Turkey Brine Recipe: Make Your Turkey Juicy And Flavorful

Turkey Brine Recipe: Make Your Turkey Juicy And Flavorful

Cesar Chien

TURKEY BRINE RECIPE Follow for recipes Is this how you roll? Turkey
TURKEY BRINE RECIPE Follow for recipes Is this how you roll? Turkey from www.pinterest.com

Introduction

Brining is a process of soaking meat in a saltwater solution that helps to lock in moisture and infuse flavors. Brining a turkey is a great way to ensure that it comes out juicy and flavorful. With a little bit of planning and some simple ingredients, you can make a delicious turkey that will be the star of your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. In this article, we will share with you an easy turkey brine recipe that you can use to make your turkey taste amazing.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need to make the turkey brine:
  • 1 gallon of water
  • 1 cup of kosher salt
  • 1 cup of brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of whole black peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon of whole allspice berries
  • 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 turkey (12-14 pounds)

Kosher Salt vs. Table Salt

When making a brine, it is important to use kosher salt instead of table salt. Kosher salt is less dense than table salt, which means that you will need to use more of it to achieve the same level of saltiness. Additionally, kosher salt has a larger grain size, which makes it easier to dissolve in water and ensures that the turkey is evenly seasoned.

Instructions

Here are the steps to follow to make the turkey brine:
  1. In a large pot, combine the water, kosher salt, brown sugar, black peppercorns, allspice berries, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to ensure that the salt and sugar dissolve.
  2. Remove the pot from heat and let the brine cool to room temperature.
  3. Add the orange slices, lemon slices, and chopped onion to the brine.
  4. Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey and rinse it thoroughly under cold water.
  5. Place the turkey in a large container (such as a stockpot or a brining bag) and pour the brine over it. Make sure that the turkey is fully submerged in the brine.
  6. Refrigerate the turkey in the brine for at least 12 hours, and up to 24 hours.
  7. After brining, remove the turkey from the brine and rinse it thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels.
  8. Let the turkey sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before roasting. This will help it cook more evenly.

Brining Bag vs. Stockpot

When brining a turkey, you can use either a brining bag or a stockpot. A brining bag is a large, heavy-duty plastic bag that is designed for brining. It is convenient because it takes up less space in the refrigerator than a stockpot. However, a stockpot is more stable and less likely to leak than a brining bag. Whichever method you choose, make sure that the turkey is fully submerged in the brine.

Nutrition

Here is the approximate nutritional information for a 4-ounce serving of turkey that has been brined using this recipe:
  • Calories: 190
  • Protein: 28 grams
  • Fat: 8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 0 grams
  • Fiber: 0 grams
  • Sugar: 0 grams
  • Sodium: 880 milligrams

Conclusion

Brining a turkey is a simple and effective way to make it juicy and flavorful. This turkey brine recipe is easy to make and uses simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. By following these instructions, you can make a delicious turkey that will impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!

Post a Comment