Turkey spatchcock problems

[NotTheGolfer]

When spatchcocking my turkeys, I keep having trouble getting the backbone out, because I’m running into thigh/leg bones that are getting in the way. Any advice?

[PGH_RAM]

I've had that problem. I find that positioning my shears closer to the spine helps, cutting in a gentle curve around the thigh bone rather than trying to do it in just a straight line,

[fzxdoc]

You need some super sharp shears for snipping a big turkey's spine out in that area. I like to use a Fiskar garden pruner from Lowe's to make spatchcocking easier:



Kathryn

[Polarbear777]

Pruning devices are the way to go.

[Alan Brice]

Did this the first time K mentioned them. Def the way to go.

[synodog]

I did use these on year. I bought some kitchen shears that were all metal a few years ago that seem to work well. They haven’t broken like all the others.

[lemayp]

I’ll second what’s already been said. Try closer to the spine and use good shears. Did you watch the video that was posted a few weeks ago? https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/fo...-a-better-bird

[smokenoob]

I have only spatched one turkey but these scissors I had in my tool box made short work of cutting and cleaning.

[synodog]

That’s a familiar sight

[GolfGeezer]

I find that scoring along both sides of the spine with a boning knife before using my shears really helps guide the shears along where I want to snip.

[mrteddyprincess]

That's what I was going to say. +1 on scoring the skin with a knife before using the shears.

[hoovarmin]

I use a long bread knife to take out the back bone. Easier on the hands than shears and will go right through that joint where the thigh meets the backbone.

[Starsky]

I went online and bought some sturdy bad azz poultry shears. Haven't had a chance to use them yet

[JustKyle]

I bought some poultry shears in a set from Costco and they work pretty well. I just got done spatchcocking my turkey this morning to go in the brine. I stay close to the spine and have no issue. Also I use a smaller bird. My turkeys are usually around 13 lbs. I would rather do 2 smaller birds if need more meat. If you’re doing a big ole bird those are thick and maybe a good electric knife around the hips may be an option.

[Polarbear777]

Scoring the skin helps so you can see where you are going.
staying close to the spine helps.

I use this
Fiskars 15" PowerGear Super Pruner/Garden Lopper - Sharp Precision-Ground Steel Blade Tree Trimmer - Cuts up to 1.5" Diameter https://a.co/d/8GyFQlg

[smokenoob]

Are you Tim the toolman? grunt, grunt, grunt

[bbqLuv]

I have found that moving the legs around will loosen them up at the joint. The video shows a relaxed chicken but will work for any foul.
Spatchcocking is my preferred way to cook a bird.
Chef Martin Yan breaks down a chicken in 18 seconds (youtube.com)

[smokenoob]

I didn’t make it past the cowboycouldron fire pit ad 😂

[smokenoob]

if I tried that I would be missing fingers 😳

[PGH_RAM]

Cool video.

Martin Yan is great. I used to watch "Yan Can Cook" on PBS with my Mom when I was a kid. Solid recipes, awful jokes. We loved it.