Making a delicious trash can turkey may sound unusual, but it’s an incredibly easy and foolproof way to cook a juicy bird. As a passionate home cook and entertainer I’m always looking for new and exciting ways to prepare turkey for my family. After hearing about this unique cooking method from friends I knew I had to give it a try – and I’m so glad I did!
In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through the entire trash can turkey process from start to finish. With just a few simple supplies and ingredients, you can have a perfect turkey on your table in under two hours. I’ll also share my best tips for brining seasoning, and infusing your bird with maximum flavor.
Let’s get started! Here’s everything you need to know about how to make the most mouthwatering trash can turkey.
Overview of Cooking Trash Can Turkey
Cooking a turkey in a trash can may seem unorthodox, but it delivers incredible results. The bird essentially steams and roasts at the same time within the garbage can, which:
- Keeps the turkey moist and tender
- Infuses it with smoky flavor from the charcoal
- Cooks it quickly and evenly
This method yields a juicy, fall-off-the-bone turkey with deliciously crispy skin. It’s much simpler than conventional roasting and frees up your oven space.
Supplies Needed
Trash can turkey requires just a few key supplies:
- 15-20 gallon galvanized steel trash can with lid
- Aluminum foil
- 15 inch wooden stake or metal rod
- Charcoal briquettes – approximately 5-10 lbs
- Chimney starter or lighter fluid
- Instant read meat thermometer
- Heat-resistant gloves
You’ll also need a thawed 12-15 lb whole turkey and your favorite seasonings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfect trash can turkey every time:
1. Prepare the Turkey
- Thaw turkey completely in the refrigerator
- Remove neck and giblets
- Rinse turkey inside and out, pat dry
- Apply dry rub, herbs, or seasoning of choice
- Truss legs together with twine
- Insert meat thermometer probe into thickest part of breast
I like to coat my turkey with a savory [insert seasoning] rub for lots of flavor. An overnight brine also helps keep the meat extra juicy.
2. Set Up Cooking Area
- Choose a spot away from combustible materials
- Place 3-4 sheets of heavy duty aluminum foil on the ground in a 3 foot square
- Drive wooden stake into center of foil square
- Top with more foil to create a tray around stake
This helps contain ashes and dripping grease. You can also do this in a steel drum or extra large stockpot.
3. Light the Charcoal
- Fill charcoal chimney with briquettes
- Light and let burn until coals are fully ignited and covered in white ash
- Carefully pour lit charcoal onto trash can lid
Use lighter fluid and safety precautions if not using a chimney.
4. Add Turkey
- Place turkey breast-side up onto stake
- Legs should be pointing down with bird centered on stake
- Completely cover turkey with trash can, making sure it’s not touching the can
The bird essentially steams and roasts at the same time inside the closed garbage can.
5. Add Coals
- Evenly distribute more hot charcoal around lower sides of can
- Let burn, refueling coals as needed for 1.5-2 hours
- Use thermometer to check doneness – 165°F minimum
Maintain even heat by adding fresh charcoal around trash can every 30 minutes.
6. Uncover and Enjoy!
- When turkey is fully cooked, carefully remove can
- Let rest 15 minutes before carving
- Serve immediately and enjoy your juicy, smoky turkey!
Be sure to wear gloves when removing the hot trash can. Letting the turkey rest allows juices to settle.
Helpful Tips and Suggestions
- Choose a metal trash can without plastic parts, which can melt from the heat
- Burn off any interior plastic coating before cooking
- Use natural lump charcoal for best flavor
- Keep extra charcoal on hand to replenish as needed
- Use wood chips, herbs, or spices in coals for added aroma
- Check temperature often and rotate can if cooking unevenly
- Let turkey rest tented in foil before carving for juiciest meat
With these simple tips, you’ll get perfect results every time with this fun and unique cooking method!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to cook food in a trash can?
Yes, as long as the can is new or thoroughly cleaned. Be sure to burn off any plastic coating before using. Galvanized steel cans work best.
How long does it take to fully cook a turkey this way?
Cooking time depends on the size of your turkey, but plan on 1-2 hours for a 12-15 lb bird. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
What size turkey works best?
A 12-15 lb turkey fits perfectly in a standard 20 gallon can. You can adjust cooking time for smaller or larger birds.
Can I get crispy skin?
Absolutely! The enclosed heat makes the skin extra crispy. Rubbing butter, oil, or bacon drippings over the skin helps further crisp it up.
What if I don’t have a trash can?
You can use a large steel drum, bucket, or stock pot instead. Just adjust cooking time and charcoal amounts accordingly.
Time to Feast on Trash Can Turkey!
Now you have all the tools, tips, and know-how for making the juiciest, most flavorful trash can turkey. This fun and unique method delivers a perfectly cooked bird with crispy skin and succulent meat every time. I hope you’ll give it a try for your next turkey feast or holiday dinner. Once you taste the results, this will likely become your new favorite way to cook turkey!
Trash Can Turkey: Ingredients and Cooking Supplies
Ingredients
- 1 10-15 pound turkey
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 2.5 ounces Herbs de Provence (thyme, rosemary, basil, tarragon, and lavender)
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
Cooking Supplies
- 1 20-pound steel trash can (non-galvanized)
- 1 turkey stand or roaster
- 1 square pan
- 1 set of tongs
- 1 pair of oven mitts
- 1 20-pound bag of charcoal
- 1 food thermometer
How to Get Started with Your Thanksgiving Trash Can Turkey
Although cooking a turkey in a trash can sounds odd and complicated, its super easy to set up and quick to make. We cooked our 13-pound turkey in just under 3 hours! Once your supplies are ready, pick the right area to cook your trash can turkey. If youre celebrating Thanksgiving at home, we recommend cooking your garbage can turkey in the driveway, away from dry leaves on the ground. On the other hand, if the family is celebrating turkey day in the great outdoors, you should prepare all your meals at your campsites designated food preparation area. If its your first time cooking with charcoal, check out our video “How to Get Started with Charcoal.” And like you always should, remember your Leave No Trace Principles when cooking a meal outdoors.