Turkey Brine Recipe

Name: Turkey Brine Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 d 15 min
Yield: 1 gallon/18 servings
Ingredients: 1 gallon water; 1 cup kosher salt; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 oranges; 6 prigs rosemary; 6 prigs fresh thyme; 6 garlic cloves; 2 bay leaves; 2 tablespoons whole peppercorns

User Reviews

5.0

9 reviews

Excellent

Prep Time
15 mins
Additional Time
1 d
Total Time
1 d 15 mins
Servings
1 gallon/18 servings
Calories
627 kcal
Course
Main Course
Cuisine
American

Turkey Brine Recipe

Adam Gates

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This homemade Turkey Brine recipe will transform your holiday table! A wet brine seasoned with fresh herbs, citrus, brown sugar, garlic, and spices infuses the meat with mouthwatering flavor and juicy texture for the perfect turkey.

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Ingredients

Servings

1 gallon water divided (3.8L)
1 cup kosher salt (240g)
½ cup brown sugar (110g)
2 oranges
6 prigs rosemary leaves removed
6 prigs fresh thyme
6 garlic cloves smashed
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons whole peppercorns

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Instructions

In a large pot, combine 4 cups of water, salt, and sugar. (If you have a pot big enough to fit your turkey in, use it. If not, any 4-quart pot will work.) Place over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, just until the salt and sugar are dissolved. Remove from the heat.
Peel the orange zest in strips using a vegetable peeler. (Reserve the zested orange for another use.) Add the zest to the pot along with the rosemary, thyme, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Stir in the remaining 12 cups of water. Let cool to room temperature.
Submerge the turkey in the brine, or put the turkey in a large brining bag or bucket and pour the brine over the top. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Before roasting, remove the turkey and discard the brine. Pat the turkey dry, and continue with cooking the turkey.

Notes

Use this brine for other cuts of meat. This versatile recipe also works well with pork chops, whole chicken, or chicken pieces. You can also brine smaller cuts of turkey, such as turkey breast, turkey legs or drumsticks, or turkey wings.
For extra crispy turkey skin during roasting. Refrigerate the turkey, uncovered, in the roasting pan for 12-24 hours after brining. This helps the moisture evaporate from the skin and creates a delicious crispy skin when cooked.
Add an extra flavor boost. Replace up to 3 cups of the water with apple juice or apple cider for a touch of added sweetness that complements the savory flavors.

Nutrition Information

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Calories 627kcal (31%) Carbohydrates 160g (53%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 0.4g (2%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g Monounsaturated Fat 0.2g Sodium 113401mg (4725%) Potassium 1025mg (29%) Fiber 13g (52%) Sugar 132g (264%) Vitamin A 1017IU (20%) Vitamin C 155mg (172%) Calcium 535mg (54%) Iron 6mg (33%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1gallon/18 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 627 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories	627kcal	31%
Carbohydrates	160g	53%
Protein	6g	12%
Fat	1g	2%
Saturated Fat	0.4g	2%
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.3g	2%
Monounsaturated Fat	0.2g	1%
Sodium	113401mg	4725%
Potassium	1025mg	22%
Fiber	13g	52%
Sugar	132g	264%
Vitamin A	1017IU	20%
Vitamin C	155mg	172%
Calcium	535mg	54%
Iron	6mg	33%