Turkey Brine Recipe

This homemade Turkey Brine recipe will transform your holiday table! A wet brine seasoned with fresh herbs, citrus, brown sugar, garlic, and spices infuses the meat with mouthwatering flavor and juicy texture for the perfect turkey.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Brine Time 1

Total Time 1 15

Servings gallon/18 servings

Calories 627kcal

Author John Kanell

Ingredients

1 gallon water divided (3.8L)
1 cup kosher salt (240g)
½ cup brown sugar (110g)
2 oranges
6 sprigs rosemary leaves removed
6 sprigs fresh thyme
6 garlic cloves smashed
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons whole peppercorns

Instructions

In a large pot, combine 4 cups of water, salt, and sugar. (If you have a pot big enough to fit your turkey in, use it. If not, any 4-quart pot will work.) Place over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, just until the salt and sugar are dissolved. Remove from the heat.
Peel the orange zest in strips using a vegetable peeler. (Reserve the zested orange for another use.) Add the zest to the pot along with the rosemary, thyme, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Stir in the remaining 12 cups of water. Let cool to room temperature.
Submerge the turkey in the brine, or put the turkey in a large brining bag or bucket and pour the brine over the top. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Before roasting, remove the turkey and discard the brine. Pat the turkey dry, and continue with cooking the turkey.

Video

Notes

Use this brine for other cuts of meat. This versatile recipe also works well with pork chops, whole chicken, or chicken pieces. You can also brine smaller cuts of turkey, such as turkey breast, turkey legs or drumsticks, or turkey wings.
For extra crispy turkey skin during roasting. Refrigerate the turkey, uncovered, in the roasting pan for 12-24 hours after brining. This helps the moisture evaporate from the skin and creates a delicious crispy skin when cooked.
Add an extra flavor boost. Replace up to 3 cups of the water with apple juice or apple cider for a touch of added sweetness that complements the savory flavors.

Nutrition