Barbecue Spice-Brined Grilled Turkey
Barbecue Spice-Brined Grilled Turkey is a flavorful Continental Global Delicacies dish prepared with quality ingredients. Mix paprika, savory, cumin, mustard powder, cayenne, and 1/4 cup brown sugar in a small bowl.
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Easy Prep ≤ 4 steps · Fast & beginner friendly
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Moderate 5–8 steps · Everyday home cooking
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Expert ≥ 9 steps · Multi-step advanced prep
Ingredients Required
Tap or click any ingredient to check off during cookingStep-by-Step Cooking Method
Follow numbered steps for authentic taste and perfectionMix paprika, savory, cumin, mustard powder, cayenne, and 1/4 cup brown sugar in a small bowl.
Transfer 3 Tbsp. spice mixture to a medium bowl; mix in salt and remaining 3 Tbsp. brown sugar.
Set remaining mixture aside for the next day.
Cover turkey with dry brine, packing on until you've used it all.
Chill on a rimmed baking sheet uncovered 8–12 hours.
Thoroughly rinse turkey to remove brine; pat dry.
Rub with reserved spice mixture and let sit 2 hours to bring to room temperature.
Prepare grill for medium-high, indirect heat (for a charcoal grill, bank coals on one side of grill; for a gas grill, leave one or two burners off) and lightly oil grates.
If using wood chips: Scatter over coals, if using a charcoal grill; place in a disposable foil pan and set over lit burner, if using a gas grill.
Place turkey, skin side up, over indirect heat, breast halves facing each other, with legs closest to direct heat.
Place oven thermometer in center of indirect heat zone; cover.
Grill 20 minutes, then rotate halves so neck end is closest to coals.
Check temperature inside grill; thermometer should register 325ºF (open or close vents as needed).
Continue to grill turkey, checking for doneness after 20 minutes, then again every 10 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of breast registers 150ºF, about 1 hour total.
If desired, carefully move turkey over direct heat and turn skin side down.
Grill to lightly char skin, about 2 minutes.
Transfer to a platter and let rest at least 30 minutes before carving.
Chef's Secret Tips & Serving Pairings
- Serve hot and fresh as a wholesome non-vegetarian meal.
- Pairs excellently with steamed rice, flatbreads, or fresh salad garnish.