How to Brine a Ginormous Turkey
Transform your holiday feast with the ultimate guide to "How to Brine a Ginormous Turkey," a foolproof method for achieving the juiciest, most flavorful bird ever. This recipe combines the perfect balance of kosher salt, brown sugar, and aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme, with bright notes from fresh oranges and lemons. Designed specifically for turkeys weighing between 18-24 pounds, this quick-to-prepare brine ensures every inch of your turkey is infused with rich flavor and succulent moisture. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a hands-off brining process of 12-24 hours, it’s a stress-free way to elevate your Thanksgiving or holiday spread. Whether you’re roasting or smoking, this brined turkey will emerge as a tender, golden centerpiece your guests will rave about. Perfect for large gatherings, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to master the art of brining a turkey!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 gallon Water
- 1.5 cups Kosher salt
- 1 cup Brown sugar
- 8 cups Ice
- 4 pieces Garlic cloves (smashed)
- 1 tablespoon Black peppercorns
- 4 Bay leaves
- 3 Fresh rosemary sprigs
- 6 Fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 Oranges (quartered)
- 2 Lemons (quartered)
- 1 Turkey (18-24 lbs, thawed)
Instructions
Clean a large stockpot or brining container capable of holding the turkey and 2-3 gallons of liquid.
In a large pot, bring 1 gallon of water to a boil. Stir in the kosher salt and brown sugar until fully dissolved.
Remove the pot from heat and add the garlic, black peppercorns, bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, oranges, and lemons. Allow the mixture to cool completely to room temperature.
Once the mixture is cool, transfer it to the brining container. Add 8 cups of ice to quickly chill the brine.
Place the turkey into the brining container breast-side down. Ensure the turkey is fully submerged. If not, add extra cold water to cover.
Cover the container tightly and refrigerate for 12-24 hours. Rotate the turkey once halfway through to ensure even brining.
After the brining period, remove the turkey from the brine and discard the liquid. Rinse the turkey thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt and pat it dry with paper towels.
Your turkey is now brined and ready to be roasted, smoked, or prepared as desired!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
126 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.7 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 16140 mg | 702% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28.0 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.4 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.0 g | ||
| Protein | 4.1 g | 8% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 88 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 176 mg | 4% | |
*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.
