Best 7 Best Turkey Ever Brined Recipes

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Achieving the perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey is a culinary quest that many home cooks aspire to master. Brining, an age-old technique used to enhance flavor and moisture, plays a pivotal role in transforming an ordinary turkey into a succulent, juicy masterpiece. Whether you prefer a classic wet brine or a drier rub brine, this comprehensive guide will lead you through the process of selecting the right turkey, preparing the flavorful brine, and cooking the bird to perfection. Along the way, you'll discover expert tips and techniques to ensure that your turkey emerges from the oven as the undisputed star of the table, leaving your guests clamoring for more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

THE BEST TURKEY BRINE



The Best Turkey Brine image

This is our go-to brine for turkey. It's simple, flavorful and most importantly leaves you with a succulent, juicy, perfectly-seasoned bird. It's also perfect for chicken, pork chops, Cornish game hens - you name it. While we like the combination of thyme and sage, you can also use other hearty herbs such as rosemary, oregano or marjoram.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     condiment

Time 10m

Yield 12 to 14 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

Kosher salt
1/4 cup sugar
One 12- to 14-pound turkey
3 tablespoons whole black peppercorns
5 thyme branches
3 sage sprigs
1 lemon, zest peeled into strips with a vegetable peeler

Steps:

  • Combine 1/2 cup salt, the sugar and 1 quart water in a medium pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat and add the peppercorns, thyme, sage and lemon strips. Let steep and cool to room temperature.
  • Pour the brine into a large stockpot or bucket and add 3 quarts cold water. Remove the neck and giblets (reserve for gravy) from the turkey and put it into the brine, pushing it down to cover. Refrigerate for 24 hours.
  • Remove the turkey from the brine; rinse and pat dry. Cook according to your favorite method.

BEST BRINED TURKEY



Best Brined Turkey image

This is the most moist and juicey turkey I have ever had in my life! I heard about brining turkeys on the food network and just knew I had to try it. So I made this recipe, and did. All I can say is that it's fabulous, and I know you will think so to. Thank you for trying it. ENJOY!

Provided by MizEmerilLagasse

Categories     Poultry

Time P1DT4h

Yield 10-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

15 -20 lbs turkey
1 gallon vegetable stock
1 gallon water
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup kosher salt
1 tablespoon whole allspice
1 tablespoon whole black peppercorn
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 large red apple, cut in 2
2 medium white onions, cut in 2
2 cinnamon sticks
1 -2 sprig fresh thyme or 1 -2 sprig rosemary
1/2 cup melted butter, optional

Steps:

  • In a large pot stir together the stock, water, brown sugar, salt, all spice, black pepper, cinnamon, and thyme Bring to a boil, turn to medium heat and let simmer for 5 minutes Remove from heat and cool completely, no cheating now!
  • Place the turkey in a clean 5 gallon bucket and pour the brine over it Cover and let sit over night Flip the turkey in the morning, a few hours before cooking After the turkey is done in the brine, remove it from the brine and place it in its baking pan On a microwave safe plat, place the red, onions, cinnamon sticks, and thyme or rosemary Sprinkle with about 1/4 cup water and microwave on high for 7 minutes Place the apple, onions, cinnamon sticks, and thyme or rosemary inside the turkey Inject the turkey with the butter, optional Preheat oven to 500F, yes I know it's high, but trust me Cook the turkey for 30 minutes or until it is browned Cover with heavy duty foil and turn the oven down to 350F Bake for 2 1/2-3 hours more or until the turkey has reached an internal temperature of 161F.
  • Remove turkey form the oven and allow to sit for 20 minutes or so before carving.
  • **Youcan infuse the injection butter with garlic cloves, thyme, rosemary, pepper corns, or cinnamon sticks by just slowly melt it in a small sauce pan with one of those choices in it.
  • Just remember to strain before injecting.
  • Serving Suggestions: Mashed potatoes, corn, biscuits, corn bread, peas, or just bread.

BEST TURKEY EVER!! (BRINED)



Best Turkey Ever!! (Brined) image

My dad has made this turkey for the past 3 years at Thanksgiving. This is my 1st Thanksgiving at home and I plan on doing it as well. The meat comes out completely juicy and its just amazing!!

Provided by Jenninjapan

Categories     Whole Turkey

Time 10h

Yield 22 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

15 lbs turkey (not self Basting or kosher)
2 cups table salt (do not substitute equal amounts of kosher salt)
2 gallons icy cold water (*)
4 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup dried rosemary leaves
1/2 cup dried thyme, leaves
1 small onion, peeled and quartered
1 carrot, peeled & cut into 1-inch chunks
1 stalk celery, cut into 1-inch chunks
4 -6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
as needed fresh fruit (to garnish)

Steps:

  • Rinse turkey in cool water.
  • In a very large clean container (non-corrosive pan or stockpot such as stainless steel or glass or a food-grade plastic container), mix salt and water together until salt dissolves. Stir in brown sugar and spices, mix well until sugar dissolves.
  • Totally submerge poultry in solution and store, covered, in refrigerator for at least 6 hours and up to 8 hours. Since brining does not preserve meat, the turkey must be kept below 40 degrees F throughout the entire brining process. Ice packs may also be used to keep turkey at a safe temperature of below 40°F.
  • Remove turkey from brine. Discard brine. Thoroughly rinse turkey under a slow stream of cool water, rubbing gently to release salt and sugar, both inside and out. Pat skin and both interior cavities dry.
  • * NOTE: The ratio of water to salt is appropriate for a 15-pound turkey. If a larger or smaller turkey is brined, please calculate accordingly.
  • * *NOTE: Other combinations of herbs may be added including 6-8 bay leaves, 3 cloves garlic and 2 teaspoons black peppercorns. Or a spicy flavor may be achieved by the addition of 1 cup small dried red chile peppers.
  • In the cavity of turkey, place onion, carrot and celery.
  • Brush turkey with melted butter.
  • Roast turkey, breast side down, in a preheated 325 degree F oven for 2 hours. During this time, baste legs and back twice with melted butter.
  • Remove turkey from oven and protecting your hands, grasp turkey with several layers of clean paper towels at both ends, and turn turkey, breast side up.
  • Return turkey to oven and continue to roast, basting twice with pan dripping. Continue to roast until internal temperature reaches 170°F in the breast and 180°F in the thigh. NOTE: A brined turkey cooks slightly faster than an unbrined turkey, so check the internal temperature frequently.
  • Remove turkey from the oven and allow to stand for 20 minutes before carving.
  • Transfer to a platter and garnish with fresh fruit.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 675.8, Fat 27.2, SaturatedFat 8.5, Cholesterol 216, Sodium 10528.7, Carbohydrate 41.4, Fiber 1.3, Sugar 38.8, Protein 63.5

MY FAVORITE TURKEY BRINE



My Favorite Turkey Brine image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Time P1DT25m

Yield 18 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 cups apple cider
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup kosher salt
3 tablespoons tricolor peppercorns
5 whole bay leaves
5 cloves garlic, minced
4 sprigs rosemary, leaves stripped off
Peel of three large oranges, removed in large strips
1 turkey

Steps:

  • Combine 2 gallons cold water with the apple cider, brown sugar, salt, peppercorns, bay leaves, garlic, rosemary and orange peels in a large pot. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and cover.
  • Allow to cool completely, then place into the fridge to chill. Place uncooked turkey in the chilled brine solution, then refrigerate for 16 to 24 hours.
  • When ready to roast the turkey, remove from the brine. Submerge the turkey in a pot or sink of fresh, cold water. Allow to sit in clean water for 15 minutes to remove excess salt from the outside.
  • Discard the brine. Remove the turkey from the clean water, pat dry, and cook according to your normal roasting method.

OUT OF THIS WORLD TURKEY BRINE



Out of this World Turkey Brine image

Best brine for smoked turkey around. This recipe was given to me by my uncle. He is always smoking meat. EDITOR'S NOTE: This recipe uses canning or kosher salt, not table salt. Using table salt in this amount will make the brine too salty.

Provided by SUDEMERS

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 gallons water
1 ½ cups canning salt
3 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
⅓ cup brown sugar

Steps:

  • In a food-grade large bucket or container large enough to hold your turkey, mix together the water, salt, garlic, pepper, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. Store in a refrigerator, and soak turkey for 2 days before smoking or roasting.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 32.1 calories, Carbohydrate 8.1 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 0 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 0.2 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, Sodium 13913.4 mg, Sugar 6.5 g

BEST BRINED TURKEY BREAST



Best Brined Turkey Breast image

Interested in trying something different for your Thanksgiving turkey? We'll talk you through how to brine a turkey breast so you can set a flavorful, moist and delicious centerpiece on the table! Brined turkey breast needs some extra prep time, but it's so worth it for the juicy results.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 14h40m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

9 cups water
1/2 cup salt
1/2 cup sugar
1 bone-in whole turkey breast (4 to 6 pounds), thawed if frozen
1 onion, cut into eighths
2 fresh rosemary sprigs
4 fresh thyme sprigs
3 dried bay leaves
6 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1/4 cup dry white wine or Progresso™ chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)

Steps:

  • In 6-quart container or stockpot, mix water, salt and sugar; stir until sugar and salt are dissolved. Add turkey. Cover; refrigerate at least 12 hours but no longer than 24 hours.
  • Heat oven to 325°F. Remove turkey from brine, rinse thoroughly under cool running water and pat dry.
  • Place onion on center of rack in large shallow roasting pan; top with rosemary, thyme and bay leaves. Place turkey, skin side up, over onion and herbs.
  • In small bowl, mix butter and wine. Soak 16-inch square of cheesecloth in butter mixture until completely saturated; cover turkey completely with cheesecloth. Roast 1 hour 30 minutes.
  • Remove cheesecloth. Place onion and herbs in pan with drippings if using drippings to make gravy (or discard). Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is in thickest part of turkey and does not touch bone. Turn turkey skin side down. Roast 30 to 60 minutes longer or until thermometer reads 165°F.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 360, Carbohydrate 1 g, Cholesterol 140 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 0 g, Protein 43 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 600 mg

THE BEST BRINED TURKEY



The Best Brined Turkey image

You'll roast the perfect, succulent Thanksgiving Day turkey thanks to our homemade brine made with salt, sugar, cloves and bay leaves.

Categories     Entree

Time 21h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

20 cups water (5 quarts)
1 cup sugar
1 cup salt (preferably kosher)
1 turkey (10-12 lb), defrosted if frozen
4 cloves
4 bay leaves
1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil

Steps:

  • In a large stockpot, heat 4 cups of water; sdd sugar and salt. Stir until dissolved. Add 16 cups cold water, cloves and bay leaves (2 cups of ice can be added to make sure water is cold). Stir to combine.
  • Urwrap turkey; wash the turkey inside and out. Place breast side down in the stockpot with brine; water will just cover the turkey. Refrigerate 18-24 hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 450°F. Take the turkey out of the stock pot; rinse the inside and out with cold water discarding brine. Place the turkey on a roasting rack inside a wide low pan, blotting the turkey with a paper towel. Tuck back the wings and rub the skin of the turkey with the oil. Place a piece of foil just over the breast of the turkey to cover for even roasting. Roast on the lowest rack of the oven for 30 minutes.
  • Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Pour 1 cup of water into the pan and continue to roast for an additional hour.
  • Remove the foil from the breast and cook another 15-30 minutes. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is iin thickest part of inside thigh and does not touch bone. Roast until thermometer reads 165°F and drumsticks move easily when lifted or twisted.
  • Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes (this is an essential step to allow the juices to redistribute and settle). Serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 490, Carbohydrate 6 g, Cholesterol 275 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 0 g, Protein 84 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 3760 mg, Sugar 6 g, TransFat 0 g

Tips:

  • Choose the right turkey: Pick a fresh or thawed turkey that is free of blemishes and has a plump breast. A 12-14 pound turkey will feed 8-10 people.
  • Brine the turkey: Brining the turkey in a salt water solution for 12-24 hours helps to keep it moist and flavorful. Add herbs, spices, and citrus fruits to the brine for extra flavor.
  • Roast the turkey at a low temperature: Roasting the turkey at a low temperature (325°F) allows the turkey to cook evenly and prevents it from drying out. Cook the turkey until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Let the turkey rest before carving: Letting the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes before carving allows the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.

Conclusion:

Following these tips will help you cook the best turkey ever. A perfectly cooked turkey is a delicious and impressive centerpiece for any holiday meal. With a little planning and effort, you can create a turkey that your family and friends will love.

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