How to Brine a Turkey
Your next Thanksgiving feast will be extra flavorful and juicy if you soak your turkey in a saltwater and spice-infused brine.
Up next in Thanksgiving Recipes (31 videos)
Are you hosting Turkey Day this year? Make it a feast to remember with these recipes and cooking tips.
You Will Need
- 1 gal. vegetable stock
- 1 cp. kosher salt
- 4 bay leaves
- 1/2 c. light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp. whole black peppercorns
- 1 1/2 tsp. chapped candied ginger
- 1 1/2 tsp. allspice berries
- 1 gal. ice water
- Thawed 14-16 lb. turkey
- Equipment:
- 5-gal. bucket
Steps
-
Step 1
Start brine
Make the brine the day before roasting your turkey. In a large stockpot on medium-high heat, combine the vegetable stock, salt, bay leaves, sugar, and spices, stirring occasionally until the salt and solids are dissolved.
-
Step 2
Boil
Bring the brine to a boil, remove it from the heat, and let it cool to room temperature.
-
Step 3
Soak the turkey
Place the turkey in the 5-gallon bucket, breast side down, and add the brine and ice water. Then cover and refrigerate it or set it in a cool place for at least eight hours and up to 20 hours.
-
Weight the turkey with a plate if it isn't completely submerged in the brine.
-
Step 4
Rotate
Rotate the turkey mid-way through the soaking time.
-
Step 5
Remove
Remove the turkey from the brine one hour before roasting. Rinse it inside and out and pat it dry before roasting it according to your recipe. Enjoy your Thanksgiving feast.
-
Turkey consumption has increased 108% since 1970.
