brine turkey breast recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best brine turkey breast recipe

I’ve been making brine turkey breast for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The recipe is incredibly easy to follow, and the result is a tender, juicy turkey that’s full of flavor.

I love that it’s a great way to get a moist turkey without having to worry about it drying out. Plus, the brine helps to preserve the turkey, making it perfect for meal prep or for when you need a quick protein fix.

I got this recipe from my grandmother, who learned it from her mother. It’s an old-fashioned method that’s been passed down through generations, and I’m so glad I can share it with my own family and friends.

The process of making the brine is really simple – you just mix together some salt, sugar, and spices with water to create a solution that you can soak the turkey in. Then, all you have to do is season the turkey with some herbs and spices before roasting it in the oven.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s so versatile. You can serve it on its own as a main dish, or use it as part of a larger meal with some roasted vegetables and grains.

And because the brine helps to preserve the turkey, you can even store it in the fridge for several days or freeze it for later.

Perfect Brined Turkey Breast

4.8 from 1480 votes

A simple brine ensures a moist and flavorful turkey breast with crispy skin. This recipe is perfect for a small Thanksgiving or a Sunday dinner.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time1 hour 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time14 hours 50 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Brine

4 cups water
1/2 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons black peppercorns
4 cloves garlic, smashed
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
4 cups ice water

For the Turkey

1 bone-in turkey breast (5-6 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Combine 4 cups water, kosher salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, garlic, and rosemary in a large pot.
2Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring until salt and sugar dissolve, about 2 minutes.
3Remove from heat and add 4 cups ice water to cool the brine completely.
4Place the turkey breast in a large container or brining bag.
5Pour the cooled brine over the turkey, ensuring it is fully submerged.
6Refrigerate for 12 to 14 hours, turning the breast halfway through to ensure even brining.
7Preheat oven to 350°F.
8Remove turkey from brine and rinse thoroughly under cold water.
9Pat dry with paper towels, then rub the skin with olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper.
10Place turkey breast skin-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
11Roast for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 155°F in the thickest part.
12The skin should be golden brown and crisp.
13Remove turkey from oven and let rest for 15 minutes.
14The temperature will rise to 165°F during resting.
15Carve against the grain and serve warm.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or container for brining
Roasting pan with rack
Meat thermometer
Chef’s knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 2g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 55g

📝Notes

For a crispier skin, let the turkey breast air-dry in the refrigerator for 2 hours after brining and before roasting. You can add other aromatics like thyme or orange peel to the brine for different flavor profiles.

Watch Video Of How Perfect Brined Turkey Breast Works

To store leftover brine turkey breast, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, slice the meat and freeze it in freezer bags for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a little chicken broth or water to prevent drying, and warm it in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.

This recipe works well for family gatherings because you can prepare the brine a day ahead and roast the turkey breast just before serving. I like to serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

The leftovers are perfect for sandwiches or casseroles the next day. This brine turkey breast is always a good idea for any occasion because it is simple, reliable, and delivers great results every time.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Brined Turkey Breast

Q: What is brine turkey breast?

Brine turkey breast is a cooking method where you soak the turkey in a saltwater solution before roasting it in the oven. This helps to preserve the meat and adds flavor.

Q: How long do I need to soak the turkey in the brine?

The length of time you need to soak the turkey in the brine will depend on how large your turkey is. As a general rule, you should soak it for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

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

Yes, you can use this recipe with other types of meat such as chicken or pork. However, keep in mind that different meats will have different cooking times.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for people on a low-sodium diet?

No, this recipe contains a significant amount of salt from the brine solution. If you’re on a low-sodium diet, you may want to consider an alternative method.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time by preparing the brine solution and soaking the turkey in it several hours before roasting.

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