A good turkey brine can enhance the flavor and moisture content of your turkey, making it juicy, tender, and delicious. This simple brine recipe is a great way to ensure your turkey is perfectly seasoned and succulent.
Ingredients
- 1 gallon (4 liters) water
- 1 cup kosher salt (or 3/4 cup table salt)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon allspice berries (optional)
- 4 bay leaves
- 1 gallon (4 liters) cold water or ice
- Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1 orange, sliced (for a citrus note)
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 stalks of celery, roughly chopped
- 1 large onion, quartered
Directions
- In a large pot, combine 1 gallon of water, kosher salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, allspice berries (if using), bay leaves, fresh herbs, garlic, orange slices, carrots, celery, and onion.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to ensure the salt and sugar dissolve completely.
- Once the brine comes to a boil, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- After the brine has cooled, add another gallon of cold water or ice to the mixture.
- Place your turkey in a large brining bag or pot. Pour the cooled brine over the turkey, ensuring it’s completely submerged. If necessary, use a plate or weight to keep the turkey submerged.
- Refrigerate the turkey in the brine for 12-24 hours, depending on the size of your turkey (generally, 1 hour per pound).
- When ready to roast the turkey, remove it from the brine. Rinse it thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Discard the brine and cook the turkey as per your preferred recipe.
Note: Ensure your turkey fits in the refrigerator while it’s in the brine, and keep in mind that a brined turkey tends to cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Servings
- This recipe is suitable for brining a turkey up to 20 pounds.
Estimated Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450-500
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 0-5g
- Protein: 60-70g
- Sodium: Higher than unbrined turkey due to salt in the brine
A well-brined turkey will result in meat that’s flavorful and moist, perfect for holiday feasts or special occasions. Remember to adjust the cooking method and time based on whether you’ve brined the turkey, as brined birds tend to cook more quickly. Enjoy your perfectly seasoned, juicy turkey!
