How to Cook a Juicy, Flavorful Turkey in Your Gas Grill

Grilling a turkey is a great way to cook a delicious and juicy bird for your family or friends. It’s also a relatively easy process, 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. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right turkey to preparing it for the grill. We’ll also give you some tips on how to cook your turkey so that it comes out perfectly every time.

So whether you’re a seasoned griller or you’re just starting out, read on for all the information you need to know about grilling a turkey on a gas grill.

Ingredients Instructions Tips
  • 1 (12- to 14-pound) whole turkey
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  1. Preheat your gas grill to medium heat.
  2. Rub the turkey inside and out with the vegetable oil.
  3. Season the turkey with the salt and pepper.
  4. Place the turkey on the grill, breast-side up.
  5. Close the grill and cook for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  6. Open the grill and baste the turkey with the white wine.
  7. Close the grill and cook for another 30 minutes, or until the turkey is cooked through.
  8. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.
  • To make sure the turkey is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can check if the turkey is done by inserting a fork into the thigh. The juices should run clear.
  • Let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the turkey will be more flavorful.

Choosing the Right Turkey

When choosing a turkey for your gas grill, there are a few factors to consider.

* Size: The size of the turkey will determine how long it takes to cook. A 10-pound turkey will take about 3 hours to cook, while a 20-pound turkey will take about 5 hours.
* Type: There are two main types of turkeys: fresh and frozen. Fresh turkeys are more flavorful, but they also have a shorter shelf life. Frozen turkeys can be stored for longer periods of time, but they may not be as flavorful as fresh turkeys.
* Grade: Turkeys are graded according to their quality. The three grades are:
* Grade A: These turkeys are the highest quality and have the most white meat.
* Grade B: These turkeys are still of good quality, but they have more dark meat.
* Grade C: These turkeys are the lowest quality and have the most dark meat.

Once you have considered these factors, you can choose the right turkey for your gas grill.

Preparing the Turkey

Before you cook the turkey, there are a few things you need to do to prepare it.

* Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. This will remove any bacteria that may be present.
* Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. This will help to prevent the turkey from drying out during cooking.
* Remove the giblets from the turkey. The giblets are the internal organs of the turkey, and they are usually found in a bag inside the turkey’s cavity.
* Thaw the turkey if it is frozen. You can thaw the turkey in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.
* Season the turkey. You can season the turkey with your favorite herbs, spices, or rubs.

Once the turkey is prepared, you can cook it on your gas grill.

Cooking the Turkey

To cook the turkey on your gas grill, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Preheat your gas grill to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the turkey on the grill, breast side up.
3. Cook the turkey for 3-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Baste the turkey every hour or so with your favorite barbecue sauce.
5. Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Cooking a turkey on a gas grill is a great way to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these tips, you can cook a perfect turkey every time.

Cooking the Turkey

The following are the steps on how to cook a turkey in a gas grill:

1. Prepare the turkey.

* Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water.
* Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity.
* Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
* If desired, brine the turkey for several hours or overnight.
* Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and other desired spices.

2. Preheat the grill.

* Set the grill to medium heat.
* If using a charcoal grill, build a fire and let it burn for about 20 minutes before cooking the turkey.
* If using a gas grill, turn on all of the burners and let them heat up for about 10 minutes before cooking the turkey.

3. Cook the turkey.

* Place the turkey breast-side up on the grill.
* Cover the grill and cook the turkey for about 30 minutes per pound.
* Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with melted butter or cooking oil.
* If the turkey skin starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat or tent the grill with aluminum foil.
* To check if the turkey is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Rest the turkey.

* Remove the turkey from the grill and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving.
* Cover the turkey with aluminum foil to keep it warm.

5. Carve the turkey.

* Carve the turkey into pieces and serve with your favorite sides.

Here are some tips for cooking a turkey in a gas grill:

* Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is cooked to the correct temperature.
* Baste the turkey regularly to keep the skin moist.
* If the turkey skin starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat or tent the grill with aluminum foil.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before carving.

Carving the Turkey

Carving a turkey can be a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple. Just follow these steps:

1. Remove the legs.

* Start by cutting through the skin between the thigh and the breast.
* Cut down the inside of the thigh bone until you reach the joint.
* Bend the leg back and cut through the joint to remove it.

2. Remove the wings.

* Cut through the skin between the wing and the breast.
* Cut down the inside of the wing bone until you reach the joint.
* Bend the wing back and cut through the joint to remove it.

3. Remove the breast.

* Cut through the skin between the breast and the neck.
* Cut down the center of the breastbone until you reach the wishbone.
* Use a sharp knife to cut around the wishbone and remove it.
* Cut through the breast meat on either side of the wishbone to remove the breast.

4. Slice the turkey.

* Cut the turkey breast into thin slices.
* Cut the turkey legs and wings into pieces.
* Serve the turkey with your favorite sides.

Here are some tips for carving a turkey:

* Use a sharp knife.
* Carve the turkey on a cutting board.
* Cut the turkey against the grain.
* Serve the turkey immediately.

Cooking a turkey in a gas grill is a great way to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these steps, you can easily cook a perfect turkey every time.

How long does it take to cook a turkey in a gas grill?

The cooking time for a turkey in a gas grill will vary depending on the size of the turkey, the temperature of the grill, and the desired doneness of the turkey. A general rule of thumb is to cook a turkey for 15 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time up or down depending on the factors mentioned above.

What temperature should I cook a turkey in a gas grill?

The ideal temperature for cooking a turkey in a gas grill is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the turkey is cooked evenly and thoroughly. However, you may need to adjust the temperature up or down depending on the size of the turkey and the desired doneness.

What is the best way to baste a turkey in a gas grill?

The best way to baste a turkey in a gas grill is to use a turkey baster to drizzle melted butter or olive oil over the turkey every 30 minutes or so. This will help to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.

What are some tips for grilling a turkey in a gas grill?

Here are a few tips for grilling a turkey in 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.
* Don’t overcrowd the grill. This will prevent the turkey from cooking evenly.
* Grill the turkey over indirect heat. This will help to prevent the turkey from burning.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the turkey to be more tender.

What are some common mistakes people make when grilling a turkey in a gas grill?

Here are a few common mistakes people make when grilling a turkey in a gas grill:

* Not using a meat thermometer. This is the most important step in grilling a turkey, as it will ensure that the turkey is cooked to the correct temperature.
* Overcrowding the grill. This will prevent the turkey from cooking evenly and could result in the turkey burning.
* Grilling the turkey over direct heat. This will cause the turkey to burn on the outside before it is cooked through on the inside.
* Not letting the turkey rest before carving. This will result in a dry, tough turkey.

grilling a turkey is a great way to cook a delicious and juicy bird for your family or friends. By following the tips in this article, you can easily grill a turkey that is perfectly cooked and flavorful. Be sure to experiment with different seasonings and rubs to find the perfect combination for your taste. And don’t forget to enjoy the delicious results of your hard work!

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

However, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, what truly fuels my passion is the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. That's why I created this platform. This site is not just a testament to my journey but a beacon for all those who are looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventures. Whether you're a beginner eager to get started or a seasoned pro seeking advanced tips, you'll find a wealth of information here.

From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!