Description
This Juicy Turkey Brine recipe delivers the most flavorful and moist turkey you’ll ever make. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any special gathering, this simple brine infuses the bird with aromatic herbs, citrus, apple cider, and spices. Learn how to make the best turkey brine to keep your roast juicy, tender, and seasoned from the inside out. Keywords: juicy turkey brine, how to brine a turkey, Thanksgiving turkey brine, flavorful turkey, moist turkey recipe.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups kosher salt
1 cup brown sugar
8 cups apple cider
8 cloves garlic
3 bay leaves
2 tablespoons black peppercorns
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
6 sprigs fresh thyme
1 orange peel (large strips)
1 gallon cold water
Instructions
1. In a large stockpot, combine 1 gallon of water with kosher salt and brown sugar. Heat over medium, stirring until fully dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and stir in apple cider, garlic cloves, bay leaves, peppercorns, rosemary, thyme, and orange peel.
3. Let the brine cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until completely chilled.
4. Place your thawed turkey in a brining bag or large container. Pour the chilled brine over the turkey, ensuring it is fully submerged.
5. Seal the container and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
6. After brining, remove the turkey and rinse it under cold water. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
7. Proceed with your preferred cooking method: roast, smoke, or fry.
Notes
Use kosher salt only, not table salt, to avoid an overly salty result.
Make sure the brine is fully cooled before adding it to the turkey.
Discard used brine—never reuse it for food safety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Brining
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg