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How to brine a turkey for thanksgiving dinner.
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Simple Turkey Brine Recipe

Learn how to brine a turkey so that it's flavorful, and delicious.
Course holiday
Cuisine American
Keyword brine, citrus, fruit, simple turkey brine
Prep Time 20 minutes
Brine Time 16 hours
Servings 1 turkey
Calories 1018kcal
Author Ang Paris

Ingredients

  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 gallon vegetable stock
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 3 large bay leaves
  • 1-½ teaspoons allspice berries
  • 2 teaspoons whole cloves
  • 1 large orange sliced
  • 6 cloves of garlic smashed
  • 1 cup broccoflower optional
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage
  • 1 large apple sliced
  • 1 large pear sliced
  • 1 gallon heavily iced water

Instructions

  • In a large pot over medium-high heat, combine the stock, cup of kosher salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, allspice, cloves, bay leaves and orange.
  • Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally so that the sugar and salt dissolve.
  • Remove the brine from the heat and add in the garlic, broccoflower, apple and pear.
  • Cool to room temperature.
  • Remove the innards from the turkey, rinse and place breast side down in a 5-gallon bucket.
  • Add the salt water solution and ice water to cover the turkey.
  • Cover and refrigerate from 8-16 hours. (You can also put it outdoors if you live in the Northeast like us – just be sure to put something heavy on the lid so no critters can get at your turkey!)
  • About half way through, turn the whole turkey and stir the brine a bit.
  • Once you’re ready to cook the turkey, line a large baking sheet with paper towels.
  • Remove the turkey from the brine, and rinse it inside and out with cold water to remove excess salt.
  • Set the brined turkey on the baking sheet and pat dry.
  • Discard the brine.

Notes

Now you're ready to cook your turkey! We highly recommend this, our Best Juicy Turkey Recipe for the most flavorful turkey you've ever eaten! Seriously, this roasted turkey is the one your family will talk about for years to come, so get your roasting pan ready, and let's go!

Nutrition

Calories: 1018kcal | Carbohydrates: 258g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 128601mg | Potassium: 1762mg | Fiber: 26g | Sugar: 194g | Vitamin A: 8956IU | Vitamin C: 389mg | Calcium: 568mg | Iron: 14mg