Spatchcock turkey, also known as butterflied turkey, is a preparation method for cooking a whole turkey. In this technique, the backbone of the turkey is removed, and the bird is flattened before cooking. This process involves cutting along one or both sides of the backbone and then spreading the turkey open like a book.
The term "spatchcock" comes from an old Irish word "dispatch cock," which referred to the practice of splitting and grilling a chicken quickly. The method has since been adapted for cooking larger poultry, such as turkeys.
The benefits of spatchcocking a turkey include:
Even Cooking: By flattening the turkey, it cooks more evenly, reducing the risk of overcooking certain parts and undercooking others.
Faster Cooking Time: Spatchcocking reduces the thickness of the bird, which allows it to cook faster than a whole, intact turkey.
Crispy Skin: The increased surface area and direct exposure to the heat source result in a crispy skin all over the turkey.
More Flavorful: Spatchcocking allows the turkey to absorb more flavors from rubs, marinades, or brines, as the seasonings have better contact with the meat.
To spatchcock a turkey:
Place the turkey breast-side down on a clean cutting board or surface.
Using sturdy kitchen shears or poultry shears, cut along one side of the backbone from the tail end to the neck.
Repeat the cut on the other side of the backbone to remove it completely.
Open up the turkey and flip it over, pressing down on the breastbone to flatten the bird.
You can tuck the wings behind the breast to keep them from burning during cooking.
Once spatchcocked, the turkey can be roasted in the oven, grilled, or cooked on a barbecue. It's essential to follow your chosen recipe for cooking times and temperatures based on the weight of the spatchcocked turkey to ensure it is cooked thoroughly and safely. Spatchcocking can be a great technique to achieve a delicious and evenly cooked turkey, especially for those who prefer to cook a whole bird but want to reduce the cooking time and enjoy crispy skin.