How to Brine a Turkey
How to Brine a Turkey is a simple guide to make an easy brine that will result in a flavorful turkey. This easy turkey brine recipe can be used on any type of poultry like whole chicken, cornish game hens, guinea fowl, and even brining a turkey breast. The brine is very flavorful, not fussy and the brining process takes.
Servings: 8 Cups
Calories: 361kcal
Ingredients
- 1 gallon water
- 1 gallon apple cider or apple juice
- 2 cups kosher salt or sea salt
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 3 medium oranges sliced
- 1 head garlic whole cloves
- 3 tbsp black peppercorns
- 4 bay leaves fresh or dried
- 6 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large stockpot. Bring to a boil. Stir occasionally until salt and sugar are dissolved, about 10 minutes. Remove and cool to room temperature.
- Place turkey breast side down into brining vessel (brine bag, bucket, or large pot with lid). Cover with cooled brining solution. Cover and refrigerate according to brine times in notes.
- Remove the turkey from the brine solution and rinse well inside and out with cool running water. Pat dry with paper towels and either season and roast or place on a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate overnight (uncovered) to dry it out further.
Notes
Brine Times:
- 12–14 lb. turkey: 16–18 hours
- 14–16 lb. turkey: 18–20 hours
- 16–18 lb. turkey: 20–22 hours
- 18–20 lb. turkey: 22–24 hours
Nutrition
Calories: 361kcal | Carbohydrates: 90g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 28345mg | Potassium: 676mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 77g | Vitamin A: 159IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 138mg | Iron: 2mg
