Citrus Turkey Brine

Citrus Turkey Brine

from thespruceeats.com
75 min

Ingredients

  • 1 gallon water, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 large lemon
  • 1 large lime
  • 1 large orange
  • 1 medium onion, thickly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 4 leaf bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme

Directions

  1. 1

    Gather the ingredients.

  2. 2

    Bring 4 cups of water to a low boil in a large saucepan. Add the salt and sugar and stir until they are completely dissolved.

  3. 3

    Cut the lemon, lime, and orange into 8 pieces each.

  4. 4

    Add the lemon, lime, orange, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme to the saucepan. Reduce the heat to low and cover. Let simmer for 30 minutes.

  5. 5

    Pour this mixture into a large pot. Add the remaining water (cold) and refrigerate the brine until it is completely cooled.

  6. 6

    If using a frozen turkey, it must be completely defrosted before brining. Place the poultry and brine in a large plastic container. The poultry should be fully surrounded by the brine. Keep the turkey refrigerated throughout the brining time. Brine for 1 hour per pound. Do not brine for more than 24 hours. Thoroughly rinse all the brine from the turkey before cooking. Otherwise, there will be a salty flavor to the turkey.