Are you ready to elevate your Thanksgiving feast – or any special occasion – to a whole new level of deliciousness? Forget dry, bland turkey! This Green Mountain Grill turkey recipe delivers incredibly juicy, flavorful results every single time. This isn't just a Thanksgiving recipe; it's a year-round celebration of smoky, tender perfection, perfect for easy recipes and healthy meals. Get ready for the best recipes you've ever tasted!
Ingredients for a Show-Stopping Smoked Turkey
This recipe is designed for a 12-14 pound turkey, but you can easily adjust it for larger or smaller birds.
- One 12-14 pound turkey, thawed completely
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1 orange, quartered
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions: Achieving Turkey Perfection
This recipe provides clear, step-by-step instructions for amazing results. Even if you're new to grilling, this recipe will guide you towards a flawless smoked turkey.
Step 1: Preparing the Turkey
Preheat your Green Mountain Grill to 325°F (163°C). Remove the giblets from the turkey cavity. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps achieve crispy skin.
Step 2: Seasoning the Turkey
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this mixture all over the turkey, ensuring even coverage.
Step 3: Creating the Flavor Base
Place the orange quarters, onion quarters, rosemary, and thyme inside the turkey cavity.
Step 4: Grilling the Turkey
Place the turkey on the grill grate, breast side up. Pour the chicken broth and apple cider into the drip pan below. Close the lid and cook for approximately 4-5 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). For a truly remarkable smoky flavor, use your Green Mountain Grill's smoker setting.
Step 5: Resting the Turkey
Once cooked, remove the turkey from the grill and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
Tips for Turkey Triumph
- Brining: For extra juicy turkey, consider brining it overnight before cooking.
- Temperature Monitoring: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked thoroughly. Don't rely solely on cooking time.
- Basting: For added moisture and flavor, baste the turkey every hour with the pan juices.
- Wood Chips: Enhance the smoky flavor by adding your favorite wood chips to your Green Mountain Grill. Applewood or hickory work exceptionally well.
Variations on a Classic
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like sage, marjoram, or oregano.
- Citrus Twist: Add lemon or lime quarters along with the orange.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend for a touch of heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the size of the turkey and serving portions.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
This Green Mountain Grill turkey recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas, homemade cooking, and creating delicious dishes for any occasion. Enjoy!