Grill Like a Gourmet: Mastering How to Gas Grill Spatchcock Turkey

Summer is grilling season, and what better way to celebrate than with a juicy, flavorful turkey? But who wants to spend hours in the kitchen roasting a whole bird? Enter the spatchcocked turkey, a game-changer for grilling enthusiasts looking for a faster, more convenient way to cook a delicious turkey.

What is Spatchcocking?

Spatchcocking is a simple technique that involves removing the backbone of a turkey and flattening it out. This allows the turkey to cook more evenly and quickly, resulting in a crispy skin and juicy meat.

Why Gas Grill Spatchcock Turkey?

Gas grills offer precise temperature control and consistent heat distribution, making them ideal for cooking a spatchcocked turkey. The high heat of a gas grill helps to achieve a crispy skin while ensuring the meat cooks evenly.

Choosing the Perfect Turkey

For grilling, a smaller turkey, around 10-12 pounds, is ideal. If you’re using a gas grill, make sure the turkey fits comfortably on the grates.

Getting Started: Prepping the Turkey

1. Remove the Backbone: Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut along both sides of the backbone. Remove the backbone completely.
2. Flatten the Turkey: Turn the turkey breast-side down and gently press down on the breastbone to flatten it. You can use a heavy object like a cast iron skillet to help flatten the turkey.
3. Seasoning: Rub the turkey generously with your favorite dry rub or marinade. Some popular options include:

• Classic Herb Rub: Combine dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano, and garlic powder.
• Spicy Rub: Mix paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
• Citrus Rub: Combine lemon zest, orange zest, garlic powder, and salt.

4. Refrigerate: Cover the turkey and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.

Grilling Time: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
2. Grill the Turkey: Place the turkey on the grill, skin-side down. Close the lid and grill for about 15 minutes, or until the skin is nicely browned.
3. Flip and Continue Grilling: Flip the turkey and continue grilling for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
4. Rest and Serve: Remove the turkey from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful turkey.

Tips for Grilling Success

• Use a Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is essential for ensuring the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Make sure there’s enough space between the turkey and the sides of the grill to allow for even cooking.
• Avoid Opening the Lid Too Often: Opening the lid frequently can cause temperature fluctuations, which can affect cooking time.
• Keep an Eye on the Skin: Watch the skin closely to ensure it doesn’t burn. If it starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat or move the turkey to a cooler part of the grill.
• Add Flavor: Consider adding wood chips to your gas grill to infuse your turkey with smoky flavor.

Spatchcock Turkey: Beyond the Basics

While a basic spatchcocked turkey is delicious, you can easily elevate the dish with a few simple additions.

• Stuffing: Stuff the cavity of the turkey with your favorite stuffing recipe.
• Vegetables: Place vegetables like potatoes, onions, and carrots around the turkey on the grill.
• Sauce: Brush the turkey with a flavorful sauce during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Sides: Serve your spatchcocked turkey with classic sides like mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and cranberry sauce.

The Final Verdict: A Flavorful and Convenient Feast

Spatchcocking a turkey on the gas grill is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy this holiday favorite. It’s a quick and easy way to impress your guests with a juicy, flavorful turkey that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to cook a spatchcocked turkey on a gas grill?
A: Cooking time varies depending on the size of the turkey, but it generally takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
Q: Can I use a smoker to cook a spatchcocked turkey?
A: Yes, you can smoke a spatchcocked turkey. Smoked turkey takes longer to cook, but it develops a deep, smoky flavor.
Q: What do I do with the backbone?
A: You can save the backbone and use it to make a flavorful stock.
Q: Can I spatchcock a frozen turkey?
A: It’s best to spatchcock a thawed turkey. A frozen turkey will be difficult to cut and flatten.
Q: What are some good alternatives to spatchcocking a turkey?
A: If you don’t want to spatchcock your turkey, you can roast it whole, or try grilling turkey drumsticks or wings.