Classic Brine for Poultry Shellfish and Pork
Elevate the flavor of your meals with this versatile Classic Brine for Poultry, Shellfish, and Pork—a foolproof way to infuse your proteins with unbeatable moisture and savory depth. Crafted with a harmonious blend of kosher salt, brown sugar, garlic, thyme, and fragrant spices like peppercorns and bay leaves, this brine strikes the perfect balance between sweet, salty, and aromatic. A hint of citrus from fresh lemon slices adds brightness, while ice cubes ensure the brine cools quickly for seamless preparation. Ideal for any occasion, this brine works wonders in tenderizing chicken, seafood, or pork, making them juicy and flavorful after just a few hours of marinating. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or pan-searing, this simple yet effective brine recipe guarantees delicious, restaurant-quality results every time.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 cups Water
- 0.5 cups Kosher salt
- 0.25 cups Brown sugar
- 2 pieces Bay leaves
- 4 cloves Garlic, smashed
- 1 tablespoon Peppercorns
- 4 sprigs Thyme sprigs
- 1 piece Lemon, sliced
- 4 cups Ice cubes
Instructions
In a large pot, combine the water, kosher salt, and brown sugar.
Place the pot over medium heat and stir until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved. Do not let the brine come to a boil.
Remove the pot from the heat and add the bay leaves, smashed garlic, peppercorns, thyme sprigs, and sliced lemon.
Let the brine come to room temperature, then stir in the ice cubes to cool it down quickly.
Place your poultry, shellfish, or pork in a large, food-safe container or resealable bag.
Pour the cooled brine over the meat to fully submerge it. Use a heavy plate, if needed, to keep the meat submerged.
Refrigerate the brining meat for the recommended time: 4-12 hours for poultry, 20-40 minutes for shellfish, and 8-24 hours for pork (depending on the size and cut).
Once brining is complete, remove the meat, rinse it under cold water to remove excess salt, and pat it dry with paper towels before cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
283 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 53790 mg | 2339% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 76.2 g | 28% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.3 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 60.3 g | ||
| Protein | 3.2 g | 6% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 346 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 463 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
