What’s in this Turkey Brine?
This sweet and savory turkey brine recipe helps to create the most tender, juicy, and flavorful Thanksgiving turkey you’ve ever tasted.
Water: Creates a solution to dissolve the salt, creating a wet brine. Kosher Salt: Seasons the brine to infuse the meat with flavor. Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness. Black Peppercorns: Adds a hint of spice. Fresh Herbs: Thyme, sage, and rosemary add a rich and herbaceous flavor. Bay Leaves: Add a subtle herbal flavor. Garlic: Adds an earthy flavor and a pungent aroma. Ice: Cools the brine quickly so that it doesn’t start to cook the turkey. Turkey: You can use any size turkey with this wet brine recipe, but I recommend one that’s 8-16 pounds. Don’t use a pre-seasoned, kosher, salt-injected, or self-basting turkey because it will turn out too salty!
Pro Tip: The magic ratio is 1½ cups of salt for every 1 gallon of water, so if you need more brine, follow that guide!
Variations on Wet Brine for Turkey
While I love the combination of herbs and spices in this turkey brine recipe, you can definitely add other aromatics into the mix. Lemon slices or orange peels are a great addition for a touch of citrus flavor; shallots or onions enhance the earthy flavor; and red pepper flakes or paprika add a touch of spice. You can also swap out some of the water for apple juice, apple cider, or chicken broth for even more flavor.
How to Brine a Turkey
Now that you’ve got the simple wet brine ready, it’s time to actually brine the turkey. This part is just as easy as making the salt and herb solution. Once the brine has cooled, pour it into a container or baking dish that’s large enough to hold the turkey and the liquid. Fully submerge the turkey into the solution, and move the dish/container to the refrigerator. Let it sit for 24-48 hours, until ready to cook. Drain and pat the turkey dry before roasting.
Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve finished wet brining your turkey, cook it up and serve it with Thanksgiving classics, like turkey gravy, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, creamed corn, and stuffing.
More Ways to Season Your Turkey
Dry Brined Turkey Turkey Rub
