Turkey Brine Recipe

User Reviews

5

6 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

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 orange
  • 6 prigs rosemary leaves removed
  • 6 prigs thyme fresh
  • 6 garlic smashed, cloves
  • 2 bay leaf
  • 2 tablespoons black peppercorns whole

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

Show Details
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%)

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%

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

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5

6 reviews
Excellent

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