Turkey Brine Recipe
User Reviews
4.4
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Prep Time
2 hrs
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Additional Time
1 d 9 hrs 20 mins
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Total Time
2 hrs
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Servings
10 people
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Calories
579 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Turkey Brine Recipe
Description
The Turkey Brine Recipe involves creating a seasoned water bath with a blend of paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, yellow onion, fresh oregano, thyme, garlic cloves, brown sugar, bay leaves, and kosher salt boiled together then cooled with ice. Optional add-ins such as citrus zest, carrot slices, parsley, celery, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, nutmeg, and apple juice contribute additional aromatic flavors. This mixture is poured over a cleaned 12-pound turkey, fully submerging it and allowing it to soak for 24 hours in the refrigerator.
The brining process allows the turkey to absorb moisture and seasoning evenly, improving both juiciness and flavor depth. The combination of herbs, spices, and aromatics in the brine permeates the meat during the extended soak. Proper containment and submersion in the brine are important to ensure uniform seasoning.
Before cooking, remove the turkey from the brine and rinse if desired, then cook according to your preferred method. The brined turkey can be roasted or smoked with enhanced flavor and moisture retention. Use a large vessel and be prepared to handle the weight to brine securely. This recipe’s detailed balance of seasonings allows for variations with optional ingredients for personalized flavor profiles.
One practical tip is to use objects inside the brining container to ensure the brine fully encases the turkey if it doesn’t fit perfectly, helping achieve uniform seasoning.
Ingredients
- 12 pound turkey
- 16 cups water
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 yellow onion , cut into quarters
- 2 prigs oregano fresh
- 2 prigs thyme fresh
- 5 garlic lightly smashed, cloves
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 bay leaves dried
- 3/4 cup kosher salt coarse
- 4 cups ice
Optional Add-Ins
- orange zest or slices
- lemon zest or slices
- carrot cut into slices
- parsley fresh
- celery , cut into small pieces
- cinnamon stick
- cloves
- star anise pods
- nutmeg
- apple juice or apple cider
Instructions
- Remove the plastic wrap, gizzard and neck. Rinse the turkey well with cold water and place into whatever vessel you are brining it in. Make sure you have enough space to place whatever you use into the refrigerator.
- Bring 16 cups of water to a rapid boil in a large stock pot. Whisk in the paprika, chile powder, garlic powder, onion, oregano, thyme, garlic cloves, brown sugar, bay leaves and kosher salt. Also add any optional add-ins you might want. Continue to boil for 15-20 minutes. Remove from the heat, allow to cool slightly (approximately 10-15 minutes) then add 4 cups of ice.
- When the brine has reached room temperature carefully pour into brining bag (or whatever you are using to place it into the fridge) with turkey (this is a two person job.) Tightly pull bag up around the turkey, forcing the brine to fully encase the bird. Twist the top around a few times and then tie tightly with twine. The whole bird should be submerged in liquid. Place in refrigerator for 24 hours. *
- Remove from brine and rinse with cold water. Pat dry and then prepare your turkey according to desired recipe.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and give it a rating and tell us how it was in the comments or ratings.
Notes
- Ensure the turkey is fully submerged in the brine by using small containers or objects to hold it down if needed.
- Brine the turkey for 24 hours in the refrigerator for best flavor and moisture absorption.
- The optional add-ins such as citrus zest, cinnamon stick, and apple cider can be used to customize the brine’s aroma and taste.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 579 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 579kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Protein | 84g | 168% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 278mg | 93% |
| Sodium | 8957mg | 373% |
| Potassium | 936mg | 20% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 810IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 1.6mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 74mg | 7% |
| Iron | 3.9mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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