Would you believe me if I told you that this garbage can turkey recipe makes for one of the best turkeys that I have ever tasted?!
When I first witnessed a turkey being cooked in a garbage can it blew my mind. I couldn’t fathom how that was even possible!
Since then we have made numerous turkeys this way and it has quickly become my preferred way of cooking the most moist and delicious turkey I have ever had. Let me show you how…
No seriously, this turkey was cooked in a garbage can in 1.5 hours you guys! It’s super easy to set up and makes the tastiest trash can turkey.
We also have an amazing Smoked Turkey recipe that is to die for. Full of rich, smokey flavour, it’s another one that you should add to the must try list!
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If this is your first time making trash can turkey, be sure to burn the galvanized coating off of your garbage can before cooking. This is done by heating the can to a very high temperature – we did this over a camp fire, using a torch or smoker would work too.
Alternatively you can use an extra large stainless steel stock pot to cook the bird as well (cooking times will vary for this method).
Cooking a turkey in a trash can may sound crazy, but it’s actually a fun, unique and delicious way to prepare the perfect bird for Thanksgiving or any special occasion This cooking method steams and smokes the turkey at the same time, keeping it incredibly moist and infusing it with wonderful flavor
I’ve made trash can turkey for years and it never fails to impress and delight my family and friends The curious method always sparks conversation and the memorable taste keeps them coming back for more Here is my complete guide on how to make a trash can turkey step-by-step.
Why Cook a Turkey in a Trash Can?
You may be wondering why anyone would want to cook a turkey in a garbage can. Here are some of the benefits of this unorthodox cooking method:
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Infuses the turkey with a delicious smoky flavor from the charcoal cooking around the can.
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Steams the turkey at the same time, keeping it incredibly moist and tender.
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Cooks the turkey very evenly since the heat surrounds the entire bird.
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Fun, unique and conversation-starting way to prepare turkey.
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Very simple and easy cooking method compared to roasting.
So if you’re looking for a new way to prepare turkey this year, give trash can turkey a try. I think you’ll find that the juicy, smoked flavor is outstanding.
Trash Can Turkey Supplies
Cooking a turkey in a trash can is simple, but you will need to gather a few supplies:
- 10-15 lb turkey (thawed)
- 20-30 charcoal briquettes
- Large metal trash can (20 gallon)
- Trash can lid
- Metal rod or stake (at least 2 feet long)
- Heavy duty aluminum foil
- Lighter fluid and lighter
- Oven mitts
You’ll also want to pick up any seasonings, herbs or aromatics you want to flavor the turkey with. I like using a simple salt, pepper and sage seasoning.
Preparing the Turkey
Before cooking, you’ll want to prepare the turkey:
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Remove giblets and neck from turkey cavities. Rinse turkey under cold water and pat dry.
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Liberally season the inside cavity with salt, pepper and any other seasoning or herbs.
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Truss the turkey by tying the legs together with kitchen string. This helps the bird cook evenly.
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Rub the outside of the turkey with olive oil or butter. Season the skin generously with salt, pepper and any other spices.
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For extra flavor, place an onion, lemon, garlic and herbs in the cavity.
Now the turkey is ready for trash can cooking!
Setting Up the Trash Can Turkey Roaster
The setup takes a bit of work, but it’s very straightforward:
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Find an area away from flammable objects like dry leaves or brush. You don’t want any fires.
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Remove the lid of the trash can and scrub the inside with soapy water to remove any residue. Rinse clean.
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Place a couple heavy duty aluminum foil squares on the ground. This will catch any drips.
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Drive the metal rod into the ground in the center of the foil. Leave 1-2 feet sticking above ground.
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Wrap the top 8 inches of the rod with foil to create a ball. This will support the turkey.
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Place the seasoned turkey on the rod, legs down. Balance it on the foil ball.
Now the cooking setup is ready!
Cooking the Trash Can Turkey
The cooking part is very simple:
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Place the trash can lid upside down on the ground. Mound the charcoal briquettes on top.
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Spray the coals lightly with cooking spray or lighter fluid. Use a long lighter to ignite the coals.
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Once the coals ash over and turn gray, carefully place the trash can over the turkey. Center it around the rod.
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Mound the remaining lit coals around the base of the can to form a ring.
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Allow the turkey to cook for about 15 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Check occasionally by lifting the can with oven mitts. Add more lit coals as needed.
When the turkey is fully cooked, carefully remove the can. Let the turkey rest 10-15 minutes before carving.
Serving the Trash Can Turkey
Once cooked, bring the unique trash can turkey to the table for carving. Your guests will be amazed that such a moist, delicious bird was cooked in a garbage can!
Slice up the tender meat and serve it with your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes. The infused smoky flavor pairs perfectly with classic sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberries and rolls.
Leftovers can be used in so many ways – sandwiches, casseroles, soups, salads and more. The moist meat will keep in the fridge for 4-5 days. Freeze any additional leftovers for later use.
Trash Can Turkey Tips
Follow these tips for trash can turkey success:
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Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature. Cook to 165°F.
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Let the turkey rest at least 10-15 minutes before carving.
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Use heavy duty aluminum foil to prevent punctures or tears.
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Choose a calm day. Heavy winds can affect the heat.
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Have extra charcoal ready in case you need to add more.
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Use cooking spray or oil to evenly coat the trash can interior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common trash can turkey questions:
Is it safe to cook in a trash can?
Yes, as long as the can is cleaned thoroughly it is safe. Make sure to burn off any galvanized coating before cooking.
What size turkey should I cook?
This method works best for turkeys 10-15 pounds. Adjust cooking time up for larger birds.
Can I use a different metal container?
You can use any heat-safe metal container like a stockpot as long as it can fully cover the turkey.
How do I know when it’s fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp of the thigh. Cook to 165°F.
Do I need to baste or tent the turkey?
No, the contained heat steams and bastes the turkey for you. No tenting needed!
Make Moist, Flavorful Trash Can Turkey This Year
If you’re tired of dried out, boring turkeys, give this fun trash can method a try! The steaming heat and charcoal smoke locks in moisture and infuses delicious flavor into the entire bird. Your guests will be amazed at the results.
The unique cooking method always livens up the holiday conversation. While it may sound strange at first, once you taste the succulent, smoky meat you’ll discover why more and more people are cooking their turkeys in garbage cans!
How to cook delicious garbage can turkey:
1: Prepare the turkey for cooking. We found that the absolute best turkey was brined the day before cooking using this amazing turkey brine recipe.
After removing from the brine we then coated it in melted butter and our favorite Mango Chipotle Seasoning. You could also use this herb butter rub recipe. Fasten the wings to the bird with twine and tuck the legs in or fasten together with twine.
2: Prepare the cooking area. You will need to make a stake that sticks out of the ground by 14″. When we make this recipe while camping we simply use a branch and bury it at least 4″ in the ground so that it’s sturdy enough to hold a 15 lb turkey.
At home we’ve created a stake using an old ground tamper that we cut to 14″. The weighted end of the tamper is enough to hold up the turkey.
A little bit of preparation…
3: Wrap the stake in tinfoil, creating a ball of foil at the top to support the turkey. Layer about 2 ft of tinfoil on the ground around the stake.
4: Place the bird on the stake.
At this point you can insert a wireless meat thermometer, like the Meater, into the bird to help determine the perfect doneness.
5: Cover the turkey with the garbage can, making sure that it is centered and not touching the can.
6: Pour 1/3 of the bag of briquettes into the garbage can lid and light them. Tip: Be sure to use oven mitts when handling the hot lid and garbage can.
7: Pour lit briquettes around the base of the can.
8: Scatter the remaining briquettes around the base of the can on top of the already lit ones.
9: Set your timer for 1.5 hours and allow the garbage can to work its magic! Cook for 1 hour 45 mins for an 18-20 lb turkey.
10: Using oven mitts, lift the can to reveal the delicious turkey underneath.
Doesn’t this turkey just look amazing you guys?! Trust me, it tastes even better!
This garbage can turkey recipe is perfect for using while camping when you don’t have access to an oven or at home when you don’t want to heat up the entire house with the oven or just when you want to make, seriously, the best tasting turkey ever!
We also love, love, love this easy Beer Can Chicken recipe, it makes the tastiest bird that we have ever had. If you want to make a smaller dish, try this one and let us know how you like it!
My friend Michelle cooks her turkey in an air fryer!! Have you ever tried it?! Be sure to check out her Air Fryer Turkey for all of the details!