Turkey Brine
Turkey Brine is the ultimate secret to achieving a juicy, flavorful turkey that will have everyone at the table raving. This simple yet effective brining process transforms your bird into a succulent centerpiece, perfect for any special occasion. With a blend of aromatic herbs, spices, and the right balance of salt and sweetness, you’ll create a showstopper dish that ensures moist meat with every slice. Impress your guests and elevate your culinary skills effortlessly with this foolproof Turkey Brine recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: Varies based on turkey size
- Total Time: 18 minute
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Brining
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 gallon cold water
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary (or thyme/sage)
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine cold water, kosher salt, and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until dissolved.
- Add peppercorns, garlic, herbs, and lemon zest; simmer for 10 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Remove from heat and cool to room temperature or add ice cubes to speed up cooling.
- Place turkey in a container or brining bag; pour the cooled brine over it until fully submerged.
- Seal tightly and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours. Rinse turkey before cooking to avoid excess saltiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 oz cooked turkey
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Customize your brine by adding citrus peels or using honey instead of brown sugar for sweetness. Store leftover turkey in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheat gently to maintain moisture.