Turkey Brine

Transform your Thanksgiving centerpiece with this aromatic and flavorful turkey brine recipe! Combining the perfect balance of kosher salt, brown sugar, and citrusy notes from fresh oranges and lemons, this brine is elevated with an herbaceous blend of rosemary, thyme, sage, and bay leaves. Whole spices like black peppercorns and allspice add a touch of warmth, while garlic infuses savory depth. Designed to keep your turkey juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor, this easy-to-follow brine takes just 20 minutes to prepare and works its magic in as little as 12 hours. Perfect for impressing your guests, this brine is the secret weapon for a golden, flavorful turkey that’s sure to steal the holiday spotlight.

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 1

Ingredients

• 16 cups water
• 1 cup kosher salt
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 whole orange
• 2 whole lemon
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme
• 6 leaves fresh sage
• 3 leaves bay leaves
• 6 cloves garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon whole allspice
• 8 cups ice

Directions

Step 1

In a large stockpot, combine 16 cups of water, kosher salt, and brown sugar. Stir over medium heat until the salt and sugar have fully dissolved. Remove from heat.

Step 2

Slice the oranges and lemons in half and squeeze the juice into the pot. Add the squeezed orange and lemon halves to the pot as well.

Step 3

Add the fresh rosemary, thyme, sage, bay leaves, garlic cloves (smashed), black peppercorns, and whole allspice to the brine mixture. Stir to combine.

Step 4

Let the brine cool to room temperature. To speed up this process, you can transfer the brine to a large, heat-safe bowl or container and set it in the refrigerator.

Step 5

Once the brine has cooled completely, stir in 8 cups of ice to ensure that the liquid is fully chilled.

Step 6

Place the turkey in a large food-safe container, stockpot, or brining bag. Ensure the container is large enough to fully submerge the turkey in the brine.

Step 7

Pour the cooled brine over the turkey, ensuring that it is completely covered. Cover the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap.

Step 8

Refrigerate the turkey in the brine for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 9

When ready to cook, remove the turkey from the brine. Discard the brine and thoroughly rinse the turkey under cold water to remove any excess salt and aromatics.

Step 10

Pat the turkey dry with paper towels before proceeding with your preferred cooking method.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	5642.6 grams (5642.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	802

Total Fat 2.10g	3%
Saturated Fat 0.30g	2%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 107563mg	4677%
Total Carbohydrate 204.60g	74%
Dietary Fiber 15.40g	55%
Total Sugars 167.10g
Protein 6.60g	13%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 673mg	52%
Iron 6mg	31%
Potassium 1127mg	24%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 2.2%

Protein: 3.1%

Carbs: 94.8%