Citrus Turkey Brine

4.8
(286)

This a great citrus turkey brine that will ensure your bird is very moist. You can use the brine on other poultry in smaller amounts.

Turkey in Citrus Turkey Brine in a large blue pot
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Prep Time:
20 mins
Additional Time:
10 hrs
Total Time:
10 hrs 20 mins
Servings:
12
Yield:
1 1/2 gallons
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

  • 1 (12 pound) fresh, whole, bone-in skin-on turkey, rinsed and patted dry

  • 1 cup salt

  • 1 medium onion, cut into wedges

  • 1 medium orange, cut into wedges

  • 1 medium lemon, cut into wedges

  • 3 cloves garlic

  • 4 large bay leaves

  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme

  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper

  • 1 ½ gallons cold water

Directions

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Citrus Turkey Brine ingredients next to a turkey

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Rub turkey all over with salt.

    Turkey rubbed with salt on a cutting board

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Place remaining salt into a large stainless steel or enameled stockpot. Add onion, orange, and lemon wedges to the pot, along with garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and pepper.

    Lemon and orange wedges with onions, garlic and spices in a blue pot

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Place turkey into the pot and pour in cold water. Cover and refrigerate, 8 hours to overnight.

    Turkey in Citrus Turkey Brine in a large blue pot

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. When ready to cook, discard brine. Rinse turkey, then pat dry and place in a roasting pan. Refrigerate, uncovered, for 2 to 3 hours. Roast, grill, or deep-fry turkey according to your favorite recipe.

    Citrus Turkey Brined turkey on a white cutting board

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

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 consumed will vary.

459 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

732 Calories
36g Fat
4g Carbs
92g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 732
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 36g 46%
Saturated Fat 10g 51%
Cholesterol 305mg 102%
Sodium 8091mg 352%
Total Carbohydrate 4g 2%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Protein 92g 184%
Potassium 1262mg 27%

* 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.