cooking a turkey (charcoal grill, bbq, freezer, marinated)

[surfingatwork]

roughly how long would you cook an 18-20lb turkey (unstuffed). Oh and probably the most important question I took the turkey out of the freezer on saturday and I'm cooking it tomorrow (needed room in the freezer last saturday so the turkey had to come out), my dh is worried that the turkey is now bad because it's been in the refrigerator since saturday thawing. I say it's fine because it takes 4 days to completely thaw anyway. Who's right? He thinks I'm going to give him food poisoning.

[LVGAZ]

Actually the best they say to thaw a turkey is in the refrigerator over a few days ; then completely wash it down (rinse) and use lots of table salt in the rinsing water - we also put salt in the cavity with the water to clean it
as for cooking - I cook my turkeys 20 minutes per lb stuffed - if stuffed heavily then about 25-30 min per lb
good luck and enjoy...

[chilegal]

You can go to Butterball.com and check out the time etc. Here is the link Butterball | How to Cook a Turkey | Turkey Cooking Instructions and More

[princessvanessa]

Originally Posted by surfingatwork

roughly how long would you cook an 18-20lb turkey (unstuffed). Oh and probably the most important question I took the turkey out of the freezer on saturday and I'm cooking it tomorrow (needed room in the freezer last saturday so the turkey had to come out), my dh is worried that the turkey is now bad because it's been in the refrigerator since saturday thawing. I say it's fine because it takes 4 days to completely thaw anyway. Who's right? He thinks I'm going to give him food poisoning.

You're right. Remind your DH that a refrigerator is usually 38 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the bird thaws very, very slowly. A freezer is kept at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. In fact, you will probably discover ice crystals in the cavity.

Cook in 325 degree Fahrenheit oven 15 to 20 minutes per pound. You might want to consider throwing a sliced apple, onion, and crushed garlic in the cavity before popping it in the oven--adds a bit of flavor.

I always use a turkey cooking bag and it speeds up the process. I use a meat thermometer in the breast (the birds, not mine) to make sure it is 170 degrees Fahrenheit, or if you check in the thigh--180 degrees Fahrenheit.

[BlueWillowPlate]

Funny, I've been thinking about Thanksgiving because everyone is coming to our house this year (they all have to fly here, so it's kind of a big deal) and I was going to starting a Cooking Turkey thread even if it's kind of early.

I've roasted turkeys many different ways, but brining it beforehand is my favorite. It really comes out moist and tender that way. Last year we were renting and did not have an extra 'fridge so had to brine the turkey in a cooler, but it turned out superb.

Brining Turkey

[Claire_F]

I wanted to try brining a turkey last year, but didn't end up doing it. I may try it this year.

Last year was my first time to roast a turkey. After doing a lot of research, I decided on Martha Stewart's recipe. It turned out beautifully. A word of warning about this recipe - pay attention to what it says about using the cheesecloth. Make sure it doesn't dry out or touch the sides of the oven.

I may use the same method this year - or I may buy one precooked somewhere. I haven't decided yet.

[deerislesmile]

Let's Talk Turkey


Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp before serving.. it should be 165* at minimum....

[surfingatwork]

Thanks everyone for your help. Saturday turned out to be the hottest day of the entire week (95) so we ended up cutting up the turkey and cooking it on our charcoal grill. Last thing I wanted to do was have my oven on all day long (no a/c at home). YUMMY!!! is the best way to describe it.

DH marinated the pieces in a vinegar based bbq sauce and it was excellent!

[CarolinaBredChicagoan]

I like mine smoked or deep fried, baby.

We've been deep frying 'em lately. The family is down in SC, and even during the holidays it's generally tolerable outside, so it's perfect turkey frying weather. You don't EVER want to do that nonsense inside.

[michelleleigh]

I would say its still good, when poultry goes bad you can tell the smell is awefull.