Marinated Thanksgiving Turkey

Total Time

Prep: 10 min. + marinating Grill: 2-1/2 hours + standing

Makes

12 servings

Updated: May. 25, 2023
My family enjoys this Thanksgiving turkey because it cooks up tender, tasty and golden brown. Build up flavor by marinating the meat, then grill it to add a tempting barbecued flavor. —Ken Churches, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 1-1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 2/3 cup lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 turkey-size oven roasting bags
  • 1 turkey (12 to 14 pounds)

Directions

  1. Combine the first 7 ingredients; set aside and refrigerate 1 cup for basting. Place 1 oven roasting bag inside the other. Place turkey inside inner bag; pour in remaining marinade. Seal bags, pressing out as much air as possible; turn to coat turkey. Place in a shallow roasting pan. Refrigerate overnight, turning several times.
  2. Remove turkey; drain and discard marinade.
  3. Prepare grill for indirect medium heat. Tuck wings under turkey and arrange breast side down on grill rack. Grill, covered, for 1 hour.
  4. If using a charcoal grill, add 10 briquettes to coals; turn the turkey. Baste with reserved marinade. Cook, covered, for 1-1/2 to 2 hours, adding 10 briquettes to maintain heat and brushing with marinade every 30 minutes until thermometer inserted in thigh reads 170°. Remove turkey from grill; tent with foil. Let stand 20 minutes before carving.
  5. Conventional roasting method: Follow steps for marinating turkey overnight. Preheat oven to 325°. Place turkey on a rack in a large roaster. Bake, uncovered, 3 to 3-1/2 hours or until a thermometer inserted in a thigh reads 170°. Baste frequently with reserved marinade. When turkey begins to brown, cover lightly with a tent of aluminum foil. Remove turkey from oven; tent with foil. Let stand 20 minutes before carving. If desired, skim fat and thicken pan drippings for gravy; serve with turkey.
Test Kitchen Tips
  • If roasting, save the pan drippings to make the best-ever gravy. Learn how.
  • Try to resist the urge to peek inside the oven while the turkey’s roasting. Opening the door cools the oven, adding extra cooking time.
  • Opting to grill? Don't forget to clean your grill thoroughly before you begin. Built-up crud can give your turkey an off-flavor and is the number one culprit of causing food to stick.
  • Let turkey be the star of your Thanksgiving menu, but consider pairing it with these classic thanksgiving sides.
  • Nutrition Facts

    9 ounces cooked turkey (calculated without gravy): 407 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 171mg cholesterol, 383mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 67g protein.

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