Best 3 Brined Whole Turkey Recipes
Preparing a brined whole turkey is an art form that requires careful planning and attention to detail. By immersing the turkey in a flavorful brine solution, you can infuse it with moisture, enhance its natural flavors, and create a succulent and tender dish that will be the star of any holiday gathering or special occasion. This comprehensive guide will take you through the essential steps of brining a whole turkey, from selecting the right bird and preparing the brine to cooking and carving the perfectly roasted turkey. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice cook, this article will provide you with the knowledge and techniques you need to achieve brined turkey perfection.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
BRINED AND ROASTED WHOLE TURKEY
No dish has more riding on its success than the holiday turkey. Brining locks in a turkey's natural juices, so it won't dry out during the roasting process, ensuring the perfect centerpiece for a flavorful feast.
Provided by Morton
Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips
Time 13h20m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Overnight Brine: Combine Morton®Kosher Salt and sugar in cool water in a large, clean stockpot until completely dissolved. Place the whole turkey in the brine until completely submerged. Cover and refrigerate overnight, up to 14 hours. Remove the turkey from the brine, rinse inside and out under cool running water for several minutes to remove all traces of salt; pat dry with paper towel.
- 4-5 hour Brine: To brine your turkey in less time (4-5 hours), use 2 cups of Morton®Coarse Kosher Salt and two cups of sugar. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 5 hours.
- To Roast: Mix the softened butter with the pepper. Place turkey on rack in roasting pan. Rub the seasoned butter under the skin. Brush the skin with the melted butter. Pour the 1 cup liquid (wine, broth or water) over the pan bottom to prevent drippings from burning. Roast turkey at 450 degrees F for 25 minutes, baste and then rotate the roasting pan. Continue roasting until the skin turns golden brown, an additional 25 minutes; baste again. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F; continue to roast, basting and rotating the pan once about halfway through cooking, until the minimum internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Remove the turkey from the oven. Let stand 20 minutes before carving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 984.6 calories, Carbohydrate 20.7 g, Cholesterol 341.8 mg, Fat 46.9 g, Protein 108.9 g, SaturatedFat 16.8 g, Sodium 9504.4 mg, Sugar 20.2 g
BRINED AND ROASTED WHOLE TURKEY
Make and share this Brined and Roasted Whole Turkey recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Joanie Grow
Categories Whole Turkey
Time 9h
Yield 12-15 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- To Brine: Combine Kosher Salt and sugar in cool water in a large, clean stockpot until completely dissolved.
- Place the whole turkey in the brine until completely submerged.
- Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 5 hours.
- Remove the turkey from the brine, rinse inside and out under cool running water for several minutes to remove all traces of salt; pat dry with paper towel.
- To Roast: Mix the softened butter with the pepper.
- Place turkey on rack in roasting pan.
- Rub the seasoned butter under the skin.
- Brush the skin with the melted butter.
- Pour the 1 cup liquid (wine, broth or water) over the pan bottom to prevent drippings from burning.
- Roast turkey at 450° F.
- ,for 25 minutes, baste and then rotate the roasting pan.
- Continue roasting until the skin turns golden brown, an additional 25 minutes; baste again.
- Reduce oven temperature to 325° F; continue to roast, basting and rotating the pan once about halfway through cooking, until the*internal temperature reaches 170° F.
- ,for turkey breast meat and 180° F.
- ,for turkey thigh meat.
- Remove the turkey from the oven.
- Let stand 20 minutes before carving.
- Tips:*Internal temperature guidelines courtesy of USDA Food Safety Facts.
- Do NOT brine turkey if it includes?
- basting?
- liquids that contain salt.
- If pressed for time, use twice as much salt and sugar in the brine and cut soaking time to just 2 hours.
- If you purchase a turkey with a pop-up timer, leave it in place and ignore it.
- If removed, the timer will leave a gaping hole for juices to escape.
- Serves: 10 to 12.
- Preparation Time: 5 hours.
- Recipe by Morton Salt.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 939.8, Fat 44.1, SaturatedFat 15.1, Cholesterol 329.1, Sodium 19171.8, Carbohydrate 33.9, Sugar 33.5, Protein 92.8
BRINED WHOLE TURKEY
When was the last time you truly enjoyed your holiday turkey? If it's been a while, we suggest you give your regular recipe a rest and try out this whole turkey instead. As you might have noticed (from its 100-plus, five-star ratings), it's been helping home cooks master succulent and tender-to-the-bone turkeys for decades now. And its success is nearly guaranteed-a bold promise, yes, but we'll stand behind it. The reason this recipe turns out time after time is because it uses the brining technique. Brining, in this case, wet brining, involves soaking the bird in a simple solution of salt and water for an extended period of time (8 to 12 hours) prior to roasting. The soak breaks down tough muscle tissue and infuses the meat with flavor. So when we say you don't have to suffer lackluster turkey again, it's not a false promise, all you have to do is make this fan-favorite recipe. Our guess is that you'll never go back to your old standard.
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 12h30m
Yield 14
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Mix cold water and salt in a large clean bucket or stockpot (noncorrosive); stir until salt is dissolved. Add turkey. Cover and refrigerate 8 to 12 hours.
- Heat oven to 325°F. Remove turkey from brine; discard brine. Thoroughly rinse turkey under cool running water, gently rubbing outside and inside of turkey to release salt. Pat skin and both interior cavities dry with paper towels.
- Fasten neck skin to back of turkey with skewer. Fold wings across back of turkey so tips are touching. Toss onion, carrot, celery and thyme with 1 tablespoon of the melted butter; place in turkey cavity.
- Place turkey, breast side down, on rack in large shallow roasting pan. Brush entire back side of turkey with 1 tablespoon melted butter. Turn turkey over. Brush entire breast side of turkey with remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is in thickest part of inside thigh and does not touch bone. (Do not add water or cover turkey.)
- Roast uncovered 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours, brushing twice with pan drippings during last 30 minutes of roasting.
- Turkey is done when thermometer reads 165°F and drumsticks move easily when lifted or twisted. If a meat thermometer is not used, begin testing for doneness after about 3 hours. When turkey is done, place on warm platter and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm. Let stand about 15 minutes for easiest carving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 325, Carbohydrate 0 g, Cholesterol 145 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 47 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 620 mg
Tips:
- Choose the right turkey: Select a fresh or thawed turkey that is at least 12 pounds for a small gathering or up to 24 pounds for a large gathering.
- Prepare the brine: Combine water, salt, brown sugar, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, peppercorns, and any other desired spices in a large pot or container.
- Brine the turkey: Submerge the turkey in the brine, making sure it is completely covered. Refrigerate the turkey in the brine for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Roast the turkey: Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cook it in the preheated oven for 3 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the turkey rest: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Conclusion:
Brining a whole turkey is a great way to ensure a juicy and flavorful Thanksgiving meal. By following these tips, you can achieve the perfect brined turkey that will impress your family and friends. Experiment with different brine recipes and cooking methods to find the one that you enjoy the most. With a little planning and preparation, you can create a brined turkey that will be the centerpiece of your holiday feast.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love