Description
Brining your turkey can transform your holiday meal from good to unforgettable. Imagine a juicy, flavorful turkey that impresses everyone at the table. This super easy turkey brine recipe is your ticket to achieving that. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or any other feast, brining is the secret to a succulent turkey that your guests will rave about.
Ingredients
- 2 gallons of liquid (water and apple cider)
- 2 cups coarse kosher salt or sea salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 8 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 oranges, juiced and halved
- 2 lemons, juiced and halved
- 4 tbsp peppercorns
- 4 bay leaves
- Fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley
Instructions
- Heat the Liquid: Transfer about four cups of your liquid (water or cider) to a small saucepan.
- Add Salt and Sugar: Add the salt and brown sugar to the saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
- Cool the Brine: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large container, combine the remaining liquid with the cooled brine. Add the garlic, citrus juices and halves, peppercorns, bay leaves, and fresh herbs.
- Prepare the Turkey: Remove the turkey’s giblets and rinse it inside and out. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Submerge the Turkey: Place the turkey in the brine, ensuring it is fully submerged. If necessary, weigh the turkey down with a plate or similar object.
- Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate the turkey for 12 to 24 hours. For a turkey larger than 15 pounds, you might want to extend the brining time to 36 hours.
- Rinse and Dry: After brining, rinse the turkey thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat it dry with paper towels, and let it air-dry in the fridge for a few hours to achieve crispy skin when roasting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Brining
- Cuisine: American