How To Grill A 35Lb Turkey In A Tin On Weber

Grilling a 35lb turkey in a tin on a Weber grill is a delicious and impressive way to cook a large bird for a special occasion. The process may seem daunting at first, but with the right equipment and a few simple steps, you can achieve a perfectly grilled turkey that will be the star of your feast. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of preparing and grilling a 35lb turkey in a tin on a Weber grill, so you can impress your family and friends with a mouthwatering meal.

Preparing the Turkey

Before you begin grilling, it's important to properly prepare the turkey to ensure it cooks evenly and is packed with flavor. Here's how to get started:

1. Thaw the Turkey: If your turkey is frozen, make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before grilling. This process may take several days, so plan ahead to allow enough time for the turkey to thaw.

2. Brine the Turkey: Brining the turkey in a mixture of water, salt, and sugar for 12-24 hours before grilling can help keep the meat moist and flavorful. Be sure to rinse the turkey thoroughly after brining and pat it dry with paper towels.

3. Season the Turkey: Rub the turkey with a blend of your favorite herbs and spices to add delicious flavor. A mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme can create a tasty seasoning for the bird.

Setting Up the Grill

Now that the turkey is prepped and ready to go, it's time to set up the grill for cooking. Follow these steps to ensure your Weber grill is ready to handle a 35lb turkey:

1. Prepare the Charcoal: If you're using a charcoal grill, light the charcoal and allow it to burn until it is covered with white ash. Arrange the coals on either side of the grill to create indirect heat for cooking the turkey.

2. Use a Drip Pan: Place a large disposable aluminum tin in the center of the grill to catch any drippings from the turkey. This will help prevent flare-ups and keep the grill clean.

3. Add Flavor: For added flavor, consider adding wood chips or chunks to the charcoal to infuse the turkey with a smoky taste. Soaked hickory or apple wood chips work well for grilling poultry.

Grilling the Turkey

With the grill set up, it's time to place the turkey on the grill and start cooking. Follow these steps to grill a 35lb turkey in a tin on a Weber grill:

1. Position the Turkey: Carefully place the seasoned turkey on the grill grate, directly over the drip pan. Position the turkey with the breast side facing up for even cooking.

2. Monitor the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the turkey throughout the grilling process. The turkey is ready when the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C) and the thigh reaches 175°F (79°C).

3. Rotate the Turkey: To ensure even cooking, rotate the turkey every hour to expose all sides to the heat. This will help prevent any one side from becoming overdone.

4. Baste the Turkey: Periodically baste the turkey with melted butter or a mixture of olive oil and herbs to keep the meat moist and add extra flavor.

5. Rest and Carve: Once the turkey reaches the desired temperature, carefully remove it from the grill and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy meat.

Serving the Turkey

Once the turkey has rested, it's time to carve and serve the delicious grilled bird to your eager guests. Follow these steps for a beautiful presentation:

1. Carve the Turkey: Use a sharp carving knife to slice the turkey into serving pieces, starting with the breast meat and then moving on to the thighs and drumsticks.

2. Garnish and Serve: Arrange the carved turkey on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs and citrus slices for a stunning presentation. Serve alongside your favorite sides and enjoy the mouthwatering results of your grilling expertise.

By following these simple steps, you can successfully grill a 35lb turkey in a tin on a Weber grill, creating a memorable and delicious meal for any special occasion. With a little preparation and patience, you'll be rewarded with a perfectly grilled turkey that will have your guests coming back for seconds.