Turkey is a great option for a backyard barbecue this summer. With a little preparation and a charcoal grill, you can get a succulent, juicy bird every time. Here’s how to cook a turkey on a charcoal grill:
1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Clean and oil the grill grate.
3. Place the turkey on the grill, breast side down.
4. Close the grill lid and cook the turkey for about 45 minutes, or until the turkey is cooked through.
5. Tent the turkey with foil if it starts to get too brown.
6. Serve the turkey warm, with your favorite sides.
Contents
- 1 How To Cook A Turkey On A Charcoal Grill
- 2 Prepare the turkey – Wash and dry it, season it with desired spices
- 3 Prepare the charcoal grill – Start the fire and allow it to burn until the coals are gray and ashed over
- 4 Place the turkey on the grill – Place the turkey in the center of the grill, over indirect heat, and baste it with desired liquid
- 5 Conclusion
How To Cook A Turkey On A Charcoal Grill
Cooking a turkey on a charcoal grill is a great way to add a smoky flavor to your holiday meal. The first step is to prepare the charcoal and place it on one side of the grill. Once the charcoal is hot, place the turkey on the other side of the grill, away from the heat source. Make sure to use indirect heat and cover the grill for even cooking. Cook the turkey for about 1 hour and 15 minutes per pound. Baste the turkey with butter or oil every 45 minutes to ensure a juicy turkey. Once the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165 degrees, it is done. Serve the turkey hot off the grill and enjoy your delicious meal.
Prepare the turkey – Wash and dry it, season it with desired spices

Cooking a turkey on a charcoal grill is a great way to infuse your holiday meal with a smoky, savory flavor. It can be a bit intimidating to take on the challenge of cooking a large bird, but with a few tips and tricks, you can achieve tender, juicy turkey perfection. Before you fire up the grill, here’s what you need to know to get started.
First, prepare the turkey. Wash and dry the turkey, then season it with desired spices. You can use a dry rub, a marinade, or a combination of both. Rub the spices and seasonings onto the entire turkey, including the inside of the bird. You can also stuff the cavity of the turkey with herbs and seasonings to add extra flavor.
When your turkey is seasoned, it’s time to start the grill. Fill the charcoal chamber with charcoal briquettes, then light the briquettes. Allow the briquettes to burn until they’re covered with a light ash. Use a chimney starter to light the charcoal if you prefer.
Once the charcoal is ready, spread the coals over two-thirds of the grill. Place the grate over the coals and place the turkey onto the grate. Cover the grill and allow the turkey to cook for about 30 minutes.
Next, check the temperature of the turkey with a thermometer. The turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F before it’s done. If the temperature is not high enough, adjust the coals and cover the grill again to cook the turkey for an additional 15-20 minutes.
When the turkey is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier, more tender turkey.
Cooking a turkey on a charcoal grill can be a fun and flavorful way to add a unique twist to your holiday meal. With a few simple steps, you can achieve perfect turkey perfection.
Prepare the charcoal grill – Start the fire and allow it to burn until the coals are gray and ashed over
Cooking a turkey on a charcoal grill is a delicious way to enjoy a delicious meal outdoors. The key to success is properly preparing the charcoal grill and starting the fire. Here’s how to get started:
First, you’ll need to prepare the charcoal grill. Start by removing the grate from the grill and place it aside. Place the charcoal in the center of the grill, arranging them in a pyramid shape. Use a charcoal starter to light the charcoal. Once the charcoal is lit, allow the fire to burn until the coals are gray and ashed over. This could take up to 20 minutes.
Once the coals are ready, spread them out evenly in the grill. Place the grate back on the grill and allow it to heat up for about 10 minutes. Make sure the grate is clean before you place it back on the grill.

Once the grate is hot, you’re ready to add the turkey. Place the turkey on the grate, making sure to leave space between the turkey and the charcoal. Cover the grill and adjust the vents to maintain a temperature of 325°F.
Cook the turkey for about 15 minutes per pound. After the turkey is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Cooking a turkey on a charcoal grill is a great way to add flavor and get that smoky, wood-fired flavor. With a little preparation and patience, you can enjoy a delicious turkey meal cooked over a charcoal grill.
Place the turkey on the grill – Place the turkey in the center of the grill, over indirect heat, and baste it with desired liquid
Cooking a turkey on a charcoal grill is a labor of love that can be rewarding and delicious. To ensure a flavorful and succulent bird, it’s important to understand the principles of grilling.
First, you’ll need to place the turkey in the center of the grill over indirect heat. This allows the heat to circulate around the bird, cooking it evenly and slowly. You’ll want to baste your turkey with a flavorful liquid of your choice. This will help keep the turkey moist and add a layer of flavor.
Once the turkey is in place, you’ll need to cover the grill. This will create a convection oven effect, trapping the heat around the turkey and allowing it to cook evenly. Closing the grill lid also helps to keep the heat from escaping and will help to prevent flare-ups from the charcoal.
You’ll want to monitor the temperature of the grill throughout the cooking process. Aim for a temperature of 350°F. To make sure you don’t overcook the turkey, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the bird. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Using a charcoal grill for turkey can be tricky but is worth the effort. With a little patience and the proper technique, you’ll be rewarded with a juicy and flavorful turkey.
Conclusion
Cooking a turkey on a charcoal grill is a great way to add a smoky flavor to your holiday meal. It requires a bit of extra preparation compared to cooking a turkey in the oven, but with careful attention to temperature and safety, you can create a delicious and memorable meal. To cook a turkey on a charcoal grill, begin by prepping the turkey and heating the grill. Place the turkey over indirect heat, and use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. Be sure to baste the turkey regularly with a marinade or butter to keep it moist. Finally, allow the turkey to rest for 20 minutes before carving and enjoy!