Description
This juicy turkey brine recipe ensures tender, flavorful meat every time. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday, this easy turkey brine uses salt, herbs, citrus, and spices to guarantee a moist and delicious turkey. Great for oven-roasted, smoked, or grilled turkey dishes.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups kosher salt
1 cup brown sugar
4 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
4 bay leaves
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
4 sprigs fresh thyme
4 sprigs fresh sage
1 large orange, peel only
1 gallon water
1 gallon ice water or ice
Instructions
1. In a large stockpot, combine 1 gallon of water, kosher salt, and brown sugar. Heat and stir until dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and stir in garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves, herbs, and orange peel. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Add ice water or enough ice to bring the brine to room temperature or colder.
4. Place the turkey in a large pot or brining bag. Pour in the cooled brine and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
5. Turn the turkey once halfway through to ensure even brining.
6. Remove turkey from the brine, rinse under cold water, and pat completely dry before cooking.
Notes
Brine must be completely cool before adding the turkey to avoid bacterial growth.
Do not reuse the brine after soaking the turkey.
Rinse and dry the turkey thoroughly before roasting to avoid excess salt and promote crisp skin.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Brining
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving of brined turkey
- Calories: 0
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: Varies (due to rinsing)
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg