Citrus & Thyme Brined Whole Turkey
Citrus & Thyme Brined Whole Turkey is the ultimate centerpiece for your holiday feast, delivering a juicy, flavorful bird infused with vibrant citrus and aromatic thyme. This straightforward brining recipe ensures your turkey is not only visually stunning but also incredibly tender and moist, making it a memorable highlight of any gathering. Perfect for family celebrations, this turkey will impress with every succulent bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10-12 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds)
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1 quart water
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 lemons (zested and juiced)
- 2 oranges (zested and juiced)
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Prepare the brine: In a large pot, combine water, kosher salt, thyme, garlic, peppercorns, lemon zest, and orange zest. Bring to a boil until the salt dissolves; let cool to room temperature.
- Brine the turkey: Place the turkey in a large container or brining bag. Pour the cooled brine over it and ensure it's fully submerged. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove the turkey from the brine, rinse under cold water, and pat dry.
- Season: Optionally add more herbs; place halved citrus inside the cavity.
- Roast: Place in a roasting pan and cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), about 3-4 hours, basting occasionally.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (113g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: - For added flavor variations, consider substituting thyme with rosemary or sage. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.