Preparing the perfect turkey can be a daunting task, but with this turkey brine recipe, you’ll be serving up a bird that’s incredibly juicy and packed with flavor. Brining is the secret to elevating your Thanksgiving dinner and ensuring every bite is moist and delicious. Plus, it’s simpler than you might think!
This turkey brine will transform your turkey from ordinary to extraordinary, infusing it with savory herbs and spices. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, this recipe makes the brining process easy and effective.
The Ultimate Turkey Brine Recipe
This turkey brine combines water, salt, sugar, and aromatic herbs to create a flavorful soak that enhances the turkey’s natural taste. The brine not only imparts flavor but also helps the meat retain moisture during cooking, resulting in a tender, succulent bird.
Ingredients
- 1 gallon water
- 3/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary or 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme or 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- Ice for chilling
Instructions
- Prepare the Brine: In a large pot, combine the water, kosher salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, cloves, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve.
- Cool the Brine: Remove the pot from heat and let the brine cool to room temperature. Add ice to chill it down quickly.
- Brine the Turkey: Place your cleaned turkey in a large brining bag or container. Pour the cooled brine over the turkey, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
- Rinse and Roast: After brining, remove the turkey from the brine, rinse it under cold water to remove excess salt, and pat it dry with paper towels. Now you’re ready to roast it as desired!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Brining Time: 12-24 hours
- Total Time: 12-24 hours 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 1 turkey (approximately 12-14 pounds)
- Calories: Varies based on turkey size and additional ingredients
- Fat: Varies
- Protein: Varies
- Carbohydrates: Varies