brine for turkey recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best brine for turkey recipe

I’ve been making this brine for turkey recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. The key to this recipe is the brine itself, which is a mixture of water, salt, sugar, and spices that you soak the turkey in before cooking.

The result is a moist and flavorful bird that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. I love that this recipe is so easy to make and requires minimal effort – just mix the brine ingredients together, add the turkey, and let it soak in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

My kids can’t get enough of the juicy meat and crispy skin that this recipe produces, and it’s become a staple in our household. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can use it for any type of poultry or even pork or beef if you want to mix things up.

And as an added bonus, the brine has some amazing health benefits – it helps to reduce sodium intake while still delivering plenty of flavor. Plus, the antioxidants in the spices will give you an extra boost of nutrition.

I like to serve this dish with all sorts of sides, from classic mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables and fresh salads. It’s a great way to get everyone around the table enjoying a delicious meal together.

Turkey Brine Recipe

Turkey Brine Recipe

4.7 from 1904 votes

This turkey brine recipe ensures a juicy and flavorful turkey. It is perfect for holiday meals.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Brine Ingredients

1 gallon water
1 cup kosher salt
1 cup brown sugar
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
1 head garlic, halved
1 bunch fresh thyme
1 bunch fresh rosemary
1 tbsp black peppercorns
1 tbsp coriander seeds

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large stockpot, combine 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of kosher salt, and 1 cup of brown sugar.
2Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
3Stir occasionally until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
4Remove the pot from the heat.
5Add 1 sliced orange, 1 sliced lemon, 1 halved head of garlic, 1 bunch of fresh thyme, 1 bunch of fresh rosemary, 1 tablespoon of black peppercorns, and 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds to the brine.
6Stir to combine.
7Let the brine cool to room temperature.
8This should take around 30 minutes.
9The brine is ready when it is no longer hot to the touch.
10Place the turkey in a large mixing bowl or a large zip-top bag.
11Pour the cooled brine over the turkey, ensuring it is fully submerged.
12If using a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap.
13Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours.
14The turkey should be completely submerged in the brine and the brine should be cold to the touch.

🔧Equipment

Large stockpot
Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Turkey

📊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.

This brine for turkey recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just want something delicious and easy to make at home. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it reheats – simply thaw out your leftover turkey (if there are any!)

and reheat it in the oven until crispy on top and juicy inside. For storage ideas, I like to keep leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Brine

Q: What is brine for turkey recipe?

Brine for turkey recipe is a mixture of water, salt, sugar, and spices that you soak the turkey in before cooking. The result is a moist and flavorful bird that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.

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

You can soak the turkey in brine for anywhere from a few hours to overnight. The longer it soaks, the more flavorful it will be.

Q: Can I use this recipe for other types of poultry or meat?

Yes, you can use this recipe for any type of poultry or even pork or beef if you want to mix things up.

Q: What are the health benefits of using a brine?

The brine has some amazing health benefits – it helps to reduce sodium intake while still delivering plenty of flavor.

Q: Can I make the brine ahead of time?

You can make the brine ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before using it.

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