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4.8 from 123 votes

THE BEST Turkey Brine Recipe — Wet

A wet turkey brine recipe can require more fridge space for a container big enough to submerge a 14-pound turkey in 2 gallons of saltwater solution (or more if your turkey is larger) and keep it cold as it brines.

Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
2 d
Servings: 12
Calories: 564 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 14-16 pound turkey , giblets, neck and innards removed
  • 2 cups kosher salt
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon peppercorns
  • fresh herbs such as bay leaves, rosemary, parsley

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Remove the innards from the turkey and drain any defrosted liquid from the turkey, inside and out. Pat the turkey dry. Place the brining bag in the sink and and place the turkey in the brining bag.
  2. Boil 8 cups of water on the stove with the salt, sugar and other aromatics for a minute or two until the salt and sugar are dissolved, whisking virgorously. Add the saltwater mixture to more water and ice cubes to make 2 gallons and the water cools to room temperature.
  3. Pour the cold brine into the brining bag and over the turkey then add the peppercorns and herbs. Squeeze out the excess air in the bag and secure it closed, cinching the bag around the bird so it is fully submerged. Set the bagged turkey in a roasting pan, a large stock pot, or an extra clean ice chest or cooler with ice.
  4. Keep the turkey refrigerated or cold while brining for 12-24 hours. Remove from the brine, and pat dry. Refrigerate uncovered for 12-24 more hours for a crisper skin when cooked.

Notes

  • Skip the brining bags and use a container large enough for the bird and 2 gallons of water and ice to fully submerge the bird. Or, line a 5 gallon bucket or ice chest with two kitchen garbage bags to use instead.

Nutrition Information

Calories 564kcal (28%) Carbohydrates 9g (3%) Protein 81g (162%) Fat 21g (32%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Cholesterol 271mg (90%) Sodium 19283mg (803%) Potassium 857mg (24%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 9g (18%) Vitamin A 215IU (4%) Calcium 57mg (6%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 564

% Daily Value*

Calories 564kcal 28%
Carbohydrates 9g 3%
Protein 81g 162%
Fat 21g 32%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 271mg 90%
Sodium 19283mg 803%
Potassium 857mg 18%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 9g 18%
Vitamin A 215IU 4%
Calcium 57mg 6%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.