How to Make Brined Turkey - A Step-by-Step Guide

Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner simply isn't complete without a delicious, juicy, and perfectly cooked turkey as the centerpiece of the table. And one way to ensure your turkey turns out flavorful and moist is by brining it before roasting.

Brining is a simple technique that involves soaking the turkey in a saltwater solution, along with various herbs and aromatics, for a period of time before cooking. This process not only seasons the meat all the way through, but it also helps the ...

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Ingredients

  • 2 quarts water
  • 2 cups kosher salt
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 2 gallons cold water
  • 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, or more to taste
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme, or more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon crushed garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 (16 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Additional Time: 12 hrs
  • Total Time: 12 hrs 20 mins
  • Servings: 16
  • Yield: 1 turkey

  • Bring 2 quarts water to a boil in a large pot; stir kosher salt and white sugar into the water to dissolve completely. Remove from heat and let cool somewhat before transferring to a large food-safe container large enough to hold the brine and turkey, but small enough to fit in your refrigerator. Pour 2 gallons cold water into the container; add rosemary sprigs, thyme sprigs, garlic, Allspice, and black pepper.
  • Gently submerge turkey into the brine; refrigerate for 12 to 36 hours.
  • Remove turkey from the brine and rinse both inside and outside thoroughly. Discard brine.
  • Nutrition

    731 cal.

    • Total Fat: 32g
    • Saturated Fat: 9g
    • Cholesterol: 268mg
    • Sodium: 11627mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 13g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 13g
    • Protein: 92g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 106mg
    • Iron: 6mg
    • Potassium: 928mg