© 2025 National Turkey Federation
1225 New York Avenue NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005
1225 New York Avenue NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005
2 tbsp canola oil
1 Large Spanish onion, finely chopped
3 Cloves garlic, minced
1 Medium jalapeno pepper, finely diced
2 tbsp ancho chile powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper
3 c canned plum tomatoes with juices, pureed until smooth
1/4 c ketchup
1/2 c cold water
1 tbsp chipotle puree
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
3 tbsp molasses
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp dark brown sugar
To taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 12-lb WHOLE TURKEY, fresh or thawed
As needed vegetable oil
Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 4 -5 minutes. Add garlic and jalapeno and cook 1 minute.
Add ancho chile powder and cayenne. Cook 1 additional minute.
Add tomatoes, ketchup, water, chipotle puree, vinegar, Dijon, molasses, honey and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook mixture until reduced by half, about 25-30 minutes. Mixture should be thickened. Let cool before using.
Prepare grill for indirect heat method.
Remove giblets and neck from neck and body cavities; drain juices and pat turkey dry with paper towels. Turn wings back to hold neck skin in place. Return legs to the tucked position. Brush turkey, including backside, with vegetable oil.
Place turkey, breast up, on cook grate over drip pan. Cover grill and cook turkey to an internal thigh temperature of 180 degrees F and to an internal breast temperature of 170 degrees F, about 2¼ to 2¾ hours.
About 30 minutes before turkey is done, place 1 cup Molasses BBQ Sauce in a separate dish and generously brush on turkey. Cover and reserve the remaining sauce.
When turkey reaches desired internal temperature, remove from grill and let stand 15 minutes before carving. Serve with reserved Molasses BBQ Sauce.
Total Calories 640
Calories from Fat 290
Total Fat 32 g
% Daily Total Fat 49
Saturated Fat 8 g
% Daily Saturated Fat 40
Cholesterol 205 g
% Daily Cholesterol 68
Sodium 630 mg
% Daily Sodium 26
Total Carbohydrates 16 g
% Daily Total Carbohydrates 5
Dietary Fiber 1 g
% Daily Dietary Fiber 4
Sugars 11 g
Protein 71 g
% Daily Protein 10
% Daily Vitamin C 20
% Daily Calcium 10
% Daily Iron 30