Turkey Brine Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 gallons water
or 1 gallon of water and 1 gallon of apple cider
- 2 cups coarse kosher salt or coarse sea salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 8 cloves of garlic
smashed
- 2 oranges
juiced and halved
- 2 lemons
juiced and halved
- 4 TBSP peppercorns
- 4 bay leaves
- Handful of fresh herbs like rosemary
thyme, sage, and parsley.
Directions
- 1
Transfer the cider or water to a small saucepan; add the salt and sugar. Bring it to a boil and lower to a simmer. Let it go, stirring occasionally, until the salt and sugar have dissolved. When done, set it aside and let the liquid cool completely. (You can speed this up by adding ice.)
- 2
Once the brine has cooled, transfer it to your brining container and add the smashed garlic cloves, herbs, and peppercorns. Then squeeze the juice from the oranges and lemons into the pot (don't worry about the pits), and place the squeezed orange and lemon into the pot as well.
- 3
Slowly and carefully submerge the turkey into the brine (careful, the liquid level will rise).
- 4
Cover (optional), and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, but no longer than 18 hours (this time is based on a 12-16 lb turkey. Use the hour per pound rule.)
- 5
When the bird is finished brining, carefully transfer the turkey from the brine to a large platter or cooking vessel. Rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Season it as you wish, but keep in mind that the turkey is pretty salty now, so go lightly.
Turkey Brine Recipe
Similar Recipes
/citrus-turkey-brine-recipe-336418-hero-02-2b2e382ac8d948af81c3f7538f3fa45f.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/85839-Out-Of-This-World-Turkey-Brine-ddmfs-4x3-041-0e82809005284b4fbb04285eeda6e549.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
Looking for the secret to an incredibly tender and juicy turkey this holiday season? This bright citrus and herb-infused turkey brine recipe is your new go-to, guaranteeing a moist, flavorful bird that will be the star of your festive spread.
The magic of this turkey brine lies in its carefully balanced blend of moisture-retaining salt and flavor-infusing aromatics. Coarse kosher salt works to break down muscle fibers and draw liquid into the bird, preventing dryness, while brown sugar adds a touch of caramel sweetness. But what truly elevates this brine is the vibrant combination of fresh orange and lemon juices and halves, smashed garlic, pungent peppercorns, bay leaves, and a generous handful of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley, all working together to permeate the turkey with deep, complex flavors.
When you prepare this brine, you'll be greeted with an incredibly fragrant aroma—a harmonious blend of bright citrus, warm herbs, and a hint of garlic. This promises a roasted turkey that is exceptionally moist from within, with a subtle sweetness balanced by the tangy citrus and earthy herbs. Every slice will reveal perfectly seasoned, tender meat, free from the dryness often associated with roasted poultry, making each bite a delightful experience.
This versatile brine offers easy avenues for personalization. To add another layer of flavor and sweetness, consider replacing one gallon of water with a gallon of apple cider for a more autumnal profile. The fresh herbs are also flexible: while rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley provide a classic blend, you can adjust the ratios or even introduce other favorites like marjoram to fine-tune the aromatic notes to your preference.
Designed for celebration, this turkey brine is ideal for ensuring your centerpiece bird for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any significant family gathering is nothing short of spectacular. It sets the stage for a memorable meal, perfectly complementing all your festive sides.