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Advice Needed, Turkey For Thanksgiving

So I am thinking of Spatching my Turkey for Thanksgiving.  With that, I have never done such a large bird.  I normally cook my birds indirect, but could use some advice after that.  Any help is much appreciated. 

Comments

  • mail Mickey, he's the pro.  Does them all the time.  
    Dan, Columbia,Mo.
  • caliking
    caliking Posts: 18,727
    If you invoke the Don correctly (as in @Mickey), he should be along shortly to set you right.

    #1 LBGE December 2012 • #2 SBGE February  2013 • #3 Mini May 2013
    A happy BGE family in Houston, TX.
  • eggo
    eggo Posts: 492
    Waiting for this answer too. Spatching the turkey (1st time) for thanksgiving.

    Eggo in N. MS
  • GrannyX4
    GrannyX4 Posts: 1,491
    What size bird are you going to do?
    Every day is a bonus day and every meal is a banquet in Winter Springs, Fl !
  • Mickey
    Mickey Posts: 19,669
    edited November 2013
    Spatchcocked Turkey and Chicken on the Big Green Egg
    (you cut out the backbone and cook opened)
    I like a 11/12 lb bird. If I need lots of turkey I just cook a couple ( 1 & 1/2 hr cook app)
    Chicken 3 to 4.5lb bird or birds. Under an hour cook.
    Or, just add a package of legs extra.
    I do not brine the turkey or Chicken.
    If time I like to leave uncovered in the fridge overnight (no problem if no time)
    I cook "direct" @ 400 on a raised grill "skin side up" and never turn over.
    I will use a coffee rub. Use what you like.
    NOTE PLEASE (A LOT OF SMOKE IS NOT YOU FRIEND)
    I use about a single handfull of mixed chips: Cherry & Pecan.
    Cook to temp (not time) breast @ 160 and thigh @ 180.


    Coffee Rub (turkey, chicken, beef & pork)
    Equal part: Instant Expresso Ground coffee
    Equal part: Brown Sugar
    ½ part: Black Pepper
    ½ part: Kosher Salt
    ½ part: Garlic Powder
    ¾ part: Ancho Chili Powder
    Don't worry on exact, just close on measurement. I used to use turbinado sugar but we like with brown better. This is pulled from MollyShark, Hungry Man, & Richard In Fl then tweaked. I find the ancho chili powder is far less expensive in the bulk spice area than the bottled area ( have used both light or dark version). I make it starting with a half cup Instant Expresso Ground coffee and work from there as it seems to store well if sealed.
    Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos
    Salado TX & 30A  FL: Egg Family: 3 Large and a very well used Mini, added a Mini Max when they came out (I'm good for now). Plus a couple Pit Boss Pellet Smokers.   

  • @Mickey That bird definitely looks good!  Thanks for your input.  
    @GrannyX4 I would probably be cooking one no bigger than 15#.
  • GrannyX4
    GrannyX4 Posts: 1,491
    15 lbs is a good size and spatching is very easy and practically fool proof. You can cook it direct or indirect. I've done it both ways.
    Every day is a bonus day and every meal is a banquet in Winter Springs, Fl !
  • what time and temp do you do indirect? 
  • GrannyX4
    GrannyX4 Posts: 1,491
    350/375 2-2 1/2 hours indirect, raised grate with the legs and thighs toward the rear. Always cook to temp. I pull it just before breast reaches 160. ;;)
    Every day is a bonus day and every meal is a banquet in Winter Springs, Fl !