20 lb turkey brine recipe

The Best 20 lb turkey brine recipe

I’ve been making this 20 lb turkey brine recipe for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My family loves it, and it’s perfect for any occasion. The recipe is based on traditional Southern-style brining, which involves soaking the turkey in a saltwater solution before roasting.

This helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful, and it’s a game-changer for anyone who’s ever struggled with dry turkey. I like to use this recipe for special occasions like holidays and family gatherings, but it’s also great for everyday meals. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, and the result is always tender and delicious.

My kids love helping me prepare the brine, and they always get excited when they see the big ol’ turkey come out of the oven looking all golden brown and beautiful. We always make sure to save some leftovers for sandwiches or salads later in the week, because this recipe makes a lot of food. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good excuse to eat turkey all week long?

It’s also really healthy compared to other roast recipes, since you can control what goes into the brine. I use plenty of fresh herbs and spices to give it flavor without adding extra salt or sugar. My husband says it’s his favorite way to eat turkey now, and he’s not even a big fan of turkey usually!

He loves how juicy it stays even after being refrigerated for a few days. It’s perfect for meal prep or if you need to cook ahead of time for a big group of people.

20 lb Turkey Brine Recipe

4.6 from 1323 votes

This turkey brine recipe is perfect for a 20 lb turkey. It infuses the bird with flavor and keeps it juicy.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 10Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Brine

1 cup kosher salt
1 cup brown sugar
1 gallon water
1 orange
1 lemon
1 head of garlic
1 bunch fresh thyme
1 bunch fresh rosemary

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large stockpot, heat 1 gallon of water until it reaches a rolling boil.
2Add 1 cup of kosher salt and 1 cup of brown sugar.
3Stir until fully dissolved.
4Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
5This may take 30 minutes.
6While the brine is cooling, prepare the aromatics.
7Slice the orange and lemon into rounds.
8Smash the head of garlic.
9Place the aromatics and herbs into a large mixing bowl.
10Add the cooled brine and stir to combine.
11Place the 20 lb turkey in a large brine bag or a non-reactive container.
12Pour the brine mixture over the turkey, ensuring it is fully submerged.
13Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight for best results.
14The brine should be fully covering the turkey.
15After brining, remove the turkey from the brine and rinse it thoroughly under cold water.
16Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
17Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
18The skin should be completely dry.

🔧Equipment

Large stockpot
Large mixing bowl
Refrigerator
Meat thermometer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: Ensure the turkey is fully submerged in the brine for even flavor distribution. You can adjust the brine ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Watch Video Of How 20 lb Turkey Brine Recipe Works

This 20 lb turkey brine recipe has become a staple in our household, and we love how easy it is to make ahead of time. For storage ideas, you can refrigerate the leftover turkey in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

When reheating, just thaw the turkey overnight in the fridge before roasting again at 325°F (165°C) until heated through. We also like to serve this dish with some roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes on the side – anything that complements its rich flavor without overpowering it.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About 20 lb Turkey Brine

Q: What is a brine?

A: A brine is a solution of water, salt, and sometimes sugar that you soak your turkey in before cooking. It helps to keep the meat moist and adds flavor.

Q: Why do you need to use kosher salt?

A: Kosher salt is finer than regular table salt, which means it dissolves more easily in water. This helps the brine penetrate deeper into the meat.

Q: Can I use this recipe with other types of meat?

A: While this recipe is specifically designed for turkeys, you can experiment with using it on other meats like chicken or pork. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: How long does the brine need to sit before cooking?

A: You should let the turkey sit in the brine for at least 8 hours or overnight before cooking.

Q: Can I make this recipe without a large container?

A: If you don’t have a large container, you can try using a large trash bag or even a clean garbage can lined with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

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