5.0 from 63 votes
Easy Turkey Brine
Packed with herbs, aromatics, and a hint of citrus, this mélange infuses your turkey with complex flavors and succulent tenderness.
Cook Time
mins
Additional Time
3 hrs
Total Time
3 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 1 turkey brine
Calories: 129 kcal
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 12 cups water divided
- 1 cup kosher salt
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 5 cloves garlic halved
- 4 prigs fresh Rosemary
- 4 prigs fresh thyme
- 3 whole bay leaves
- 2 prigs fresh sage
- 4 cups broth chicken, turkey, or vegetable, or apple cider
- 1-2 oranges sliced, optional
Instructions
- In a soup pot, on the stove over medium-high heat, add 4 cups water, kosher salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, garlic, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, and sage.
- Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring to help dissolve the sugar and salt.
- When the sugar and salt are fully dissolved remove the pot from the heat.
- Pour in the remaining water (or add some ice to cool it faster). Add the cold broth and allow the mixture to fully cool.
- When the mixture is cooled add to a large food-grade container or brining bag and brine turkey for up to 24 hours.
- Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse with very cold water. Discard brine, do not reuse.
- Dab dry with paper towels and cook according to your favorite roast turkey recipe.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Makes enough for a 12-15 pound turkey, this recipe can be doubled for a larger bird.
- Substitute 1 tablespoon of dried herbs for the fresh herbs if desired.
- If using apple cider, ensure it's not apple cider vinegar. I use this roast turkey recipe.
- Ensure the brine is cool before adding to the turkey.
- Store turkey in the fridge while it brines (not at room temperature).
- Ensure turkey is sealed or covered in the fridge as to not contaminate other foods.
- Ensure the turkey meat (and center of the stuffing if you're stuffing the turkey) reaches 165°F.
Nutrition Information
Calories
129
(6%)
Carbohydrates
32g
(11%)
Protein
2g
(4%)
Fat
1g
(2%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
1g
Sodium
11878mg
(495%)
Potassium
321mg
(9%)
Fiber
5g
(20%)
Sugar
24g
(48%)
Vitamin A
908IU
(18%)
Vitamin C
78mg
(87%)
Calcium
209mg
(21%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 1turkey brine
Amount Per Serving
Calories 129
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 129 | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 11878mg | 495% |
| Potassium | 321mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 24g | 48% |
| Vitamin A | 908IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 78mg | 87% |
| Calcium | 209mg | 21% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.