Mighty Fine Turkey Brine

5.0
(4)
4 Reviews
2 Photos

I mixed and matched and finally found the best way to brine a turkey. It adds flavor but not enough to overpower what you will use when you roast the turkey. It will literally leak when you cut it... that is how juicy this bird gets. You can also use this brine for other types of poultry.

Submitted by Devin Welch
Published on March 5, 2020
Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
16 mins
Total Time:
41 mins
Servings:
31
Yield:
31 cups
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 31 servings

  • 5 cups water, divided

  • 1 cup salt

  • 1 gallon water

  • 1 cup packed dark brown sugar

  • 2 quarts apple juice (not from concentrate)

  • 1 pint whiskey (such as Jack Daniel's®)

  • 1 lemon, juiced

  • 1 large Gala apple, quartered and chopped

  • 1 navel orange, quartered, or more to taste

Directions

  1. Combine 2 1/2 cups water and salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until salt is dissolved, about 3 minutes.

  2. Pour water and salt mixture into a 5-gallon bucket. Add 1 gallon of water.

  3. Combine 2 1/2 cups water and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Pour into the bucket.

  4. Stir apple juice, whiskey, and lemon juice into the bucket. Add chopped apple. Squeeze in orange juice and add in rinds.

Cook's Notes:

Substitute 1/4 cup lemon extract for the lemon juice if desired.

To Brine: Crush 1 to 2 jumbo-sized cloves of garlic and rub over a 12 to 18-pound turkey. You can also mince fresh herbs and mix in with the garlic. Stuff turkey with 1 quartered and chopped apple. Brine for 12 to 16 hours, depending on the size of the turkey. You could add a bottle of dry white wine to the brine about 6 hours in. Pat turkey dry with paper towels before roasting.

Editor's Note:

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

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

102 Calories
0g Fat
16g Carbs
0g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 31
Calories 102
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0g 0%
Sodium 9mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 16g 6%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 15g
Protein 0g 0%
Vitamin C 6mg 7%
Calcium 20mg 2%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 107mg 2%

* 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.