How to Grill a Juicy, Perfectly Cooked Turkey on a Gas Grill
How to Grill a Turkey on a Gas Grill
Grilling a turkey is a great way to cook a delicious and juicy bird for your next holiday gathering. It’s also a relatively easy task, as long as you follow a few simple steps. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of grilling a turkey on a gas grill, from start to finish. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right turkey to preparing it for the grill. So whether you’re a seasoned griller or a complete novice, read on for all the information you need to know about grilling a turkey on a gas grill.
| Step | Instructions | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your gas grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. | Make sure the grill is clean and well-oiled before you start grilling. |
| 2 | Rub the turkey with a mixture of olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. | Be generous with the seasonings, as they will help to create a flavorful crust on the turkey. |
| 3 | Place the turkey breast-side up on the grill. | If you’re using a charcoal grill, build a two-zone fire with the coals on one side of the grill. |
| 4 | Cover the grill and cook the turkey for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. | Check the turkey periodically to make sure it’s not burning. |
| 5 | Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving. | The turkey will continue to cook as it rests, so be careful not to overcook it. |
Choosing the Right Turkey
The first step to grilling a turkey is choosing the right bird. Here are a few things to consider when making your selection:
- Size and weight: The size of the turkey will determine how long it takes to cook. A general rule of thumb is to allow 15 minutes per pound of turkey, plus an additional 30 minutes. So, a 10-pound turkey will take about 3 hours to cook.
- Fresh vs. frozen: Fresh turkeys are typically more flavorful than frozen turkeys, but they also cost more. Frozen turkeys are a good option if you’re on a budget or if you’re planning to cook the turkey ahead of time.
- Brining or marinating: Brining or marinating a turkey can help to make it more flavorful and juicy. If you’re brining the turkey, plan to do it for at least 24 hours. If you’re marinating the turkey, plan to do it for at least 4 hours.
Preparing the Turkey
Once you’ve chosen the right turkey, it’s time to prepare it for grilling. Here are the steps involved:
1. Remove the giblets. The giblets are the internal organs of the turkey. They’re usually found in a bag inside the turkey’s cavity. To remove the giblets, carefully open the bag and discard the contents.
2. Truss the turkey. Trussing a turkey helps to keep it in a compact shape so that it cooks evenly. To truss a turkey, cut a piece of kitchen twine about 3 feet long. Center the twine under the turkey’s breast. Bring the ends of the twine up over the wings and cross them in front of the neck. Bring the ends of the twine back down under the turkey and tie them together in a knot.
3. Apply a rub or marinade. A rub or marinade can help to add flavor to the turkey. You can use a store-bought rub or marinade, or you can make your own. If you’re using a rub, apply it to the turkey all over, including the inside of the cavity. If you’re using a marinade, pour it over the turkey and let it marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Grilling the Turkey
Once the turkey is prepared, it’s time to grill it. Here are the steps involved:
1. Preheat the grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re using a charcoal grill, build a fire and let it burn for about 30 minutes before grilling the turkey. If you’re using a gas grill, preheat the grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit on high.
2. Place the turkey on the grill. If you’re using a charcoal grill, place the turkey directly over the coals. If you’re using a gas grill, place the turkey on the indirect heat side of the grill.
3. Grill the turkey for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the drippings from the pan.
4. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey.
Grilling a turkey is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful bird. By following these tips, you can be sure to grill a turkey that is moist, juicy, and perfectly cooked.
3. Grilling the Turkey
Once you’ve prepared your turkey, it’s time to grill it. Here are a few tips for grilling a turkey on a gas grill:
- Temperature and time. The ideal temperature for grilling a turkey is 325 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey, but a good rule of thumb is to allow 15 minutes per pound.
- Indirect vs. direct grilling. You can grill a turkey either directly or indirectly. Direct grilling means cooking the turkey over the direct heat of the grill, while indirect grilling means cooking the turkey over the indirect heat of the grill. Indirect grilling is the more common method for grilling a turkey, as it helps to prevent the turkey from drying out.
- Basteing or spraying. Basteing or spraying the turkey with a liquid during grilling will help to keep it moist. You can use a variety of liquids for basting, such as melted butter, olive oil, or apple cider vinegar.
4. Carving the Turkey
Once the turkey is cooked, it’s time to carve it. Here are a few tips for carving a turkey:
- Rest the turkey. Before carving the turkey, let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more moist.
- Carve the turkey. To carve the turkey, start by removing the legs. Cut through the skin between the thigh and the breast, then cut through the joint to separate the leg. Repeat with the other leg.
- Carve the breast. To carve the breast, cut down the center of the breastbone, then slice across the breast in thin pieces.
- Store the leftovers. Leftover turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.
Grilling a turkey on a gas grill is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these tips, you can be sure to grill a turkey that is moist and juicy.
How long does it take to grill a turkey on a gas grill?
It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to grill a turkey breast on a gas grill. For a whole turkey, it will take about 3 hours to cook.
What temperature should I grill a turkey on?
The ideal temperature for grilling a turkey is 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the best way to baste a turkey while grilling?
The best way to baste a turkey while grilling is to use a mixture of melted butter, olive oil, and honey. Brush the turkey with the baste every 15 minutes or so.
What are some tips for grilling a turkey on a gas grill?
Here are some tips for grilling a turkey on a gas grill:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Make sure to preheat the grill to 325 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the turkey.
- Grill the turkey over indirect heat. This will help to prevent the turkey from burning.
- Baste the turkey regularly with melted butter, olive oil, or honey.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before carving.
What are some common mistakes people make when grilling a turkey?
Here are some common mistakes people make when grilling a turkey:
- Not using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey.
- Grilling the turkey over direct heat.
- Not basting the turkey regularly.
- Not letting the turkey rest before carving.
What are some alternative cooking methods for grilling a turkey?
If you don’t have a gas grill, you can also grill a turkey in the oven, on a smoker, or in a slow cooker.
Can I grill a frozen turkey?
It is not recommended to grill a frozen turkey. The turkey will not cook evenly and may be unsafe to eat.
What are some tips for storing and reheating leftover turkey?
Here are some tips for storing and reheating leftover turkey:
- Store the turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Reheat the turkey in the oven or microwave until it is heated through.
- Do not reheat the turkey more than once.
Grilling a turkey on a gas grill is a great way to cook a delicious and juicy bird for your family or friends. By following the tips in this guide, you can easily achieve perfectly cooked turkey every time.
Here are the key takeaways from this guide:
- To ensure that your turkey is cooked evenly, brine it for several hours or overnight before grilling.
- Marinating your turkey in a flavorful liquid will add moisture and flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your turkey to make sure it is cooked to perfection.
- Baste your turkey with melted butter or oil while grilling to keep it moist.
- Let your turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
With a little planning and effort, you can grill a delicious and impressive turkey that will be the star of your next cookout.
Here are some additional tips for grilling a turkey on a gas grill:
- If you are grilling a large turkey, you may need to cook it in batches.
- To prevent flare-ups, use a drip pan underneath the turkey.
- Keep the grill temperature at a steady 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Baste the turkey every 15 minutes or so to keep it moist.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before carving.
With these tips, you can grill a delicious and juicy turkey that will be the star of your next cookout.
Author Profile
-
With over 30 years experience, Lucks Caterers is a second generation family owned and operated business. We are committed to maintaining our family tradition of outstanding quality, excellence and reliability.
Our European trained head chef develops beautiful and delicious foods to catch the eye and satisfy the palate. Lucks provides you with imaginative and affordable menu selections.
In 2024, we embarked on a new chapter in our journey as we expanded our horizons to share our wealth of knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. With a keen focus on event management and culinary arts, we launched an informative blog aimed at empowering individuals with the insights and inspiration they need to plan unforgettable events and elevate their culinary skills.
Thank you for considering Lucks Caterers as your partner in culinary excellence. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you and create unforgettable memories together.