Thanksgiving or any festive gathering without a perfectly cooked turkey on the table feels incomplete. While oven-roasting is the traditional method, grilling a turkey, especially on a gas grill, infuses a unique smoky flavor that oven-roasting simply can't match. But many barbecue enthusiasts often wonder, 'How long to cook a 20 lb turkey on a gas grill?' Let's unravel this mystery so you can impress your family and friends with a delicious, juicy turkey.

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Why Choose a Gas Grill?

Gas grills offer numerous benefits. For one, they provide consistent heat, an essential factor for perfectly cooking large birds like turkey. Gas grills are also quite versatile, making them suitable for not just grilling but also smoking and slow-cooking.

Check out these benefits of owning a gas grill.

Preparing Your 20 lb Turkey

Thawing the Turkey

Properly thawing your turkey is the first crucial step. Place it in the refrigerator 3-4 days before grilling. A 20-pound turkey will need ample time to thaw completely.

Seasoning and Marinating

A delicious turkey starts with the right seasoning. Use a blend of herbs, spices, and perhaps some citrus zest to rub all over the turkey. Marinate it overnight for the best flavors.

Setting Up Your Gas Grill

Before placing the turkey on the grill, ensure your gas grill is clean. Preheat it to a medium temperature, around 325F, and set up for indirect cooking. This means you'll light up only one side of the burners to create a heat zone while the turkey cooks on the other side.

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Grilling The Turkey: The Cooking Time

Typically, you'll need approximately 15 minutes per pound of turkey at 325F. So, for a 20-pound bird, you're looking at around 5 hours of cooking time. But always rely on a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165F in the breast and 180F in the thigh.

Basting and Monitoring

Every 45 minutes or so, baste the turkey with its juices or a prepared basting liquid to keep it moist. Also, keep an eye on the grill's temperature to ensure it remains consistent.

Finishing Touches

Once your turkey reaches the right internal temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute for a moist and flavorful turkey.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

The Skin Is Too Crispy

If the skin begins to burn or crisp too much, cover it with aluminum foil to protect it while the turkey continues cooking.

For more tips on grilling large cuts of meat, check out this article on cooking rotisserie chicken on a gas grill.

Conclusion

Grilling a 20-pound turkey on a gas grill may seem daunting, but with proper preparation and attention to detail, you can achieve a perfectly cooked, delicious bird. Remember, the key lies in maintaining a consistent temperature and using a reliable meat thermometer to check for doneness.

FAQs

Should I stuff the turkey before grilling?

It's generally not recommended to stuff the turkey if you're grilling it, as the stuffing may not cook evenly. Instead, cook the stuffing separately.

Can I use wood chips for added flavor?

Absolutely! Soak some wood chips in water for about 30 minutes and place them in a smoker box or directly on the grill grates for a smoky flavor.

How do I keep my turkey from drying out?

Basting regularly and ensuring the grill temperature doesn't spike are essential steps to keep your turkey juicy.

For detailed guides, browse our other grilling tips such as cooking pork tenderloin and prime rib on a gas grill.

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