Description
This Juicy Turkey Brine recipe is the ultimate method to ensure your holiday turkey turns out incredibly moist, flavorful, and tender every time. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any roast bird occasion, this simple brine uses herbs, citrus, and salt to deeply infuse flavor and enhance texture.
Ingredients
1 gallon water
1 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
4 bay leaves
6 garlic cloves, crushed
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 sprigs fresh sage
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
1 gallon cold water
4 cups ice
Instructions
1. Combine 1 gallon of water, kosher salt, and brown sugar in a large pot. Heat over medium until salt and sugar dissolve completely.
2. Remove the pot from heat and add peppercorns, bay leaves, garlic, herbs, and citrus slices. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
3. Stir in 1 gallon of cold water and ice to chill the brine.
4. Place the turkey in a large stockpot or brining bag, breast-side down. Pour in the brine and ensure the bird is fully submerged.
5. Refrigerate or store in a cold cooler for 12 to 24 hours.
6. Remove turkey from brine, rinse thoroughly under cold water, and pat dry.
7. Let the turkey rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting.
8. Roast as desired, checking that internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the breast.
Notes
For best results, use kosher salt, not table salt.
Make sure the brine is fully chilled before adding your turkey.
A meat thermometer is essential to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Brining
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz roasted turkey (after brining)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 95mg