Turkey Brine and Injection Marinade
Transform your holiday turkey into a show-stopping centerpiece with this flavorful Turkey Brine and Injection Marinade recipe. Designed to deliver maximum juiciness and bold taste, this recipe combines a seasoned brine with an aromatic injection sauce to tenderize and infuse every inch of the bird. The brine, made with kosher salt, brown sugar, fresh herbs, and spices, works its magic over 12-24 hours, ensuring a moist and well-seasoned turkey. Meanwhile, a rich marinade featuring melted butter, stock, lemon juice, and savory spices is injected directly into the meat, creating layers of deep, satisfying flavor. Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering, this brining and marinading method guarantees a turkey that’s succulent, aromatic, and unforgettable. Perfect your holiday meal and impress your guests with this foolproof technique!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 cups Water
- 1 cup Salt (preferably kosher salt)
- 1 cup Brown sugar
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 4 leaves Bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons Whole black peppercorns
- 2 sprigs Fresh rosemary sprigs
- 2 sprigs Fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, melted
- 1.5 cups Chicken or turkey stock
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
In a large pot, combine water, salt, and brown sugar for the brine. Stir over medium heat until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.
Add minced garlic, bay leaves, black peppercorns, rosemary sprigs, and thyme sprigs to the cooled brine. Stir to combine.
Place the turkey in a large brining bag or container. Pour the brine over the turkey, ensuring it is fully submerged. Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
After brining, remove the turkey and discard the brine. Rinse the turkey under cool running water and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.
Prepare the injection marinade: In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, chicken or turkey stock, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
Load an injector syringe with the marinade. Slowly inject the marinade evenly into the turkey breast, thighs, and drumsticks. Refill the syringe as needed, ensuring the marinade is distributed throughout the meat.
Once injected, proceed to season the turkey or cook it using your preferred method. Enjoy a juicy and flavorful turkey!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2385 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 193.8 g | 248% | |
| Saturated Fat | 122.0 g | 610% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 517 mg | 172% | |
| Sodium | 95601 mg | 4157% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 170.6 g | 62% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.5 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 144.3 g | ||
| Protein | 8.2 g | 16% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 566 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 5.3 mg | 29% | |
| Potassium | 860 mg | 18% | |
*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.
