Our Top Tips for Barbequing Turkey and the Sides to Make It Shine

When we think of barbeque food, we tend to think of classics like beef burgers and pork ribs. But sometimes, the most unexpected meats can actually become our favourites, and a change from the norm can be incredibly refreshing.

From our top tips for barbequing turkey to a selection of sumptuous sides to make it shine, read on for everything you need to know before preparing a barbeque feast with turkey as the star of the show.

Our Top Tips for Barbequing Turkey

Choosing the Cut

Your chosen cut of turkey will largely depend on the size of your guestlist. When hosting garden parties and family functions, a whole turkey will be best for feeding a crowd. On the other hand, a turkey crown or a selection of turkey portions will be more proportionate for smaller gatherings and will also cook more quickly.

However, that’s not to say that cooking a whole turkey needs to take a long time. Spatchcocking your turkey by removing the backbone and flattening the bird can help to reduce cooking time and can also result in juicier meat and crispier skin!

Moisture and Flavour

Excellently cooked turkey that has followed the proper steps for preparation is well known for its succulent, juicy meat. To achieve a beautifully moist turkey, a simple salt-and-herb brine with bay leaves, thyme, and coriander, along with a little orange zest and brown sugar for sweetness, will work wonders.

To enhance the smoky flavour of the meat, consider adding woodchips to your barbeque. Applewood or oak will work brilliantly with turkey.

Low and Slow

For the best results, barbeque your turkey using indirect heat: place the bird in the centre of the grill and move the coal over to each side with no coal directly underneath the meat. The temperature may be difficult to maintain, so ensure you are regularly topping the barbeque up with more coal.

A gentle 160°C–180°c temperature is ideal. Once the bird has finished cooking, the internal temperature should hit 74°c in the thickest parts.

Sides to Make Your Turkey Shine

Barbequed New Potatoes

Toss fresh new potatoes in rich olive oil, fragrant rosemary, and freshly crushed garlic before wrapping them snugly in tin foil and grilling them until they are golden and soft. The new potatoes will soak up the smoky barbecue flavours, resulting in a hearty and satisfying side that pairs beautifully with turkey.

Chargrilled Vegetable Skewers

Thread chunks of peppers, courgettes, and red onions onto skewers, brush them lightly with olive oil, and grill them until they’re tender and slightly charred at the edges. These fresh, vibrant vegetables will add sweetness, colour, and a touch of smokiness to your meal that will complement your turkey beautifully.

Grilled Corn with Chilli Butter

Brush fresh corn cobs with a mixture of melted butter, lime juice, and a pinch of chilli flakes before grilling them until lightly charred and sizzling. The corn will develop a smoky, spicy, sweet flavour capable of cutting through the richness of the turkey, adding a fiery kick to your plate.