Welcome to the EGGhead Forum - a great place to visit and packed with tips and EGGspert advice! You can also join the conversation and get more information and amazing kamado recipes by following Big Green Egg to Experience our World of Flavor™ at:
Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  Youtube  |  Vimeo
Share your photos by tagging us and using the hashtag #BigGreenEgg.

Want to see how the EGG is made? Click to Watch

First Turkey

So this year Im going to cook the bird for thanksgiving. I have ordered a Fresh Market fresh turkey. I plan on picking it up on the Monday night before Thanksgiving to give me plenty of time to prep.

But......I have a few questions.
  1. How long do you brine?
  2. How should I mix the brine and what ratio? ( I picked up a food grade 5 gallon bucket today.)
  3. How long should I leave it in the fridge after it comes out of the brine?
  4. What temp and how long should I expect a 16 # bird to take?
  5. Is there anything I am missing and any tips that I should know to WOW the guest?
Thanks for the help everyone.
Jeff from Winston-Salem, NC  - LBGE, MiniMax, Blackstone

Comments

  • Mickey
    Mickey Posts: 19,768
    Reg cook or spatchcock?
    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). Just given a Mini to add to the herd. 

  • Mickey said:
    Reg cook or spatchcock?
    Good question I had planed on cooking it regular but I am open to suggestions. I have a Large egg is that big enough to spatchcock a 16# bird?
    Thanks 
    Jeff from Winston-Salem, NC  - LBGE, MiniMax, Blackstone
  • Mickey
    Mickey Posts: 19,768
    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.
    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). Just given a Mini to add to the herd. 

  • Mickey
    Mickey Posts: 19,768
    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). Just given a Mini to add to the herd. 

  • Eggcelsior
    Eggcelsior Posts: 14,414
    I like Michael Rulman's charcuterie brine and brine for 24 hours. Rinse well and leave uncovered for 24 hours in the fridge.