Description
A flavorful brine for preserving and enhancing turkey before roasting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Combine 1 gallon of water, kosher salt, and brown sugar in a large pot. Heat over medium until salt and sugar dissolve completely.
- Remove the pot from heat and add peppercorns, bay leaves, garlic, herbs, and citrus slices. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Stir in 1 gallon of cold water and ice to chill the brine.
- Place the turkey in a large stockpot or brining bag, breast-side down. Pour in the brine and ensure the bird is fully submerged.
- Refrigerate or store in a cold cooler for 12 to 24 hours.
- Remove turkey from brine, rinse thoroughly under cold water, and pat dry.
- Let the turkey rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting.
- Roast as desired, checking that internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the breast.
Notes
- This brine enhances the flavor of the turkey and keeps it moist during cooking.
- Ensure to keep the turkey refrigerated while brining.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Brining
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg