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

There are few dishes more iconic on the Thanksgiving table than a perfectly roasted turkey. For many families, it's the star of the show, and getting it just right is a top priority. If you're looking to impress your guests with a turkey that's juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, then look no further than this Buttermilk-Brined Turkey recipe.

Brining is a process that involves soaking the meat in a saltwater solution to help it retain moisture and flavor during cooking. Buttermi...

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • ⅓ cup kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons dried parsley
  • 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
  • 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seed
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 large bay leaves
  • 8 cups buttermilk
  • 1 (12 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 3 hrs 10 mins
  • Additional Time: 1 day 1 hr 15 mins
  • Total Time: 1 day 4 hrs 35 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 1 12-pound turkey

  • Combine water, salt, parsley, coriander, peppercorns, mustard seeds, garlic powder, and bay leaves in a large stockpot and bring to a boil. Boil until salt has dissolved, about 2 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes. Stir in buttermilk.
  • Rinse turkey in cold water. Place in a brining bag and pour buttermilk brine over top. Refrigerate for 24 hours, turning occasionally.
  • Discard the brine and rinse turkey thoroughly in cold water. Pat turkey dry with paper towels and place breast side up in a roasting pan. Rub butter over all of the skin and let turkey sit for 1 hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Cook turkey until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of thigh, near bone, reads 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 3 hours.
  • Nutrition

    771 cal.

    • Total Fat: 36g
    • Saturated Fat: 11g
    • Cholesterol: 279mg
    • Sodium: 397mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 9g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 8g
    • Protein: 98g
    • Vitamin C: 2mg
    • Calcium: 293mg
    • Iron: 7mg
    • Potassium: 1195mg