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basic brine for chicken, turkey, pork

(3 RATINGS)
245 Pinches 11 Photos
Kayliann avatar
Indianapolis, IN
Updated on Oct 5, 2023

Brining meat makes it very juicy and tender every time. I always brine my chicken, ribs, and turkey. It's full of flavor because with brining you can add different herbs and spices for more flavor. When putting your meat in the brine, make sure the meat is submerged all the way in the brine. If not, add more water and put a plate on top to keep the meat fully covered.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

Use this basic brine recipe with chicken breasts, a pork loin, or a whole chicken. It will also make your holiday turkey juicy and tender. Slightly salty and robust, the seasonings, sugar, soy sauce, and molasses flavors infuse into the meat. After it soaks in the brine for 24 hours, cook the turkey as you normally would, and you'll have a delicious Thanksgiving dinner.

— The Test Kitchen
prep time 23 Hr 15 Min
cook time
method Stove Top
yield serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 1 gallon water
  • 1 cup Kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 2 tablespoons black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon thyme
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 1/2 tablespoon pickling spices
  • 2 tablespoons orange peel
  • 2 tablespoons muti-color peppercorn
  • 1 - bay leave
  • 1 teaspoon sage
  • 3 bottles dark lager beer (optional)gives great flavor

How To Make basic brine for chicken, turkey, pork

  • Brine ingredients in a pot to boil.
    Step 1
    Combine all of the ingredients for the brine in a large pot. Bring the mix to a boil. Remove it from the heat and allow it to come to room temperature. Note: You can add a mix of your own other ingredients like maple syrup, garlic, onion, allspice, ginger, or spices too.
  • Turkey inserted into the brine.
    Step 2
    Submerge your meat in the brine.
  • Closing the bag to brine the turkey.
    Step 3
    Place it in the refrigerator for the amount of time to the meat you are using: Shrimp - 30 minutes Whole Chicken - 8-12 hours Chicken Parts - 5 hours Chicken Breast - up to 8 hours Whole Turkey - 24 hours Pork Chops - 12-24 hours Whole Pork Loin - 2 to 4 days
  • Brined turkey dried and ready to roast.
    Step 4
    After brining, rinse the meat off and dry. NO NEED TO SALT YOUR MEAT!
  • Roasting the brined turkey.
    Step 5
    Cook your meat like normal.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

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