as needed. After two and a half hours, check your meat’s temperature in the thigh. Don’t take the turkey out until it reaches 180 degrees internally.
Once the turkey’s finished, let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Then, get ready to feast.
Other Ways To Cook Your Turkey With Propane
Deep-frying and smoking are other ways to cook your turkey with propane.
If you’re wondering how much propane it takes to fry a turkey or smoke it, a full tank should give you 18 to 20 hours of continuous burn time. Frying a bird takes at least an hour, while slow-smoking turkey takes about six hours. A typical 20-pound propane cylinder should be more than enough.
Get Your Propane Tanks Filled and Ready to Grill This Thanksgiving
Don’t let an empty propane tank ruin your Thanksgiving dinner. Visit a Foster Fuels small cylinder refill station near you. Our friendly and experienced technicians can inspect and refill your tank to ensure you have all the propane you need for an outstanding meal.
