How to Brine a Turkey - Turkey Brine Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
12 mins
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Cook Time
3 mins
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Additional Time
1 d
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Total Time
1 d 15 mins
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Servings
28
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Calories
43 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
How to Brine a Turkey - Turkey Brine Recipe
Description
How to Brine a Turkey is a methodical recipe that combines apple cider, salt, sugar, garlic, peppercorns, and fresh herbs like rosemary and sage in a large pot. The mixture is heated just enough to dissolve the salt and sugars, then cooled completely before adding the turkey to prevent unsafe temperatures. The whole bird is fully submerged in the brine and refrigerated for up to 24 hours, allowing the salt and seasoning to penetrate deeply. Afterward, the turkey is rinsed and patted dry to be roasted by your usual approach.
The inclusion of aromatic spices like cloves and bay leaves enhances flavor complexity. Cooling the brine thoroughly avoids partially cooking the turkey prematurely. Using a brining bag simplifies containment and cleanup. This brine is designed for a traditional whole turkey rather than pieces.
The recipe’s step to remove and rinse the turkey post-brine helps avoid an overly salty result. It also ensures the bird is ready for even roasting. This preparation suits a home cook looking to enhance juiciness and flavor for a roast turkey dinner.
Adding ice cubes is a practical tip to speed cooling. Brining bags are recommended for ease of handling large birds. Overall, this recipe provides a carefully balanced brine that evenly seasons a whole turkey safely over an extended soak.
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider the juice, not apple cider vinegar
- 2 gallons water cold
- 1 1/2 cups kosher salt
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 8 cloves garlic smashed
- 2 tablespoons peppercorns
- 2 orange thinly sliced
- 5 rosemary sprigs
- 3 bay leaf
- 4 sage sprigs
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a large pot over medium heat, then bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes or until salt and sugar have dissolved, stirring occasionally.
- Turn off the heat. Let the brine mixture cool completely.
- Pour the brine into a large container or a brining bag.
- Place a whole turkey in the brine solution to fully submerge it, then refrigerate for 18-24 hours.
- When you're ready to cook your turkey, remove it from the brine and rinse with cool water, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Proceed with your normal turkey roasting method.
Notes
- Always cool the brine completely before adding the turkey to avoid unsafe temperatures.
- Adding ice cubes can speed up the cooling process of the brine.
- Use a large container or a brining bag to fully submerge your turkey and make cleanup easier.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 28Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 43 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 43kcal | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Sodium | 461mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 62mg | 1% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 25IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 8.7mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 20mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.3mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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