how to brine a turkey

Name: How to Brine a Turkey
Ingredients: 7 quart(s) water; 1 1/2 cup(s) kosher salt; 6 - bay leaves; 2 tablespoon(s) coriander seed; 1 tablespoon(s) juniper berries; 1 tablespoon(s) fennel seeds; 1 teaspoon(s) black or brown mustard seeds; 18-20 pound(s) turkey, thawed, patted dry, neck and giblets reserved for stock; 1 bottle(s) dry riesling; 2 medium onions, thinly sliced; 6 clove(s) garlic, crushed; 1 bunch(es) fresh thyme

(1 RATING)

62 Pinches 1 Photo

Marsha Gardner

Florala, AL

Updated on Oct 10, 2012

When I first heard of brining a turkey I thought what waste of time. Then I ate a turkey that had been brined and I was a convert. Not only was the turkey the moistest I had ever had, but the subtle flavor of the brining put the turkey over the top. I use a 5 gallon pail lined with a turkey roasting bag to brine my bird because I always roast at least a 20 pound turkey so we have loads of leftovers.

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My friend Pan owns 2 Chinese Restaurants and gives me these soy sauce 5 gallon pails. I use them for so many things including brining my turkey and other large cuts of meat.

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Ingredients

7 quarts water
1 1/2 cups kosher salt
6 - bay leaves
2 tablespoons coriander seed
1 tablespoon juniper berries
1 tablespoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon black or brown mustard seeds
18-20 pounds turkey, thawed, patted dry, neck and giblets reserved for stock
1 bottle dry riesling
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
6 cloves garlic, crushed
1 bunch fresh thyme

How To Make how to brine a turkey

Step 1

One day before roasting turkey, bring 1 quart water, the salt, bay leaves, and spices to a simmer, stirring until salt has dissolved. Let cool for 5 minutes

Step 2

To minimize cleanup, line a 5-gallon container with a large brining or oven-roasting bag. Place turkey in bag. Add salt mixture, remaining 6 quarts (24 cups) water, and the other ingredients. Tie bag; if turkey is not submerged, weight it with a plate. Refrigerate for 24 hours, flipping turkey once. If there isn't room in your refrigerator, place the bagged bird inside a cooler, and surround it with ice, replenishing as necessary to keep it at 40 degrees.
Step 3

Remove turkey from brine one hour before you're ready to roast it, and pat it dry inside and out. Let stand for up to 1 hour before roasting your preferred way.
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