Christmas Turkey on the BBQ

Perfecting Your Christmas Turkey on the BBQ - Techniques, Temperatures, and Timing

Grilling a turkey on a gas barbecue can take your holiday feast or any special occasion meal to a whole new level. By grilling your Christmas turkey on a gas barbecue, you’ll be able to achieve a gorgeous smoky flavour, juicy meat, and perfectly crispy skin, as well as leave a lasting impression on your guests!

However, mastering the art of grilling a turkey requires finesse, attention to detail, and the right techniques. In this blog, we’ll tell you all about the right temperatures, and timing required to grill a perfect turkey.

Preparations to Perfection

You’ll need to choose the right turkey in order to get those perfect results. The best and probably the easiest way is to go for a fresh or thawed turkey, ideally around 5-6kg, ensuring it fits comfortably on your gas barbecue. If using a frozen turkey, it’s important to ensure it has been fully thawed in the refrigerator before grilling. It’s also crucial to remove the giblets and neck from the turkey, rinse it thoroughly, and pat it dry with paper towels.

Ensuring the Flavours

To get the best out of your turkey, you might want to consider brining it overnight in a mixture of salt, water, herbs, and spices. It’s also possible to marinate with your preferred seasoning to infuse flavours, but in our opinion, brining is best.

To prepare the grill, turn on your gas grill and preheat it to a consistent temperature of around 175-190°C. Make sure to clean the grates thoroughly and oil them lightly to prevent sticking. For gas barbecues, set up your barbecue for indirect cooking by turning off burners on one side while leaving burners on the other side on medium heat. This creates zones for both direct and indirect heat.

Perfecting the Turkey

Season the turkey generously with your chosen spices and herbs. Truss the turkey by tying the legs together and tucking the wings underneath to ensure even cooking. Place the seasoned turkey on the grill grates over the unlit side (indirect heat zone) with the breast side facing up and then close the grill lid. Adjust the gas levels to maintain a consistent temperature of 175-190°C. Use an oven thermometer to monitor the barbecues internal temperature.

You can estimate the cooking time based on the weight of the turkey. A turkey of around 5-6kg might take around 2.5 to 3.5 hours to cook thoroughly. Every hour, baste the turkey with melted butter or oil to enhance the moisture and flavour, and use a meat thermometer (we recommend GrillEye’s Starter Pack!) to check the turkey's internal temperature, aiming for 74°C in the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone.

Serving Time!

Once it’s cooked, remove the turkey from the grill and create a tent above it with aluminium foil. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Carve the turkey and serve it hot.

Grilling a turkey on a gas barbecue demands patience and attention but rewards you and your guests with delicious flavour and tenderness. With the right techniques, temperatures, and timing, you can turn your outdoor cooking experience into a delectable celebration of flavours!

Christmas Essentials at The BBQ Shop

At The Barbeque Shop, we've simplified the process of fulfilling all your barbecue essentials through convenient online ordering. Say goodbye to leaving your doorstep (or straying from your beloved grill!) – we've got you covered.

However, if you're one for a hands-on experience, stop by either of our stores in Jávea, Calpe or Torrevieja, where our helpful team of BBQ experts are always happy to help with recommendations, cooking tips and more.

As an independent family-operated business, we're dedicated to cultivating our standing as the go-to barbecue shop in Spain. Our efforts are focused on fulfilling every barbecue-related need you might have. That translates to offering an extensive range of barbecues from leading brands at competitive prices, both online and in-store. Furthermore, our commitment to exceptional customer service runs through every interaction.

From answering queries about our products to guiding you towards your ideal barbecue choice, we take immense pride in extending our expertise. Feel free to get in touch with our team at any time for assistance!