Thanksgiving Turkey Brine

Thanksgiving Turkey Brine

Brine and get more flavor/moisture into your Bird!

Works very well with smoked turkey but can also be used for an oven roasted turkey

Prep Time

15-20 Min

Estimated Brine Time

8-12 hours (depending on size of bird... Go on the longer side for bigger birds)

Ingredients

  • 2 gallons of cold water
  • 1 ½ cups of salt
  • 2 - 4 teaspoons of rub using on Turkey (think flavor profile you want)
  • 1 cup of sugar (white)
  • 2 teaspoons black whole peppercorns
  • Zest of 2-3 lemons
  • 1 lemon sliced into wedges (you can use the ones you zested)
  • 2 teaspoons of fresh herbs (yes fresh do make a difference) you prefer (Thyme works well you can also mix in Rosemary too)

Prep

  1. In a large bucket (Clean Home Depot bucket should work depending on size of bird) or container pour 2 gallons of cold water.
  2. Take out 3 cups of that water and pour into a sauce pot and put on stove
  3. . Add all of the brining ingredients listed above and heat on medium heat.
  4. Stir frequently so you are allowing the salt and sugar to dissolve.
  5. Once dissolved remove from heat and let the brine cool down for a bit and then add to the container with the rest of the cold water.
  6. Stir the water to mix together then add the turkey and completely submerge in the brine. Set the container in a refrigerator or cold place at approximately 36 degrees F for 8-10 hours (we use a good cooler with ice around the bucket to save space in the fridge for everything else you are working on)
  7. After 8-10 hours, carefully remove the turkey from the brine and rinse well. (take time on this as it will make quite the mess if you rush)
  8. Pat the turkey dry and it is ready to season and cook.
  9. Clean up this stuff now (so you don’t have to do it later)

Optional Items to put more flavor in your bird:

  • Make a compound butter made with same rub using on outside of bird for under the skin to get more flavor throughout the bird. Also helps crisp up skin
  • Spray Duck fat on the outside of the bird pre rub to help rub adhere and post rub down to lock it in.
  • Put some herbs, butter, rub (same using on outside) and some acidic fruits like lemons and oranges in the cavity of the bird.
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