Ir al contenido principal

Grilled Turkey Under a Brick

This grilled turkey under a brick is a superb way to ensure succulent, evenly cooked poultry with exceptionally crisp skin. By spatchcocking the bird and weighing it down with foil-wrapped bricks, you maximise surface contact with the grill, resulting in a beautiful mahogany colour and a deep, smoky flavour. The dry brine of mustard, paprika, and garlic permeates the meat, making this a standout centrepiece for any outdoor gathering or a lighter alternative to a traditional roast.

As a diabetes-friendly option, this recipe focuses on lean protein and a punchy spice rub rather than heavy glazes or sugary marinades. The long chilling time in the fridge is the secret to success, as it allows the seasoning to penetrate deeply while drying out the skin for the ultimate crunch. Serve it alongside seasonal grilled vegetables and a fresh green salad for a healthy, homemade feast that feels truly indulgent.

Selección de videos

Continúa leyendo abajo

Ingredients for Grilled Turkey Under a Brick

  • Diamond Crystal or Morton kosher salt (see below)

  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon ground mustard powder

  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 cucharada de tomillo seco

  • 1 cucharada de pimienta negra recién molida

  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder

  • 1 cucharada de azúcar moreno claro

  • 1 cucharada de polvo de cebolla

  • 1 (12-6.4kg ) turkey (not kosher)

  • Aceite vegetal (para pincelar)

  • Heatproof gloves

  • 4 standard bricks (about 2.3kg each) or 1 large cinder block (about 11.3kg )

Determine how much salt you need for your bird: Figure about 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt per pound of turkey, or 2/3 teaspoons Morton kosher salt per pound of turkey. For example, for a 5.4kg turkey, use 40g Diamond Crystal kosher salt, or 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons Morton kosher salt.

Whisk salt, mustard powder, paprika, thyme, pepper, garlic powder, brown sugar, and onion powder in a small bowl.

Place turkey, breast side down, on a large cutting board. Cut along each side of backbone with kitchen shears—this will take some force (you can ask your butcher to do this). Discard backbone or reserve for another use (like stock for gravy).

With turkey skin side down, use a knife to score long oblong bone in centre of breast all the way down. Turn turkey skin side up, then firmly press down with both hands on breastbone until you hear a cracking sound. The bone should be cracked completely in half; if not, use your knife to cut the bone the rest of the way in half.

Pat turkey very dry with paper towels. Rub spice mixture all over skin and flesh sides. Splay open, skin side up, on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Tuck wing tips under breasts. Chill, uncovered, at least 1 day, preferably 2, and up to 3. If you’d rather cover the bird, loosely cover with plastic wrap, then uncover for the final 4–6 hours of chilling. Do not rinse turkey after brining. Let sit at room temperature 1 hour before cooking.

Prepare a grill for medium heat (if your grill has a thermometer, it should register about 177°C). Wrap bricks or cinder block in foil.

Oil grates well and transfer turkey, skin side down, onto grill. Wearing heatproof gloves, arrange bricks on top of turkey, with 3 across breast and 1 across drumsticks, or place cinder block in the centre. Cover grill and cook, checking every 5 minutes, until skin side is deep golden brown and crispy, 10–15 minutes total.

Wearing heatproof gloves, carefully remove bricks or cinder block and flip bird over, skin side up. Cover grill and continue to cook until an instant-read thermometer registers 71°C (take temperature in a few places including thickest part of thigh and breast), 65–80 minutes more, replenishing coals if needed. Transfer turkey to cutting board, tent with foil, and let rest at least 30 minutes before carving.

Turkey can be seasoned with dry brine ideally 2 days but up to 3 days ahead. Keep chilled.

Descargo de responsabilidad

Si bien se ha hecho todo lo posible para garantizar que la información sea precisa y esté actualizada, las necesidades individuales pueden variar y los requisitos dietéticos pueden diferir según las condiciones de salud personales. Siempre revise las etiquetas de los alimentos y la información sobre alérgenos antes de preparar o consumir cualquier receta. Si tiene preocupaciones específicas de salud, alergias, intolerancias o sigue una dieta prescrita médicamente, busque el consejo de su médico de cabecera, farmacéutico o un dietista registrado antes de realizar cambios significativos en su dieta o estilo de vida.

Historial del artículo

La información en esta página es revisada por pares por clínicos calificados.

  • 28 Ene 2026 | Publicado originalmente

    Escrito por:

    Editores de recetas del Reino Unido

    Revisado por pares por

    Editores de recetas del Reino Unido
verificador de elegibilidad para la gripe

Pregunta, comparte, conecta.

Navega por discusiones, haz preguntas y comparte experiencias en cientos de temas de salud.

verificador de síntomas

¿Te sientes mal?

Evalúa tus síntomas en línea de forma gratuita

Suscríbete al boletín de Patient

Tu dosis semanal de consejos de salud claros y confiables, escritos para ayudarte a sentirte informado, seguro y en control.

Por favor, introduce una dirección de correo electrónico válida

By subscribing you accept our Política de Privacidad. Puedes darte de baja en cualquier momento. Nunca vendemos tus datos.