Brine Recipe
Brining is a great technique to add moisture and flavor to your meats before cooking. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, you need this turkey brine recipe to elevate your turkey!
I often scale back the following recipe to make smaller batches if I am brining just a few pieces of chicken or turkey wings.
What does soaking a turkey in brine do?
I have become absolutely obsessed with brining my meats. Brining is a great yet simple way to add flavor and moisture to turkey, chicken, seafood, and other meats.
People mostly brine their meats before grilling or smoking, but it is a perfect way to prepare your meat for roasting or cooking on the stovetop.
What is turkey brine made of?
To brine, you soak the meat in a solution of salt and water prior to cooking. Sugar, herbs, spices, and citrus fruits can bring in extra amazing flavor.
How long should you brine turkey, and should you refrigerate while brining?
You can brine a turkey for anywhere between 8 and 18 hours. This brine recipe calls for 12 hours of brining in the refrigerator. You shouldn’t leave the turkey sitting out at room temperature while brining. You can use a large food-grade plastic container, stainless steel or glass, or a brining bag.
Do you rinse a turkey after brining?
Yes, you should rinse your turkey with cold water for a few minutes after brining. Keep reading for the full brine recipe for your Thanksgiving turkey!
What’s in the brine recipe?
- 1 gallon water
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1 cup sugar you can use white or brown sugar
- 2 lemons
- 8 garlic cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp. peppercorns
- A bundle of thyme, rosemary, and sage
I love this 6 quart container to brine boneless skinless chicken breast, small whole chickens, and turkey pieces.
How to make a brine
In a large pot, add a quarter of the water along with all the ingredients.
Bring to a boil while stirring the salt and sugar until it dissolves.
Once the solution comes to a boil, remove from heat, and add the remaining cool water.
Allow the solution to completely cool.
Add the turkey to the solution and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before roasting.
After brining, rinse the turkey thoroughly under cold water for a few minutes.
From here, prepare your turkey or chicken however you like!
Brine Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 gallon water
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1 cup sugar you can use white or brown sugar
- 2 lemons
- 8 garlic cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp. peppercorns
- a bundle of thyme, rosemary, and sage
Instructions
- In a large pot, add a quarter of the water along with all the ingredients.
- Bring to a boil while stirring the salt and sugar until it dissolves.
- Once the solution comes to a boil, remove from heat, and add the remaining cool water.
- Allow the solution to completely cool.
- Add the turkey to the solution and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before roasting.
- After brining, rinse the turkey thoroughly under cold water for a few minutes.
- From here, prepare your turkey however you like!