My Favorite Turkey Brine
Ingredients
- 3 c. apple juice or apple cider
- 2 gallons cold water
- 4 tbsp. fresh rosemary leaves
- 5 cloves garlic
minced
- 1 1/2 c. kosher salt
- 2 c. brown sugar
- 3 tbsp. peppercorns
- 5 whole bay leaves
- Peel of three large oranges
Directions
- 1
Combine all the ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve. Turn off heat, cover and allow the brine to cool completely.
- 2
Place the uncooked turkey in a large brining bag or pot, pour in the brine solution to cover the turkey, and refrigerate for 16 to 24 hours.
- 3
Before roasting, remove the turkey from the brine (discard the brine) and submerge the turkey in a pot or sink filled with fresh, cold water for 15 minutes. This removes excess salt from the outside.
- 4
Remove the turkey from the water, pat dry, and cook according to your normal roasting method.
My Favorite Turkey Brine
Similar Recipes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/85839-Out-Of-This-World-Turkey-Brine-ddmfs-4x3-041-0e82809005284b4fbb04285eeda6e549.jpg)
/citrus-turkey-brine-recipe-336418-hero-02-2b2e382ac8d948af81c3f7538f3fa45f.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Simply-Recipes-Easiest-Turkey-Brine-LEAD-1-19d0397e9412446686d9f01f1c428a73.jpg)
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Dreaming of a Thanksgiving turkey that's exceptionally moist, tender, and bursting with flavor? My Favorite Turkey Brine is your secret weapon for transforming an ordinary bird into a holiday showstopper.
This brine recipe leverages a classic balance of salt and sugar, essential for a truly succulent turkey. The generous amount of kosher salt helps the turkey retain moisture, while brown sugar contributes to a beautiful, golden-brown skin and a subtle sweetness. Infused with aromatic elements like fresh rosemary, pungent garlic, earthy bay leaves, and bright orange peel, it ensures every bite is infused with complex, inviting flavors.
You can anticipate a turkey with an incredibly juicy texture and a depth of flavor that goes far beyond the surface. The apple juice or cider adds a delicate fruitiness, complementing the savory herbs and warm spices from the peppercorns. This brine promises a turkey that is both tender and wonderfully aromatic, leaving your guests impressed with its rich, balanced taste.
Feel free to swap apple juice for apple cider depending on your preference for a sharper or sweeter note. While kosher salt is specified, you could adjust the quantity if using a different salt with a finer grain. For the orange peel, any large, ripe orange will provide that essential bright citrus aroma.
This brine is perfectly suited for preparing your holiday turkey, ensuring a memorable centerpiece for festive gatherings and family meals. It's designed to infuse your bird with flavor and moisture before roasting.