Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share my absolute favorite turkey brine recipe. This brine is a game-changer, and it’s incredibly simple to make. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never want to cook a turkey any other way.
This brine isn’t just about making your turkey moist (though it definitely does that!). It’s about infusing it with incredible flavor from the inside out. The blend of herbs, spices, and aromatics creates a taste that’s both savory and subtly sweet.
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: 15 minutes
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: (Brining is not cooking, this is the time the turkey sits in the Brine) 12-18 hours
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: Varies depending on the size of your turkey
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1 gallon water
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1 cup kosher salt
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1/2 cup sugar
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2 tablespoons black peppercorns
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
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1 head of garlic, halved
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1 orange, quartered
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: In a large pot, combine the water, salt, sugar, peppercorns, rosemary, thyme, garlic, and orange quarters.
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: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the salt and sugar are dissolved.
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: Remove the pot from the heat and let the brine cool to room temperature. This is crucial! You don’t want to start cooking the turkey before it even hits the oven.
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: Place your turkey in a large container (a brining bag or a food-safe bucket works well). Pour the cooled brine over the turkey, making sure it’s completely submerged. If necessary, weigh it down with a plate or a sealed bag of ice.
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: Place the container in the refrigerator and let the turkey brine for 12-18 hours. Don’t brine it for longer than 18 hours8.
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: Remove the turkey from the brine, rinse it thoroughly under cold water, and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Now it’s ready to roast, smoke, or deep-fry!
A perfectly brined turkey is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to take your meal to the next level:
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: Serve with all the traditional sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce.
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: Use leftover turkey to make amazing sandwiches with your favorite toppings.
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: Dice the turkey and mix it with mayonnaise, celery, onion, and seasonings for a tasty turkey salad.
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: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño to the brine for a little heat.
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: Experiment with other fresh herbs like sage, oregano, or marjoram.
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: Try using lemon, grapefruit, or lime instead of orange.
While the brine itself doesn’t add many calories, it’s good to be aware of the general nutritional information. Keep in mind that nutrition facts can vary2.
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A quarter teaspoon of turkey brine contains 0 calories1.
: Can I reuse the brine?
A: No, you should never reuse brine. It contains raw juices from the turkey and could harbor bacteria.
: Can I brine a frozen turkey?
A: It’s best to thaw your turkey completely before brining it. This ensures that the brine penetrates the meat evenly.
: Do I need to add salt when cooking the turkey after brining?
A: No, the brine will have already seasoned the turkey. Adding more salt could make it too salty.
