Lemon and Oregano Grilled Turkey Recipe

Lemon and Oregano Grilled Turkey Recipe

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 4 medium lemons, divided
  • 1 tablespoon chopped red onion
  • 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh oregano leaves
  • 4 cloves garlic, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • Salt (optional)
  • PAM® for Grilling Cooking Spray
  • 1 (12 pound) Butterball® Whole Turkey, thawed
  • 1 bunch fresh oregano leaves, divided
  • 1 whole head garlic, outer skin removed
  1. Combine oil, the juice of 2 of the lemons, onions, 1 tablespoon chopped oregano, 2 cloves of the garlic and pepper in blender or food processor container; cover. Blend until smooth. Season with salt, if desired. Pour into small bowl; set aside.
  2. Spray cold grate of outdoor grill with grilling spray. Prepare grill for medium indirect heat. (See Note)
  3. Remove neck and giblets from body and neck cavities of turkey; discard or refrigerate for another use. Drain juices from turkey; pat turkey dry with paper towels. Turn wings back to hold neck skin against back of turkey. Untuck legs. Loosen skin over breast and legs of turkey by gently sliding 1 hand under skin. Cut 1 of the remaining lemons and the 2 remaining garlic cloves into thin slices. Arrange under turkey skin with half of the oregano bunch. Return legs to tucked position.
  4. Cut the remaining lemon into quarters; place in body cavity of turkey. Add head of garlic and the remaining half of the oregano bunch. Spoon or brush some of the lemon juice mixture evenly over turkey.
  5. Place turkey, breast up, on grill grate over drip pan. Cover grill with lid. Grill 2-1/4 to 2-3/4 hours, or until meat thermometer inserted deep in thigh reaches 180 degrees F, basting with more lemon juice mixture after each hour. Let turkey stand 15 minutes before carving.