Simple Turkey Brine Crunchy Creamy Sweet from www.crunchycreamysweet.com
Introduction
Brining a turkey is a great way to keep it moist and flavorful during cooking. If you have never brined a turkey before, it might seem intimidating, but it is actually a very simple process. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of making a delicious brine for your turkey.
Ingredients
To make the brine, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 gallon of water - 1 cup of kosher salt - 1 cup of brown sugar - 2 tablespoons of black peppercorns - 2 tablespoons of dried rosemary - 2 tablespoons of dried thyme - 2 bay leaves - 1 orange, sliced - 1 lemon, sliced - 1 onion, sliced - 1 turkey (12-14 pounds)
Water
The water is the base of the brine. You can use tap water or filtered water, whichever you prefer.
Kosher salt
Kosher salt is a coarse-grained salt that does not contain any additives. It is perfect for brining because it dissolves easily and does not add any unwanted flavor.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the brine and helps to balance out the saltiness.
Black peppercorns
Black peppercorns add a subtle heat to the brine.
Dried rosemary
Dried rosemary adds a piney flavor to the brine.
Dried thyme
Dried thyme adds an earthy flavor to the brine.
Bay leaves
Bay leaves add a subtle floral flavor to the brine.
Orange, lemon, and onion
The orange, lemon, and onion add a bright, fresh flavor to the brine.
Turkey
You will need a turkey that weighs between 12 and 14 pounds. Make sure it is completely thawed before you start brining.
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients, it is time to make the brine. Follow these steps: 1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. 2. Add the kosher salt and brown sugar to the water and stir until they are completely dissolved. 3. Add the black peppercorns, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. 4. Add the sliced orange, lemon, and onion to the pot. 5. Remove the pot from the heat and let the brine cool to room temperature. 6. Once the brine has cooled, place the turkey in a large container or brining bag. 7. Pour the brine over the turkey, making sure it is completely covered. 8. Place the container or bag in the refrigerator and let the turkey brine for 12-24 hours. 9. After the turkey has finished brining, remove it from the brine and rinse it thoroughly with cold water. 10. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour before cooking.
Nutrition
It is important to note that brining your turkey does not significantly impact the nutritional value of the meat. However, it does add flavor and moisture, which can make the turkey more enjoyable to eat.
Sodium
Because the brine contains a significant amount of salt, it is important to be mindful of your sodium intake if you have high blood pressure or other health concerns. One serving of brined turkey (3 ounces) contains approximately 600-700 milligrams of sodium, depending on the amount of salt in the brine.
Calories
One serving of turkey (3 ounces) contains approximately 125-150 calories, depending on the cut of meat. Brining the turkey does not significantly impact the calorie count.
Protein
One serving of turkey (3 ounces) contains approximately 25-30 grams of protein, depending on the cut of meat. Brining the turkey does not significantly impact the protein content.
Conclusion
Brining a turkey is a great way to add flavor and moisture to your Thanksgiving meal. With this simple brine recipe, you can create a delicious and juicy turkey that your family and friends will love. Just be sure to give yourself enough time to brine the turkey, as it takes at least 12 hours for the flavors to fully penetrate the meat. Happy brining!