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Grilled Herb-Butter Turkey Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 27 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 8-10 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Grilled Herb-Butter Turkey recipe offers a flavorful and juicy roasted turkey infused with fresh herbs and garlic, grilled to perfection. The turkey is seasoned, seared directly on the grill to develop char marks, then roasted slowly with herb butter and turkey stock to ensure moist, tender meat with crispy skin. Perfect for gatherings and holiday meals.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 (12-lb.) whole turkey
  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for rubbing
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Herb-Butter Mixture

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 10 cloves garlic, grated or minced
  • Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh sage
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme

Additional

  • 2 cups low-sodium turkey stock
  • Sprigs of thyme, for garnish (optional)
  • Grilled lemon halves, for garnish (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Season: Preheat your grill to 400°F. Rub the outside of the turkey with extra-virgin olive oil, then season liberally on all sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor and help the skin crisp.
  2. Prepare Herb Butter: In a small pot over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in grated garlic, lemon zest and juice, chopped parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme until well combined. Remove from heat and set aside to let the flavors infuse.
  3. Sear Turkey: Place the turkey breast-side down directly on the hot grill grates. Grill until char marks form, about 5 to 10 minutes. Using large tongs, carefully flip the turkey to the other side and grill for another 5 to 10 minutes until char marks appear on that side as well.
  4. Transfer and Add Stock: Carefully move the turkey to a large aluminum roasting pan. Pour 2 cups of low-sodium turkey stock around the turkey to keep it moist during grilling. Brush the turkey thoroughly with the prepared herb butter to enhance flavor and moisture.
  5. Roast on Grill: Place the pan with the turkey back onto the grill and close the lid. Roast the turkey for about 2 hours and 30 minutes, basting every 30 minutes with reserved herb butter. Continue until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the turkey from the grill and let it rest for 30 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Carve, arrange on a platter, garnish with sprigs of thyme and grilled lemon halves if desired, and serve.

Notes

  • Ensure the grill maintains a consistent temperature of 400°F for even cooking.
  • Basting regularly with herb butter helps keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or overcooking the turkey.
  • Resting the turkey after cooking is essential for juicy slices.
  • Grilled lemon halves add a nice smoky citrus garnish and extra flavor when served.