Brined Turkey

4.8
(18)
13 Reviews
2 Photos

I love a brined turkey. When you think about cooking any poultry for more than two hours, you definitely want a bird that was packed in a saline solution or brined yourself. Never again will you have a dry turkey. The osmosis will make your bird tender and juicy. This recipe is good for turkeys between 12 and 22 pounds. Roast as desired.

Submitted by Ed Price
Published on June 19, 2020
Prep Time:
20 mins
Additional Time:
12 hrs
Total Time:
12 hrs 20 mins
Servings:
16
Yield:
1 turkey
Jump to Nutrition Facts
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 16 servings

  • 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

Directions

  1. 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.

  2. Gently submerge turkey into the brine; refrigerate for 12 to 36 hours.

  3. Remove turkey from the brine and rinse both inside and outside thoroughly. Discard brine.

Editor's Notes:

The nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of the brine ingredients. The actual amount of the brine consumed will vary.

Always brine foods in a food-grade, non-reactive container such as a stainless steel or enameled stockpot, a brining bag, or a food-grade plastic bucket. Never use ordinary trash bags, plastic trash cans, or metal buckets or containers not meant for food use.

55 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

731 Calories
32g Fat
13g Carbs
92g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 16
Calories 731
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 32g 41%
Saturated Fat 9g 47%
Cholesterol 268mg 89%
Sodium 11627mg 506%
Total Carbohydrate 13g 5%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 13g
Protein 92g 184%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 106mg 8%
Iron 6mg 33%
Potassium 928mg 20%

* 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.