Orange Turkey Brine

4.8
(72)
60 Reviews
4 Photos

Adding this twist to your Thanksgiving turkey will "ooh" and "aah" your guests.

Submitted by TIMP132
Updated on September 12, 2024
4
4
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Additional Time:
8 hrs
Total Time:
8 hrs 30 mins
Yield:
1 1/2 gallons
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Ingredients

  • 1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed

  • 1 orange, sliced

  • 1 lemon, sliced

  • 1 lime, sliced

  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme

  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper

  • 3 cloves garlic

  • 2 bay leaves

  • 1 cup kosher salt

  • 1 ½ gallons water

Directions

  1. Combine orange juice concentrate, orange slices, lemon slices, lime slices, thyme, pepper, garlic, bay leaves, salt, and water in a large stockpot; bring to a boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

  2. Wash and dry your turkey. Make sure you have removed the innards. Place the turkey, breast-side down, into the brine. Make sure that the cavity gets filled. Place the stockpot in the refrigerator. For best results, allow turkey to marinate for 8 to 48 hours before cooking.

Cook’s Note

To cook the turkey: Remove the turkey carefully from the brine. Drain and discard excess brine and pat the turkey dry. Cook the turkey as desired reserving the drippings for gravy. Keep in mind that brined turkeys cook 20 to 30 minutes faster.

99 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

697 Calories
2g Fat
177g Carbs
13g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Calories 697
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 2g 3%
Saturated Fat 0g 2%
Sodium 91282mg 3,969%
Total Carbohydrate 177g 64%
Dietary Fiber 17g 61%
Total Sugars 143g
Protein 13g 26%
Vitamin C 662mg 735%
Calcium 561mg 43%
Iron 10mg 55%
Potassium 3004mg 64%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.