Garbage Can Turkey

Garbage Can Turkey
  • PREP TIME
    30 mins
  • COOK TIME
    1 hrs 30 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    2 hrs
  • SERVING
    12 People
  • VIEWS
    96

Embark on a culinary adventure with this unconventional yet utterly delicious method of cooking a turkey. The 'Garbage Can Turkey' delivers a wonderfully smoky and tender bird, perfect for impressing your guests with a unique and memorable feast.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Cholesterol
    265 mg
  • Protein
    91 g
  • Saturated Fat
    9 g
  • Sodium
    219 mg
  • Fat
    31 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step
5 mins

Prepare the Base: On a flat, grassy area, lay out three long sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil to create a square approximately 3x3 feet. Firmly pound the wooden stake into the ground at the center of the foil square. (5 minutes)

02

Step
30 mins

Ignite the Charcoal: Fill the garbage can lid with a generous pile of charcoal briquettes. Light the charcoal and allow it to burn until covered with a layer of gray ash. (30 minutes)

03

Step
5 mins

Assemble the Cooking Chamber: Carefully place the whole turkey onto the wooden stake, positioning it legs down. Invert the clean metal garbage can and gently place it over the turkey, ensuring it rests securely on the ground, fully enclosing the bird. (5 minutes)

04

Step
10 mins

Distribute the Heat: Arrange the lit and ashed-over charcoal briquettes evenly on top of the garbage can lid and around the sides of the can, creating a uniform heat distribution. (10 minutes)

05

Step
1 hrs 30 mins

Cook the Turkey: Allow the turkey to cook undisturbed for at least 1 1/2 hours, or until the charcoal has completely burned out. Resist the temptation to lift the can during cooking to maintain consistent temperature and smoky flavor. (90 minutes)

06

Step
10 mins

Check for Doneness: Once the coals have extinguished, carefully brush away any remaining charcoal debris from the can. Slowly and cautiously lift the garbage can, being mindful of any potential heat release. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey thigh, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should register at least 180 degrees F (83 degrees C). If not, replace the can and add more lit charcoal, cooking in 20-minute increments until the desired temperature is reached. (10 minutes)

07

Step
20 mins

Rest and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the turkey from the stake. Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.

Ensure the garbage can is brand new and thoroughly cleaned to avoid any unwanted flavors or contaminants.
The cooking time may vary depending on weather conditions and the size of the turkey. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is fully cooked.
For added flavor, consider injecting the turkey with a marinade or rubbing it with herbs and spices before cooking.
Exercise extreme caution when handling hot charcoal and the metal garbage can. Wear heat-resistant gloves and ensure a safe cooking environment away from flammable materials.

Dannie Howe

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.5/ 5 ( 32 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (8)
  • Tad Mayer

    A true testament to ingenuity and deliciousness!

  • Reta Zieme

    I added a bit of liquid smoke to the coals, and it was phenomenal!

  • Elwin Kassulke

    My family couldn't believe how good this was. Highly recommend!

  • Dangelo Nienow

    I was skeptical, but this turkey was incredibly moist and flavorful! Definitely a conversation starter.

  • Adalberto Welch

    Make sure you have enough space for this. It needs a good amount of room around it!

  • Bo Welch

    The garbage can needs to be really clean otherwise the flavor is impacted.

  • Brett Schimmel

    The cleanup was surprisingly easy. Just be sure to let the coals cool completely before disposing of them.

  • Jon Hodkiewicz

    This is now my go-to method for cooking turkey. It's so much easier than roasting in the oven, and the taste is unbeatable.

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