Rotisserie Turkey Recipes

GRILLED ROTISSERIE TURKEY WITH STUFFING

Steps:

• For the turkey: Prepare a grill fitted with a rotisserie attachment according to the manufacturer's instructions for cooking over medium-high heat.
• Truss the turkey with butcher's twine so it is compact, then mount the turkey on the rotisserie spit. Push in the spit forks so they are very secure; tighten the screws well.
• Mix together the sugar, paprika, 2 tablespoons salt and 1 tablespoon pepper in a small bowl until combined. Rub the turkey all over with oil and sprinkle with the seasoning. Place the spit on the rotisserie. If you are using a large kettle-style charcoal grill, position a 9-by-13-inch disposable aluminum pan under the turkey. If you are using a multi-burner gas grill, position a 9-by-13-inch disposable aluminum pan or a half-sheet pan under the turkey, depending on the clearance between the bird and the grill grates; if necessary, remove the grill grates and place the pan on the bars below. Cover the grill and cook until the skin starts to brown slightly, about 20 minutes. Uncover the grill, drizzle the turkey slowly with the melted butter as it turns, then cover the grill and continue to cook for another 40 minutes.
• For the stuffing (see Cook's Note): Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sage, thyme, celery, onions, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat.
• Beat the eggs with the parsley in a large bowl. Add the bread, then pour in the vegetable-broth mixture and toss to combine.
• After the turkey has been roasting for 1 hour, uncover the grill and carefully spoon the stuffing into the pan under the turkey. Cover the grill and continue to cook until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees F and the stuffing is golden on top and hot throughout, another 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes; remove the stuffing earlier if it starts to brown too quickly on the bottom. Remove the turkey from the spit and let rest for 30 minutes before carving. Keep the stuffing warm until ready to serve.

ROTISSERIE TURKEY ON THE GRILL

Steps:

• Stuff both cavities of the turkey, sew up the main cavity with string, and truss tightly, forming a compact shape. Place turkey on a work surface, breast side up. Rub it with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
• Have the rotisserie shaft fitted with one spit fork. Making certain that the turkey is centered, push the rotisserie shaft through the turkey between the legs, exiting at the neck. Slide the spit fork onto the shaft. Insert the tines of the spit forks into the turkey, screw side up, and tighten the screws to secure firmly. Set the rotisserie shaft in place in the rotisserie ring. Loosen the retaining loop at the handle, and let the counterweight assembly hang down to counterbalance the weight of the breast. The rotisserie should rotate so that the heavy side of the turkey rotates down to the bottom. Swing the counterweight assembly so that the counterweight is directly opposite the heavy side of the turkey. Tighten the retaining loop. The counterweight travel should stick out a little bit above the shaft handle and retaining loop. You may need to adjust the travel of the counterweight as the food cooks, or if the motor sounds like it is straining. Insert the pointed end of the rotisserie shaft into the motor. Set the rotisserie shaft into the ring. Cover the grill, and turn the motor on.
• Grill the turkey for 13 minutes per pound if stuffed, and 11 minutes per pound if unstuffed. To determine if the turkey is thoroughly cooked, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the inner muscle of the thigh, making certain not to touch the bone, and check that the temperature is at least 175 degrees.You will need to add more coals to the grill every 45 minutes to maintain an even temperature.

ROTISSERIE TURKEY

Steps:

• Mix together seasonings and rub inside and on the surface of cleaned and dried turkey. Can be done the night before to let the seasoning permeate the meat.
• Stuff turkey with the apple and onion and place securely on rotisserie skewer.
• Slide one pair of prongs onto the spit and then push the spit and prongs into the turkey. Slide the other set of prongs on the opposite side of the spit and insert the prongs into the turkey.
• Tighten the wing nuts to keep the turkey firmly in place on the spit.
• Now truss the turkey. Tie the ends of the legs together with string.
• Tie a string close around the turkey at the meaty part of the legs to keep them close to the body.
• Again tie a string around the wings and breast section of the bird to prevent them from flopping about as the rotisserie rotates.
• Preheat the grill by setting all of the burners on high for a few minutes.
• The spit is then attached to the brackets of the rotisserie assembly. One end of the spit slides into the motor unit.
• Start the motor and observe the rotation to ensure that the spit is balanced and there are no obstructions.
• Place the drip pan under the turkey a size larger then the turkey to prevent flare ups.
• Place liquids in drip pan.
• The lid of the grill should be lowered and remain closed to ensure even roasting. But do check quickly that it is rotating. Adjust if needed. About 10 to 15 minutes cooking time per pound, which means that a 14 pound turkey may require 2 to 4 hours on the rotisserie.
• DON`T rely on time estimates to determine proper doneness. Always use a meat thermometer to be sure it is done.
• The internal temperature of the turkey for the breast meat must reach an internal temperature of 170ºF and the thigh meat must reach an internal temperature of 180ºF.
• Carefully remove the spit from the grill with oven mitts. Remove the spit from the turkey. Cover the turkey with foil and allow it to rest for a few minutes before carving.