Holiday Turkey Brine

5.0
(4)
4 Reviews
2 Photos

There are many brines available for your holiday turkey, and many have similar ingredients. The basic concept is that brining a turkey, or any meat, helps that meat retain moisture over long cooking periods. My husband said this recipe created the juiciest turkey he had ever experienced. Even after almost 4 hours of cook time, you could squeeze the juice out of the meat it was so tender and juicy. And the savory and sweet flavors were just enough to complement the brine and impart those flavors to the turkey. Bon appetit!

Submitted by Darlene
Published on March 9, 2020
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Servings:
12
Yield:
12 servings
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

  • 1 gallon vegetable broth

  • 1 ½ cups sea salt

  • ⅓ cup brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons black peppercorns

  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary

  • 1 tablespoon dried sage

  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme

  • 2 gallons water

  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar

  • 3 apples, cut into quarters

  • 1 onion, cut into quarters

  • ½ cup Worcestershire sauce

  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled

Directions

  1. Combine vegetable broth, sea salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, rosemary, sage, and thyme in a large stockpot. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently until salt and sugar dissolve. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

  2. Pour the water, broth mixture, and apple cider vinegar into a 5-gallon bucket; stir until brine is combined. Add the apples, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic to the brine mixture.

Cook's Notes:

Crushed peppercorns can be substituted for whole, if desired.

Fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme can be substituted for dried.

To brine the turkey:
Wash and dry the turkey; remove the innards. Place the turkey, breast down, into the brine making sure that the cavity gets filled. Seal the brining container; brine for 12 to 24 hours. Remove the turkey. Carefully drain off excess brine; pat dry. Discard excess brine. Cook as desired.

You should always roast your turkey to the recommended internal temperature, as ovens and cooking times will vary.

Editor's Notes:

Always brine foods in a food-grade, nonreactive container such as a stainless steel or enameled stockpot, a brining bag, or a food-grade plastic bucket.

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

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

105 Calories
1g Fat
23g Carbs
2g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 105
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 1g 1%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Sodium 11308mg 492%
Total Carbohydrate 23g 8%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 16g
Protein 2g 4%
Vitamin C 5mg 6%
Calcium 92mg 7%
Iron 127mg 708%
Potassium 284mg 6%

* 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.