How To Butterfly A Turkey To Cook Flat On A Grill

Grilling a Butterflied Turkey: A Delicious and Easy Method

Grilling a turkey is a fantastic way to infuse it with smoky, charred flavors that can’t be achieved in an oven. But if you want to take your grilling game to the next level, consider butterflying your turkey before placing it on the grill. Butterflying, also known as spatchcocking, involves removing the backbone of the turkey so that it can be laid flat on the grill. This not only helps the turkey cook more evenly, but it also reduces the cooking time, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird.

Why Butterfly a Turkey?

Butterflying a turkey has several advantages when it comes to grilling:

• Even Cooking: By laying the turkey flat on the grill, the heat is distributed more evenly, ensuring that the entire bird cooks at the same rate.
• Quicker Cooking Time: Butterflying a turkey reduces the thickness of the meat, which means it cooks faster than a whole turkey.
• Crispier Skin: With the turkey spread out on the grill, the skin has more exposure to direct heat, resulting in a beautifully crispy exterior.
• More Flavor: The increased surface area of the turkey allows for more seasoning and smoke penetration, resulting in a more flavorful end product.

How to Butterfly a Turkey

Butterflying a turkey may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple with the right tools and technique. Here’s a step-by-step guide to butterflying a turkey for grilling:

1. Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a sharp pair of kitchen shears and a sturdy cutting board for this task.
2. Prepare the Turkey: Place the turkey on the cutting board, breast-side down, with the legs facing towards you.
3. Remove the Backbone: Using the kitchen shears, carefully cut along both sides of the backbone to remove it from the turkey.
4. Flatten the Turkey: Once the backbone is removed, flip the turkey over and press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten the bird.
5. Tuck the Wings: Tuck the turkey’s wings behind the breast to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Grilling the Butterflied Turkey

Now that your turkey is butterflied and ready for the grill, it’s time to fire up the coals and get cooking. Here are some tips for grilling a butterflied turkey:

• Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to the appropriate temperature before placing the turkey on the grates.
• Indirect Heat: Position the turkey on the grill so that it’s not directly over the heat source. This helps prevent flare-ups and allows the turkey to cook more evenly.
• Use a Thermometer: To ensure the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature, use a meat thermometer to monitor its progress.
• Baste and Rotate: Periodically baste the turkey with your favorite marinade or sauce, and rotate it on the grill for even cooking.
• Rest Before Carving: Once the turkey is done, allow it to rest for a few minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

With these simple steps, you can butterfly a turkey and grill it to perfection, impressing your friends and family with a delicious and visually stunning centerpiece for your next outdoor gathering. So, fire up the grill, grab a turkey, and give butterflying a try – you won’t be disappointed!