Gas Grill Spatchcock Turkey: The Ultimate Guide to a Perfectly Crisp and Juicy Bird

Spatchcocking a turkey is a technique that involves removing the backbone and flattening the bird, resulting in a shorter cooking time and more even cooking. Gas grilling adds a smoky flavor to the turkey, making it a delicious and impressive dish for any occasion. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to gas grill a spatchcock turkey, ensuring a perfect outcome every time.

Gathering Your Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (12-15 pounds)
• 1 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley, cilantro, or chives) for garnish

Preparing the Turkey

1. Remove the backbone: Use sharp kitchen shears to cut along either side of the turkey’s backbone. Remove the backbone and discard.
2. Flatten the turkey: Place the turkey breast-side down on a cutting board. Press down on the breastbone to flatten the turkey.
3. Season the turkey: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, sage, lemon zest, and orange zest. Massage the mixture all over the turkey, inside and out.

Setting Up the Grill

1. Prepare the gas grill: Preheat the grill to 350°F (177°C) with the burners on medium-high heat.
2. Create a two-zone grill: Turn off the burners on one side of the grill to create an indirect cooking zone.

Grilling the Turkey

1. Place the turkey on the grill: Position the turkey on the indirect cooking zone, breast-side up.
2. Cook the turkey: Grill the turkey for 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
3. Baste the turkey: Every 30 minutes, baste the turkey with the pan juices.

Resting the Turkey

1. Remove the turkey from the grill: Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 30 minutes before carving.

Carving and Serving

1. Carve the turkey: Use a sharp knife to carve the turkey into slices.
2. Serve the turkey: Arrange the turkey slices on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs.

Tips for Success

• Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife will make it easier to remove the backbone and flatten the turkey.
• Season the turkey generously: Don’t be afraid to use plenty of seasoning to enhance the flavor of the turkey.
• Cook the turkey over indirect heat: This will prevent the turkey from burning and ensure even cooking.
• Baste the turkey regularly: Basting the turkey with the pan juices will keep it moist and flavorful.
• Rest the turkey before carving: Resting the turkey allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender meat.

Troubleshooting

• The turkey is burning: If the turkey is burning, move it to the indirect cooking zone and reduce the heat.
• The turkey is not cooking evenly: If the turkey is not cooking evenly, rotate it on the grill every 30 minutes.
• The turkey is dry: If the turkey is dry, baste it more frequently with the pan juices.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of grill? Yes, you can use a charcoal grill or smoker to cook a spatchcock turkey.
• How do I know when the turkey is done cooking? The turkey is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
• How do I store leftover turkey? Leftover turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

Grilling a spatchcock turkey is a rewarding experience that will impress your family and friends. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a delicious and juicy turkey that will be the star of any gathering. Remember to prepare the turkey properly, set up the grill correctly, cook the turkey over indirect heat, baste it regularly, and rest it before carving. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can achieve grilling perfection every time.