This simple turkey brine works overnight to ensure your turkey is moist, juicy, and full of delicious flavor! Use this easy brine on a fresh turkey, not on one already injected with any other brining solution. This recipe makes enough brine for a turkey in the 15- to 20-pound range.
This simple turkey brine is the key to your best bird yet.
Simple Turkey Brine Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this quick and easy turkey brine:
· Water: This turkey brine starts with a gallon of water.· Salt: Two cups of kosher salt should be enough to permeate the turkey, adding tons of savory flavor.· Sugar: Dark brown sugar adds sweetness and complexity.· Spices and seasonings: This simple turkey brine gets its irresistible flavor from bay leaves, black peppercorns, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and whole cloves.
How to Make Simple Turkey Brine
You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this simple turkey brine:
1. Boil: Bring the water to a boil, then add the salt and brown sugar. Stir until dissolved.2. Season: Add bay leaves, peppercorns, rosemary, thyme, and cloves. Reduce to a simmer.3. Cool: Remove from the heat and let cool completely before using.
How to Use This Turkey Brine
When your simple turkey brine is ready to use, here's what to do:
1. Find a large, non-reactive container that's large enough to hold your turkey. A plastic bucket is a great choice.2. Pour the brine into the container, then place the thawed turkey in the brine. Add just enough cold water to completely cover the turkey with liquid.3. Place the container in the refrigerator (never brine at room temperature).
Learn more: How to Brine a Turkey
How Long to Brine Turkey
Brine the turkey for at least 8 hours, but no more than 24 hours. When you're done brining, let the brined turkey rest on a rack for about an hour before cooking it according to your recipe.
Cookdap Community Tips and Praise
“I would add garlic next time, but that’s a personal preference for our family,” according to Aimee. “It made the turkey just how I wanted it (tender, juicy etc).”
“I was pleased with the experience and the family said it was really good,” raves Aimee. “One of the best things about this? It wasn’t a list of oddball ingredients that I would only use for this single recipe. Everything was on hand and it was easy peasy.”
“The amount here I think is perfect for a smaller turkey, but for a larger [turkey] you need to double it,” says Corrissa Rodriguez. “That’s what I did. I substituted the second gallon of water with apple juice and it was the best decision of my life!!!”
Ingredients
- 1 gallon water
- 2 cups kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups dark brown sugar
- 3 large bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
- 2 ½ teaspoons dried rosemary
- 2 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
- 12 whole cloves
Directions
Step 1
Gather all ingredients.
Step 2
Bring water to a boil in a large stockpot.
Step 3
Stir in salt and brown sugar until dissolved; return to a boil.
Step 4
Add bay leaves, peppercorns, rosemary, thyme, and cloves. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 5
Remove from the heat and let cool completely before using.
Step 6
Place thawed turkey into a large non-reactive container. Pour in cooled brine.
Step 7
Pour in enough cool water to cover turkey with liquid. Refrigerate 8 to 12 hours.
Step 8
Remove turkey from brine and let sit on counter for about 2 hours.
Step 9
Follow desired method of cooking your turkey.
Editor’s Note:
The nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of the brine ingredients. The actual amount of the brine consumed will vary.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings Per Recipe 30 | |
Calories 44 | |
% Daily Value * | |
Total Fat0g | 0% |
Sodium6081mg | 264% |
Total Carbohydrate11g | 4% |
Dietary Fiber0g | 1% |
Total Sugars11g | |
Protein0g | |
Vitamin C0mg | 1% |
Calcium20mg | 2% |
Iron0mg | 2% |
Potassium20mg | 0% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
**Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient.If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
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