How to cook turkey on gas grill

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Cooking turkey on a gas grill is a great way to get that delicious, smoky flavor of a grilled turkey without having to use a charcoal grill. Grilling your turkey on a gas grill can also free up your oven space during the holiday season, making it easier to cook other dishes.

However, cooking a turkey on a gas grill can be challenging, as turkey is a large and delicate bird that can easily dry out or cook unevenly. In this process, we will explore some tips and techniques to help you cook a juicy and flavorful turkey on your gas grill.

Which kinds of turkey can you cook on a gas grill?

You can cook any kind of turkey on a gas grill, including whole turkeys, turkey breasts, and turkey legs. When choosing your turkey, keep in mind that larger turkeys may take longer to cook and may be more difficult to handle on the grill.

Turkey breasts and legs may be easier to work with and can be a good option if you’re cooking for a smaller group. You can also choose between fresh or frozen turkeys, but make sure to thaw your turkey completely before grilling it. Additionally, you can choose to brine your turkey before grilling it to add flavor and help keep it moist during cooking.

Why should you use a gas grill for cooking turkey?

You can cook any kind of turkey on a gas grill, including whole turkeys, turkey breasts, and turkey legs. When choosing your turkey, keep in mind that larger turkeys may take longer to cook and may be more difficult to handle on the grill. Turkey breasts and legs may be easier to work with and can be a good option if you’re cooking for a smaller group.

You can also choose between fresh or frozen turkeys, but make sure to thaw your turkey completely before grilling it. Additionally, you can choose to brine your turkey before grilling it to add flavor and help keep it moist during cooking.

How to cook turkey on gas grill

Here is a basic recipe for cooking a turkey on a gas grill:

  1. Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Remove the turkey from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. If you’re using a frozen turkey, make sure it’s completely thawed before grilling.
  3. Rub the turkey with a mixture of oil, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you prefer.
  4. Place the turkey on the grill, breast side up, and close the lid. Make sure the turkey is centered over the burners to ensure even cooking.
  5. Cook the turkey for about 12-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the turkey.
  6. Check the temperature of the turkey regularly using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat.
  7. If the skin is getting too dark, cover the turkey loosely with foil to prevent it from burning.
  8. Once the turkey is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before carving.
  9. Carve the turkey and serve it with your favorite sides.

Remember, the cooking time can vary depending on the size of the turkey, the grill temperature, and other factors, so it’s important to regularly check the temperature and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Additionally, you can add wood chips or chunks to your gas grill to give your turkey a smoky flavor.

Types of liquid for cooking turkey on gas grill

When cooking a turkey on a gas grill, you don’t need to add any liquid to the grill itself, as the turkey will release its own juices as it cooks. However, you can use a variety of liquids to add flavor and moisture to the turkey:

  1. Brine: A brine is a mixture of water, salt, and sugar that you soak the turkey in before cooking. Brining can help keep the turkey moist and add flavor. You can also add other seasonings, like herbs, spices, and citrus, to the brine.
  2. Marinade: A marinade is a mixture of liquid, oil, and seasonings that you soak the turkey in before cooking. A marinade can add flavor and moisture to the turkey. You can use a variety of liquids for a marinade, including wine, beer, fruit juice, or vinegar.
  3. Basting liquid: A basting liquid is a mixture of melted butter, oil, or other liquids that you brush onto the turkey as it cooks. Basting can help keep the turkey moist and add flavor. You can add herbs, spices, or citrus to the basting liquid for extra flavor.
  4. Injection liquid: An injection liquid is a mixture of liquid, oil, and seasonings that you inject into the turkey with a syringe before cooking. Injection can help add flavor and moisture to the turkey. You can use a variety of liquids for injection, including broth, wine, or fruit juice.

Remember to be careful when using liquids with your gas grill, as they can cause flare-ups if they drip onto the burners. Use a drip pan or aluminum foil to catch any drippings, and keep a spray bottle of water nearby to put out any flare-ups.

How long does it take to cook turkey on gas grill?

The cooking time for a turkey on a gas grill can vary depending on the size of the turkey and the temperature of the grill. As a general rule, plan for about 15-20 minutes of cooking time per pound of turkey. Here’s a basic guide for cooking a turkey on a gas grill:

  1. Preheat the grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 350-400°F.
  2. Prepare the turkey: Remove the turkey from the packaging, and rinse it thoroughly with cold water. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.
  3. Place the turkey on the grill: Place the turkey on the grill, breast side up, over indirect heat. Close the lid of the grill.
  4. Monitor the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to monitor the temperature of the turkey. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey, avoiding the bone. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Baste the turkey: Baste the turkey with melted butter or oil every 30 minutes or so to keep it moist and flavorful.
  6. Rest the turkey: Once the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, remove it from the grill and tent it with aluminum foil. Let the turkey rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving.

Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines, and cooking times can vary based on the size and shape of the turkey, as well as the temperature of your grill. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Tips for cooking turkey on gas grill

Here are some tips to help you cook the perfect turkey on a gas grill:

  1. Use a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is essential for checking the temperature of the turkey to ensure it’s cooked properly. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey, away from the bone, to get an accurate reading.
  2. Brine the turkey: Brining your turkey before grilling it can help keep it moist and add flavor. You can use a basic brine of salt and water, or add in other seasonings, like herbs and spices.
  3. Use indirect heat: Indirect heat is best for cooking a turkey on a gas grill. This means that the turkey is not directly over the heat source, but instead is cooked by the heat circulating around it. This helps to prevent the turkey from drying out or burning.
  4. Baste the turkey: Basting the turkey with melted butter or oil can help keep it moist and add flavor. You can also add herbs or spices to your basting liquid for extra flavor.
  5. Let the turkey rest: After cooking, let the turkey rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a juicier and more flavorful turkey.
  6. Keep the lid closed: Opening the lid frequently can cause heat to escape, which can affect the cooking time and temperature of the turkey. Keep the lid closed as much as possible to maintain a consistent temperature.
  7. Use a drip pan: Place a drip pan under the turkey to catch any drippings. This can prevent flare-ups and also be used to make a delicious gravy.
  8. Add wood chips: Adding wood chips to your gas grill can give your turkey a smoky flavor. Soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the grill. Place them in a smoker box or wrap them in foil with holes poked in it, and place them on the grill grates over the burners.

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