Barbecue Turkey

Turkey is such an underrated meat and trying to find recipes how to barbecue turkey can be a nightmare if you’re outside of the Thanksgiving or Christmas season. So fear not, I've got loads of great recipes below to make grilling or smoking turkey really easy no matter what time of year it is.

I guess it’s underrated because it’s really easy to get it wrong, especially if you are roasting the whole bird. Indeed I’ve regularly cooked a Turkey using a general rule of thumb such as so many minutes per pound and I always end up with something that’s bone dry on the breast.

So that tells me that there's no substitute for a bbq thermometer and a long skewer to give the bird a prod and see what colour the juice runs. Bloody; then we need to cook a bit more, clear; and we’re ready to rock and roll. Click here for an accurate guide to safe internal meat temperatures. On this basis you won’t find me being very prescriptive on cooking times and clearly with barbecuing it really depends so much on the strength of the fire / warmth of your smoker.

Now this next tip is controversial (dependent on your opinion of food safety) and that is to rest the bird for the same length of time that you have cooked it. They swear by this in France, I've tried it and for me, it works. Click here for more on this tip and cooking smoked turkey in general.

You can also help the cause by buying a quality turkey, either wild or organic is best. It’s not just about animal welfare, the meat tastes better too and buying a quality bird is the sure fire way to ensure a perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas meal.

I suppose I’m as guilty as the next man for only cooking turkey once a year and the most important family meal of the year and then I’m surprised that I get it wrong? So resolution No.1 is to barbecue turkey once a month through the year and get it right.

For The Smoker:-

Whole Turkey Smoked

Smoked Turkey With Chile Sugar Rub

Smoked Turkey Recipe destined for your Christmas table

Or try this Christmas Barbeque Turkey Recipe with lemon and garlic butter.

And don't miss my essential tips for cooking smoked turkey.

For The Grill:-

Click here for the whole breast

Click here for turkey pieces

Click here for Plank Cooked Turkey Breast

Tandoori Grilled Turkey Breast

Indian Grilled Turkey Burgers

Mexican Grilled Turkey Burger Recipe - Slap on the Guacamole!

Thai Grilled Turkey Legs - Succulent turkey thigh smothered in a green curry paste.

Return to Gas Grill Recipes from Barbecue Turkey

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