Trash Can Turkey Recipe 🦃
Overview:
Trash Can Turkey is a unique and flavorful way to cook a whole turkey, perfect for special occasions like Christmas or Thanksgiving, but also great for a memorable weeknight dinner. This Boy Scout recipe promises the moistest and tastiest turkey you’ve ever experienced. The method involves roasting the turkey upright on a stake under a metal trash can, creating a succulent and juicy bird that will impress your guests.
🕒 Cooking Times:
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | 2 hours | 6 hours |
🛒 Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp poultry seasoning
- 2 tbsp coarse salt
- 1 tbsp dry mustard
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 whole turkey (approximately 20 pounds)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
📋 Instructions:
-
Prepare the Seasoning Rub:
- In a small bowl, mix together the poultry seasoning, coarse salt, dry mustard, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine.
-
-
Prep the Turkey:
- Remove the giblets from the turkey’s neck or body cavity and set them aside for later use (such as making gravy).
- Trim and discard any excess fat from inside the turkey cavities.
- Rinse the turkey thoroughly inside and out under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels.
-
Season the Turkey:
- Rub 1 tablespoon of the seasoning mixture inside the neck cavity, and 2 tablespoons inside the body cavity of the turkey.
- Brush or rub the outside of the turkey all over with the olive oil.
- Sprinkle the remaining seasoning rub evenly over the turkey’s exterior.
-
Marinate the Turkey:
- Place the seasoned turkey in a large container or bag.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
-
Prepare the Cooking Area:
- Clear a 4-foot circle on the ground, preferably on dirt rather than grass.
- Cover the circle with heavy-duty aluminum foil to create a cooking surface.
-
Set Up the Cooking Stake:
- Drive a wood or metal stake into the center of the foil-covered circle. The stake should be at least 1 inch thick and 20 inches long, protruding about 16 inches above the ground.
-
Start the Charcoal:
- Light approximately 20 pounds of charcoal in a grill until they are hot and glowing.
-
Position the Turkey:
- Carefully lower the prepared turkey onto the stake, ensuring it is upright with the neck end at the top.
- The turkey’s tail end should be about 6 inches above the ground.
-
Cover with Trash Can:
- Place a clean 30-gallon metal trash can over the turkey, making sure the bird is centered under the can.
- The trash can should rest on the ground, enclosing the turkey and stake.
-
Cook the Turkey:
- Spread about one-third of the hot charcoal evenly on top of the trash can.
- Distribute the remaining charcoal around the outside base of the trash can, allowing it to come up 3 to 4 inches along the sides.
- Cook the turkey in this setup for approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until it is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches a safe level.
-
Check and Adjust:
- Periodically check the turkey’s progress, adjusting the charcoal as needed to maintain the desired cooking temperature.
-
Finish Cooking:
- Once the turkey is fully cooked, carefully remove the hot coals and ash from the sides and top of the trash can.
-
Remove the Trash Can:
- Lift the hot trash can off the turkey, using caution as it will be extremely hot.
-
Rest and Serve:
- Transfer the cooked turkey to a large serving platter.
- Loosely cover the turkey with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Carve the turkey into slices and serve hot, enjoying the juicy and flavorful results!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your Trash Can Turkey with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and roasted vegetables.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an elegant presentation.
- Don’t forget to save the drippings for making delicious gravy to drizzle over the turkey slices.
📝 Notes:
- Safety First: When working with hot charcoal and a metal trash can, use caution to avoid burns.
- Charcoal Maintenance: Keep an eye on the charcoal throughout the cooking process, adding more as needed to maintain a consistent temperature.
- Size Matters: Adjust the cooking time if using a smaller or larger turkey, ensuring it reaches the proper internal temperature for safe consumption.
This Trash Can Turkey recipe is sure to become a favorite for special occasions, impressing guests with its unique cooking method and delicious flavor. Enjoy the process of creating this masterpiece of a turkey, and savor the incredible results at your next gathering! 🦃✨
