Here are the top three tips for perfecting your Thanksgiving turkey
1. Brine for Maximum Flavor and Juiciness
You've undoubtedly had a Thanksgiving feast (or many) where the turkey simply is too dry. As the primary dish, nailing the turkey is essential for a memorable feast, and a juicy turkey starts with a good brine.
Wet Brine: Submerge your turkey in a saltwater solution with herbs and spices like bay leaves, garlic, and rosemary for 12-24 hours. This helps retain moisture during grilling. After brining, rinse thoroughly and pat dry—an essential step to ensure crisp skin, especially when using the even heat distribution of a Monument Grill.
Dry Brine: For less mess, rub your turkey with a salt-based seasoning blend and let it sit uncovered in the fridge for 24-48 hours. The dry environment complements the powerful stainless-steel burners in Monument gas grills, which ensure even browning on the grill.
2. Use Indirect Heat
Grilling a large bird like a turkey requires even, indirect heat—and Monument Grills excel in this area. To avoid direct heat, we also recommend using two roasting liners in the grill.
Set Up Your Grill: Monument’s 4- or 6- Burner Propane Gas Grills makes it easy to create a two-zone cooking setup. Light burners on one side for direct heat while leaving the other burners off for indirect cooking. The large cooking area gives you plenty of room to position your turkey away from direct flames.
Integrated Features: With built-in temperature probes on Monument Grills, you can maintain a steady cooking temperature between 325°F and 350°F, and using the app, you can even control the grill temperature from your couch while enjoying the game. This precise control ensures the turkey cooks evenly without burning.
Drip Pan Placement: Use a drip pan beneath the turkey to catch drippings and prevent flare-ups. Monument Grills’ stainless-steel heat tents help evenly distribute heat while protecting the turkey from direct exposure to flames.
Pro Tip: Pair your turkey with Monument Grills’ Smoker Box to infuse additional flavor. Add hickory, apple, or cherry wood chips to the box for a smoky aroma that will permeate the meat.
3. Monitor Temperature with Precision Tools
When grilling a turkey, temperature—not time—is the true measure of doneness. With Monument Grills, you have the tools to get it right every time.
Built-in Thermometer: Many Monument Grills come equipped with a lid thermometer for easy monitoring of grill temperature. This ensures you maintain a consistent heat level throughout the cooking process.
Meat Thermometer: If your model doesn't come with a built-in meat probe, invest in a digital meat thermometer to complement your Monument Grill. Insert it into the thickest part of the turkey breast and thigh, ensuring the breast reaches 165°F and the thighs reach 175°F.
Side Shelves for Convenience: Monument Grills’ models feature spacious side shelves, perfect for holding your thermometer, seasonings, and basting brush, keeping everything you need within arm’s reach.
Bonus Features of Monument Grills
LED Control Knobs: The stylish LED-lit knobs on many Monument Grill models are perfect for late-afternoon or evening Thanksgiving gatherings, ensuring you can adjust settings even as the sun sets.
Large Cooking Areas: With up to 900 square inches of total cooking space on the Denali605Pro, you can easily grill a large turkey along with sides like grilled corn or stuffed mushrooms.
Durable Materials: The stainless-steel construction ensures durability and consistent performance, even during long grilling sessions.
Conclusion
Monument Grills are the perfect partner for grilling your Thanksgiving turkey. With features like even heat distribution, smoker box compatibility, and spacious cooking surfaces, your grill provides all the tools you need for a perfectly cooked bird.This Thanksgiving, let Monument Grills help you transform your turkey into a smoky, flavorful masterpiece. Leave the oven to other dishes like pies and casseroles, and embrace the art of grilling—your family and friends will thank you!
