Best 13 Herb Brined Turkey Recipes

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Thanksgiving turkey is a time-honored tradition that is steeped in centuries of history and cherished memories. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, preparing a succulent herb-brined turkey can be a daunting task. This comprehensive guide will lead you through every step of the process, providing you with the knowledge and confidence to create a masterpiece that will impress your family and friends. From selecting the perfect turkey to crafting a flavorful brine solution, from roasting to carving, we'll cover it all. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your Thanksgiving feast into an unforgettable experience.

Let's cook with our recipes!

HERB-BRINED TURKEY



Herb-Brined Turkey image

For an impressive main course, look here. The moist, flavorful bird will have guests counting the minutes until carving time. - Scott Rugh, Portland, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 4h20m

Yield 14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 cups kosher salt
1 cup packed brown sugar
5 fresh sage leaves
1 fresh thyme sprig
1 fresh rosemary sprig
2 quarts water
2 quarts cold water
2 turkey-size oven roasting bags
1 turkey (14 to 16 pounds)
HERB BUTTER:
2 cups butter, softened
1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup packed fresh parsley sprigs
1/3 cup fresh sage leaves
1/3 cup fresh rosemary leaves
1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves
2 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In a stockpot, combine the salt, brown sugar, sage, thyme, rosemary and 2 quarts water. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir until salt and sugar are dissolved. Remove from the heat. Add the cold water to cool the brine to room temperature., Place a turkey-size oven roasting bag inside a second roasting bag; add turkey. Carefully pour cooled brine into bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible; seal bags and turn to coat. Place in a roasting pan. Refrigerate for 12-24 hours, turning occasionally., Drain and discard brine; rinse turkey and pat dry. Tie drumsticks together. Place the remaining ingredients in a food processor; cover and process until smooth. With fingers, carefully loosen skin from turkey breast; rub half of the butter mixture under skin. Secure skin to underside of breast with toothpicks. Rub remaining butter mixture over skin., Place turkey, breast side up, on a rack in a roasting pan. Bake at 450° for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 325°; bake 3-1/4 to 3-3/4 hours longer or until thermometer reads 180°, basting twice during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly., Remove turkey to a serving platter; cover and let stand for 20 minutes before carving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 834 calories, Fat 58g fat (25g saturated fat), Cholesterol 314mg cholesterol, Sodium 658mg sodium, Carbohydrate 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 73g protein.

BRINED HERB-CRUSTED TURKEY WITH APPLE CIDER GRAVY



Brined Herb-Crusted Turkey with Apple Cider Gravy image

Provided by Anne Burrell

Categories     main-dish

Time P2DT5h

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 28

7 quarts water
1 quart apple cider
3/4 cup kosher salt
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large onion, diced
1 large or 2 small carrots, diced
3 ribs celery, diced
1 head garlic, cut in 1/2 equatorially
1/2 bunch fresh rosemary
1/2 bunch fresh sage
6 bay leaves
1 (12 to 14 pound) turkey, free range organic is great!
1 bunch fresh rosemary, leaves finely chopped
1 bunch fresh sage, leaves finely chopped
3 sticks butter, room temperature
Kosher salt
1 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 large or 2 small carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 ribs celery, cut into 1/2-inch dice
4 cloves garlic, smashed
2 Granny Smith apples, cut into 1/2-inch dice
5 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
1 bunch thyme
Kosher salt
1 quart chicken stock, divided
2 cups apple cider, divided
1/2 to 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • To brine the turkey: Combine all of the ingredients for the brine in a large container. Add the turkey and let it brine in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
  • To prepare the turkey for cooking: Remove the turkey from the brine the night before roasting and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels. Combine the rosemary, sage, and butter for the herb crust in a small bowl. Season, to taste, with kosher salt. Work the butter under the skin of the turkey and massage it into the breasts and the legs. Massage the butter on the outside of the skin as well. Tie the legs together over the breast so they will protect it during cooking and help keep it moist and juicy.
  • Gravy preparation: Put the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, apples, bay leaves, cinnamon stick and thyme in a roasting pan and season with salt. Arrange the turkey on top of the veggies and refrigerate overnight UNCOVERED! Yes, that's right, uncovered. This will help the skin dry out and become really brown and crispy. Make sure that there is no raw food near the turkey in the refrigerator. After refrigerating overnight, the turkey is ready to go in the oven.
  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Put 2 cups chicken stock and 1 cup apple cider in the bottom of the roasting pan. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven until the skin gets really nice and brown, about 40 minutes. Lower the oven heat to 350 degrees F for the remainder of the cooking time. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes or so and add more stock to the roasting pan, if needed. Cook about 17 minutes per pound. Once it gets to the proper color, tent the turkey with aluminum foil to prevent it from getting too dark.
  • Remove the turkey from the oven when an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the turkey registers 160 degrees F. Make sure that the thermometer is not touching a bone when doing the reading. When the turkey has reached the proper temperature, remove it from the roasting pan to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.
  • Strain all the veggies over a bowl to separate them from the stock/mixture. Discard the veggies. Skim off the fat and add it to the roasting pan. This is the fat for the roux. Put the roasting pan over 2 burners and over a low heat and whisk in the flour. Cook until the mixture looks like wet sand, about 4 to 5 minutes. Slowly whisk in the remaining 1 cup apple cider, remaining chicken stock and the stock/cider mixture. Cook until the mixture has thickened and reached a gravy consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Pour into a serving pitcher or bowl.
  • Carve the turkey, transfer to a serving platter and serve with the gravy.
  • Give thanks for such a great turkey!!!

HONEY BRINED HERB ROASTED TURKEY



Honey Brined Herb Roasted Turkey image

Allow 12 - 18 hours for the turkey to marinate in the brine. It's worth the wait as this process always assures a moist, flavorful turkey.

Provided by Mirj2338

Categories     Whole Turkey

Time 16h

Yield 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 fresh frozen whole turkey, thawed or 1 fresh frozen whole turkey
8 -10 quarts water
2 cups kosher salt
1 cup honey
3 -4 teaspoons fresh coarse ground black pepper
10 -12 garlic cloves, peeled
2 bunches fresh thyme
1 bunch fresh sage
4 -5 cups chicken stock
2 -3 lemons
2 -4 teaspoons olive oil

Steps:

  • Remove giblets and neck from turkey, reserve for gravy. Rinse turkey with cold running water and drain well. Blot dry with paper towels.
  • Prepare brine by mixing water, honey and salt in a large bowl. Stir until honey dissolves. Add half the thyme and sage along with the garlic and black pepper. Set aside. Add chicken stock.
  • Line an extra-large stock pot with a food-safe plastic bag. Place the rinsed turkey in the bag and pour brine over the turkey. Gather the bag tightly around the turkey, causing the turkey to be surrounded by the brine. Seal the bag and refrigerate the pot, bag and brined turkey for at least 12 hours.
  • Pre-heat oven to 350°F Remove turkey from brine and pat dry inside and out. Discard brine. Place turkey, breast side up, on a rack in a large shallow (about 2 1/2" deep) roasting pan.
  • Squeeze lemon juice into the main turkey cavity. Put the squeezed lemon halves into the cavity along with the rest of the thyme and sage. Coat turkey lightly with oil and sprinkle inside and out with salt, pepper.
  • Insert an oven safe meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, being careful the pointed end of the thermometer does not touch the bone. Roast turkey, basting with poultry stock every half hour or so.
  • Loosely cover with aluminum foil to prevent over browning, remove foil during last hour and a half of cooking time. Continue to roast until thermometer registers 180°F in the thigh, or 170°F in the breast.
  • Remove turkey from the oven and allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes before carving.

BRINED ROAST TURKEY BREAST WITH HERB PAN GRAVY



Brined Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Pan Gravy image

Provided by Virginia Willis

Categories     main-dish

Time 9h55m

Yield Serves 6 to 8

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup kosher salt
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 gallons water
1 whole bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (6 to 7 pounds)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon very finely chopped fresh sage
1 teaspoon very finely chopped fresh thyme
Freshly ground black pepper
3 celery stalks, chopped
3 carrots, cut into chunks
3 onions, preferably Vidalia, quartered
2 1/2 cups homemade chicken stock or reduced-fat, low-sodium chicken broth, plus more if needed
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Coarse salt
Pear and Cranberry Chutney, recipe follows, optional

Steps:

  • Dissolve the kosher salt and sugar in the water in large, clean bucket or stockpot. Set the turkey breast in the brine, making sure it is submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to overnight.
  • Remove the turkey breast from the brine. Pat dry and set aside. Place the butter in a bowl; add the sage and thyme. Season the butter well with pepper and stir to combine. Set aside.
  • Twenty minutes before roasting, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Place the turkey on a clean work surface. Using a chef's knife, remove the remaining portion of the neck and reserve it for the stock and gravy. Remove the wishbone to make carving easier; set it aside with the neck for the gravy. With your hand, carefully release the skin on both breasts to form two pockets. Rub the seasoned butter under the released skin. If there is any extra butter, massage it on the outside of the skin.
  • Put the celery, carrots, and onions in a large roasting pan. Pour 1/2 cup of the chicken stock into the pan bottom to prevent the drippings from burning. Place the prepared turkey, skin side up, on top of the vegetables. Place the pan in the oven with the wide neck end toward the rear of the oven. Roast for 15 minutes, then rotate the pan back to front. Roast for 15 minutes more, until skin turns golden. Decrease the oven temperature to 325 degrees F and continue to roast, rotating the pan once more about halfway through the cooking, until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast registers 160 degrees F to 165 degrees F, 30 to 45 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from the oven and transfer the turkey breast to a cutting board, preferably with a moat. Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil. Pour the remaining 2 cups chicken stock into a saucepan. Add the reserved neck and wishbone and bring to a boil. Decrease the heat to simmer.
  • Place the roasting pan over medium-high heat. Add the flour to the pan drippings and stir until well combined. Strain the warmed stock over the flour-vegetable combination and bring to a boil. Decrease the heat to simmer and cook until thickened, 5 to 7 minutes. Strain the mixture into a saucepan (the saucepan that held the stock is fine to use), pressing on the vegetables to get every drop and all the flavor. Check and make sure the sauce is thick enough to coat a spoon; if not, continue simmering the sauce until the correct consistency is achieved. (If it's too thick, add a little water or additional stock.)
  • Carve the turkey breast and plate on a warm platter. Add any juices that run into the moat to the gravy. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper and serve with the gravy on the side.
  • Combine 3 cups cranberries and 3/4 cup sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally,until the berries release their juices, about 8 minutes. Add the juice of 2 oranges (about 1/2 cup), 1/2 cup golden raisins, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1 star anise. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Peel 3 firm pears, then core and cut into 1/2-inch dice and add to the chutney with the finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon. Decrease the heat to medium-low and cook until the mixture thickens and the pears are tender, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

LEMON, GARLIC AND HERB DRY-BRINED TURKEY



Lemon, Garlic and Herb Dry-Brined Turkey image

Dry-brining is a foolproof method that gives you tender, flavorful turkey every time. This recipe, infused with the flavors of garlic, lemon and thyme, is guaranteed to get raves as the centerpiece on your holiday table.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 tablespoons kosher salt
5 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon peel
1 whole turkey, not prebasted (11 to 13 lb), thawed if frozen
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup turkey drippings (fat and juices from roasted turkey)
1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups Progresso™ unsalted chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)

Steps:

  • In small bowl, mix salt, garlic, thyme and lemon peel. Place turkey on rack in large roasting pan. Rub turkey inside and out with salt mixture. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate 24 hours. Stand up turkey to pour out any collected liquid in cavity. Pour off liquid collected in pan; return to refrigerator uncovered 12 to 24 hours longer.
  • Heat oven to 325°F. Pat skin and interior cavity dry with paper towels. Fasten neck skin to back of turkey with skewer. Fold wings across back of turkey so tips are touching.
  • Place turkey, breast side down, on rack in large roasting pan. Brush entire back side of turkey with 2 tablespoons of the melted butter. Turn turkey over. Brush entire breast side of turkey with remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is in thickest part of inside thigh and does not touch bone.
  • Roast uncovered 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes, 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 meat thermometer is not used, begin testing for doneness after about 3 hours. When turkey is done, place on warm platter; cover with foil to keep warm. Let stand about 15 minutes for easiest carving.
  • While turkey rests, pour drippings from roasting pan into bowl, leaving brown particles in pan. Return 1/4 cup drippings to roasting pan; discard remaining drippings. Stir in flour and pepper.
  • Cook over medium heat 1 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly. Cook 1 minute longer, then stir in broth. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 to 3 minutes or until thickened.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 470, Carbohydrate 3 g, Cholesterol 200 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 0 g, Protein 61 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1990 mg, Sugar 0 g, TransFat 1/2 g

CITRUS AND HERB BRINED ROASTED TURKEY WITH GRAVY



Citrus and Herb Brined Roasted Turkey with Gravy image

My husband has been making our turkey this way for the past couple of years. This is a recipe he found on Emeril Lagasse's site and it is a winner ! The brine not only gives the Turkey a fantastic flavor but makes it soo incredibly moist. My husband is a great cook and I dedicate this post to him ! Love you baby...

Provided by Angela Gray

Categories     Roasts

Time 16h

Number Of Ingredients 1

see below

Steps:

  • 1. Remove the neck, giblets, and liver from the cavity of the turkey and reserve for the gravy. Rinse the turkey inside and out under cold running water. Soak the turkey in the brine, covered and refrigerated, for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours.
  • 2. Brine: 1 cup salt 1 cup brown sugar 2 oranges, quartered 2 lemons, quartered 6 sprigs thyme 4 sprigs rosemary To make the brining solution, dissolve the salt and sugar in 2 gallons of cold water in a non-reactive container (such as a clean bucket or large stockpot, or a clean, heavy-duty, plastic garbage bag.) Add the oranges, lemons, thyme, and rosemary. Note: if you have a big turkey and need more brine than this, use 1/2 cup salt and 1/2 cup brown sugar for every gallon of water.
  • 3. ***Turkey Stock for basting and making gravy*** **Make this before you put your bird in the oven** 1 tablespoon vegetable oil Reserved turkey neck and giblets 1 large carrot, coarsely chopped 1 onion, coarsely chopped 1 large celery stalk, coarsely chopped 1 small bay leaf 3 cups canned turkey stock, chicken stock, or canned low-salt chicken broth 3 cups water For the turkey stock: Heat the oil in a large heavy saucepan over medium high heat. Add the turkey neck, heart, and gizzard to the pan and saute until just beginning to brown, about 1 minute. Add the chopped vegetables and bay leaf to the pan and saute until soft, about 2 minutes. Pour the stock and 3 cups of water into the pan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer until the stock is reduced to 4 cups, about 1 hour, adding the chopped liver to the pan during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Strain the stock into a clean pot or large measuring cup. Pull the meat off the neck, chop the neck meat and giblets, and set aside. ***You will use this stock to baste the turkey and for the gravy.
  • 4. ***Ingredients for inside of Turkey cavity*** 1 (10 to 12-pound) turkey 4 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature 1 large yellow onion, cut into 8ths 1 large orange, cut into 8ths 1 stalk celery, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 large carrot, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 bay leaves 2 sprigs thyme ** 1 1/2 to 2 cups chicken or turkey stock, for basting.
  • 5. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse well under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels, inside and out. Place breast side down in a large, heavy roasting pan, and rub on all sides with the butter. Season lightly inside and out with salt and pepper. Stuff the turkey with the onion, orange, celery, carrot, bay leaves, and thyme. Loosely tie the drumsticks together with kitchen string.
  • 6. Roast the turkey, uncovered, breast side down for 1 hour. Remove from the oven, turn, and baste with 1/2 cup stock. Continue roasting with the breast side up until an instant-read meat thermometer registers 165 degrees F when inserted into the largest section of thigh (avoiding the bone), about 2 3/4 to 3 hours total cooking time. Baste the turkey once every hour with 1/2 to 3/4 cup chicken or turkey stock.
  • 7. Remove the Turkey from the oven and place on a platter. Tent with aluminum foil and let rest for 20 minutes before carving.
  • 8. ***Gravy***
  • 9. For the pan gravy: Pour the reserved turkey pan juices into a glass-measuring cup and skim off the fat. Place the roasting pan on 2 stove top burners over medium heat add the pan juice and 1 cup turkey broth and the white wine to the pan, and deglaze the pan, stirring to scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the remaining 3 cup of broth and bring to a simmer, then transfer to a measuring cup.
  • 10. In a large heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium high heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, to make a light roux. Add the hot stock, whisking constantly, then simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Add the reserved neck meat and giblets to the pan and adjust seasoning, to taste, with salt and black pepper. Pour into a gravy boat and serve.
  • 11. The turkey is so moist and flavorful done this way, Happy Thanksgiving everyone, enjoy !

APPLE CIDER-BRINED TURKEY WITH SAVORY HERB GRAVY



Apple Cider-Brined Turkey With Savory Herb Gravy image

I found this recipe about 5 years ago in Cooking Light and have been using it ever since. It makes the best Turkey ever and couldn't imagine preparing mine any other way now. Very juicy and delicious!!! This is for a 12 1/2 lb turkey. I usually double it for a bigger turkey.

Provided by tasmith1

Categories     Savory

Time 2h45m

Yield 2 1/2 Cups

Number Of Ingredients 35

8 cups apple cider
2/3 cup kosher salt
2/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon black peppercorns, coarsely crushed
1 tablespoon whole allspice, coarsely crushed
8 ginger, slices (peeled and fresh)
6 whole cloves
2 bay leaves
1 turkey (12 lb. fresh or frozen)
2 oranges (quartered)
6 cups ice
4 garlic cloves
4 sage leaves
4 thyme, springs
4 parsley sprigs
1 onion, quartered
1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and divided0)
1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
turkey neck, and giblets
4 cups water
6 black peppercorns
4 parsley sprigs
2 fresh thyme sprigs
1 yellow onion, unpeeled and quartered
1 carrot, cut into 2 inch pieces
1 celery, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 bay leaf
reserved turkey drippings
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

  • To prepare brine, combine first 8 ingredients in a large saucepan, bring to a boil. Cook 5 minutes or until sugar and salt dissolve. Cool completely.
  • Remove giblets and neck from turkey; reserve for Savory Herb Gravy. Rinse Turkey with cold water; pat dry. Trim excess fat. Stuff body cavity with orange quarters. Place a turkey-sized oven bag inside a second bag to form a double thickness. Place bags in a large stockpot. Place turkey inside inner bag. Add cider mixture and ice. Secure bags with several twist ties. Refrigerat for 12 to 24 hours, turning occasionally.
  • Preheat oven to 500 degrees:.
  • Remove turkey from bags and discard bring, orange quarters, and bags. Rinse turkey with cold water; pat dry. Lift wing tips up and over back; tuck under turkey. Tie legs together with kitchen twine. Place garlic, sage, thyme, parsely, onion, and broth in the botom of a roasting pan. Place roasting rack in pan. Arrange turkey, breast side down on roastick rack. Brush turkey back with 1 tablespoon butter; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bake at 500% for 30 minutes.
  • Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees.
  • Remove turkey from oven. Carefully turn turkey over (breast side up) using tongs. Brush turkey breast with 1 tablespoon butter; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour 15 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into meat party of thigh registers 170 degrees. Remove turkey from oven; let stand20 minutes. Reserve pan drippings for Savory Herb Gravy.
  • Directions for Gravy:.
  • Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add turkey neck and giblets; cook 5 minutes, browning on all sides. Add water and next 7 ingredients (through bay leaf); bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until liquid is reduced to about 2 1/2 cups (about 1 hours). Strain through a colander over a bowl, reserving cooking liquid and turkey neck. Discard remaining solids. Chill cooking liquid completely.Skim fat from surface, and discard. Remove meat from neck; finely chop meat. Discard neck bone. Add neck meat to cooking liquid.
  • Strain the reserved turkey drippings throug a colander over a shallow bowl; discard solids. Place strained drippings in freezer for 20 minutes. Skim fat from surface; discard.
  • Place flour in a medium saucepan; add 1/4 cup cooking liquid, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Add remaining cooking liquid, turkey drippings, salt and pepper; bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.

FRESH HERB-BRINED TURKEY



Fresh Herb-Brined Turkey image

Brining a turkey is all about adding moisture for a tender, juicy bird. We flavor our brine with parsley, rosemary and a touch of thyme. -Felicia Saathoff, Vashon, Washington

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 3h10m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

4 quarts water
2 cups sugar
1-1/2 cups salt
10 fresh parsley sprigs
10 fresh thyme sprigs
5 fresh rosemary sprigs
7 bay leaves
4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
4 teaspoons whole peppercorns
4-1/2 quarts cold water
2 turkey-size oven roasting bags
1 turkey (14 to 16 pounds)
TURKEY:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt, optional

Steps:

  • In a large stockpot, combine the first nine ingredients; bring to a boil. Cook and stir until sugar and salt are dissolved. Remove from heat. Add cold water to cool the brine to room temperature. , Place one oven roasting bag inside the other. Place turkey inside both bags; pour in cooled brine. Seal bags, pressing out as much air as possible; turn to coat turkey. Place in a shallow roasting pan. Refrigerate 18-24 hours, turning occasionally., Preheat oven to 350°. Remove turkey from brine; rinse and pat dry. Discard brine. Place turkey on a rack in a shallow roasting pan, breast side up. Tuck wings under turkey; tie drumsticks together. Rub oil over outside of turkey; sprinkle with pepper and, if desired, salt., Roast, uncovered, 2-1/2 to 3 hours or until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 170°-175°. (Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly.), Remove turkey from oven; tent with foil. Let stand 20 minutes before carving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 480 calories, Fat 23g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 215mg cholesterol, Sodium 258mg sodium, Carbohydrate 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 63g protein.

BRINED, HERB GRILLED TURKEY



Brined, Herb Grilled Turkey image

I heard about brining from a couple of friends who like to cook and thought I'd try it out. I did some research on the web and came across this brining solution from Emeril. I have always grilled my turkeys with great results.

Provided by big daddy cook

Categories     Whole Turkey

Time P1DT3h

Yield 12-14 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 1/2 cups salt
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
4 oranges, quartered
4 lemons, quartered
9 sprigs fresh thyme
6 sprigs fresh rosemary
3 gallons cold water
1 (18 -24 lb) whole turkey
2 large oranges, cut into 1/8ths
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
salt and pepper
2 large yellow onions, cut into 1/8ths
2 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 large carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 bay leaves
4 sprigs fresh thyme
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
1/2 bunch fresh sage
6 sprigs fresh parsley
2 cups turkey stock, for basting

Steps:

  • To make the brining solution, dissolve the salt and sugar in 3 gallons of cold water in a large clean, heavy-duty, food grade plastic storage bag. Add the oranges, lemons, thyme, and rosemary.
  • Rinse the turkey inside and out under cold running water. Soak the turkey in the brine, covered and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
  • Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse well under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels inside and out.
  • Place turkey, breast side up, in a large, foil roasting pan with a rack. Rub breast side with orange segments and rub on all sides with the butter, stuffing some underneath the skin.
  • Season lightly inside and out with salt and pepper.
  • Stuff the turkey with the onion, remaining orange, celery, carrot, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, sage and parsley.
  • Loosely tie the drumsticks together with kitchen string. Grill the turkey, uncovered, breast side down for 1 hour.
  • Remove from the grill turn, and baste with 1/2 cup stock. Cover with foil and continue grilling with the breast side up until a meat thermometer registers 165 degrees F when inserted into the largest section of thigh about 3 to 3 1/2 hours total cooking time. Baste the turkey once every hour with 1/2 to 3/4 cup chicken or turkey stock.
  • Remove from the grill and place on a platter. Tent with aluminum foil and let rest for 20 minutes before carving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1009, Fat 45.9, SaturatedFat 14.9, Cholesterol 353.9, Sodium 14522.5, Carbohydrate 41.2, Fiber 3.2, Sugar 35.9, Protein 103.2

HERB-BRINED TURKEY WITH PEAR GRAVY



Herb-Brined Turkey with Pear Gravy image

A simple brine and pear gravy make this a must-have for Thanksgiving.

Categories     Herb     turkey     Roast     Thanksgiving     Pear     Fall     Brine     Bon Appétit

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

Turkey
3 gallons water
1 3-pound box coarse kosher salt
1/2 cup whole black peppercorns
1/3 cup fresh thyme sprigs
1/3 cup fresh marjoram sprigs
1/3 cup fresh sage sprigs
12 Turkish bay leaves
1 13-pound turkey
1/2 cup butter, room temperature pear gravy
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 cups low-salt chicken broth
1 cup pear juice
2 tablespoons dark rum
3 tablespoons chopped fresh marjoram

Steps:

  • For turkey:
  • Stir 3 gallons water and salt in large pot until salt dissolves. Stir in peppercorns and next 4 ingredients. Add turkey to brine. Place large plate atop turkey to submerge. Place in refrigerator. Soak turkey 8 to 10 hours. Remove turkey from brine; rinse and pat dry. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Store uncovered in refrigerator.)
  • Preheat oven to 450°F. Place turkey on rack in large roasting pan. Rub butter over turkey. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place turkey in oven. Reduce temperature to 325°F. Roast turkey until thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 175°F, about 2 1/2 hours. Transfer turkey to platter; tent with foil. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before carving (internal temperature will rise 5 to 10 degrees).
  • For pear gravy:
  • Spoon off fat from drippings in pan, reserving 1/4 cup fat. Measure 2/3 cup pan juices. Melt butter and reserved 1/4 cup fat in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Mix in flour. Stir until light brown, about 2 minutes. Gradually add chicken broth, pear juice, and 2/3 cup pan juices. Simmer until thickened, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes. Stir in rum. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle turkey with marjoram; serve with gravy.
  • Storage solutions:
  • No room in the fridge to brine a turkey? No problem. Put a turkey-sized oven bag in a large cooler, then place the turkey in the bag. Pour in the brine and seal tightly. Place ice over and around turkey, close the lid tightly, and let it brine 8 to 10 hours, adding ice periodically to keep temperature at 40° or below.

APPLE CIDER-BRINED TURKEY WITH SAVORY HERB GRAVY



APPLE CIDER-BRINED TURKEY WITH SAVORY HERB GRAVY image

Yield 12 people

Number Of Ingredients 21

8 cups apple cider $
2/3 cup kosher salt
2/3 cup sugar $
1 tablespoon black peppercorns, coarsely crushed
1 tablespoon whole allspice, coarsely crushed
8 (1/8-inch-thick) slices peeled fresh ginger
6 whole cloves
2 bay leaves
1 (12-pound) fresh or frozen turkey, thawed $
2 oranges, quartered $
6 cups ice
Remaining ingredients:
4 garlic cloves $
4 sage leaves
4 thyme sprigs
4 parsley sprigs
1 onion, quartered $
1 (14-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth $
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and divided $
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided

Steps:

  • Preparation To prepare brine, combine first 8 ingredients in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook 5 minutes or until sugar and salt dissolve. Cool completely. Remove giblets and neck from turkey; reserve for Savory Herb Gravy. Rinse turkey with cold water; pat dry. Trim excess fat. Stuff body cavity with orange quarters. Place a turkey-sized oven bag inside a second bag to form a double thickness. Place bags in a large stockpot. Place turkey inside inner bag. Add cider mixture and ice. Secure bags with several twist ties. Refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours, turning occasionally. Preheat oven to 500º. Remove turkey from bags, and discard brine, orange quarters, and bags. Rinse turkey with cold water; pat dry. Lift wing tips up and over back; tuck under turkey. Tie legs together with kitchen string. Place garlic, sage, thyme, parsley, onion, and broth in the bottom of a roasting pan. Place roasting rack in pan. Arrange turkey, breast side down, on roasting rack. Brush turkey back with 1 tablespoon butter; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bake at 500º for 30 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350º. Remove turkey from oven. Carefully turn turkey over (breast side up) using tongs. Brush turkey breast with 1 tablespoon butter; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bake at 350º for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into meaty part of thigh registers 170º (make sure not to touch bone). (Shield the turkey with foil if it browns too quickly.) Remove turkey from oven; let stand 20 minutes. Reserve pan drippings for Savory Herb Gravy. Discard skin before serving; serve with gravy.

BRINED HERB-CRUSTED TURKEY WITH APPLE CIDER GRAVY



BRINED HERB-CRUSTED TURKEY WITH APPLE CIDER GRAVY image

Categories     turkey     Bake     Christmas     Thanksgiving

Yield 8 people

Number Of Ingredients 31

Brine:
7 quarts water
1 quart apple cider
3/4 cup kosher salt
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large onion, diced
1 large or 2 small carrots, diced
3 ribs celery, diced
1 head garlic, cut in 1/2 equatorially
1/2 bunch fresh rosemary
1/2 bunch fresh sage
6 bay leaves
1 (12 to 14 pound) turkey, free range organic is great!
Herb crust:
1 bunch fresh rosemary, leaves finely chopped
1 bunch fresh sage, leaves finely chopped
3 sticks butter, room temperature
Kosher salt
Gravy:
1 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 large or 2 small carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 ribs celery, cut into 1/2-inch dice
4 cloves garlic, smashed
2 Granny Smith apples, cut into 1/2-inch dice
5 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
1 bunch thyme
Kosher salt
1 quart chicken stock, divided
2 cups apple cider, divided
1/2 to 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • Brine Combine ingredients for brine. Add turkey and let it brine in refrigerator 2 to 3 days. Turkey Remove turkey from brine the night before and pat dry. Combine rosemary, sage, and butter for herb crust. Salt to taste. Work butter under turkey skin and massage on outside of skin. Tie legs over breast. Gravy Put the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, apples, bay leaves, cinnamon stick and thyme in a roasting pan and season with salt. Arrange the turkey on top of the veggies and refrigerate overnight UNCOVERED! Yes, that's right, uncovered. This will help the skin dry out and become really brown and crispy. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Put 2 cups chicken stock and 1 cup apple cider in the bottom of the roasting pan. Roast until skin gets brown, about 40 minutes. Lower the oven heat to 350 degrees F for the remainder of the cooking time. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes or so and add more stock to the roasting pan, if needed. Cook about 17 minutes per pound. Once it gets to the proper color, tent the turkey with aluminum foil to prevent it from getting too dark. Cook until meat thermometer reads 160 degrees F. Remove from roasting pan to a cutting board and let rest for at least least 30 minutes. Cover loosely with aluminum foil. Strain all the veggies over a bowl to separate them from the stock/mixture. Discard the veggies. Skim off the fat and add it to the roasting pan. This is the fat for the roux. Put the roasting pan over 2 burners and over a low heat and whisk in the flour. Cook until the mixture looks like wet sand, about 4 to 5 minutes. Slowly whisk in the remaining 1 cup apple cider, remaining chicken stock and the stock/cider mixture. Cook until the mixture has thickened and reached a gravy consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Pour into a serving pitcher or bowl.

BRINED, HERB ROASTED TURKEY



Brined, Herb Roasted Turkey image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time P1DT3h40m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 32

4 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
1 cup salt
1 cup brown sugar
2 oranges, quartered
2 lemons, quartered
6 sprigs thyme
4 sprigs rosemary
1 (10 to 12-pound) turkey
1 large orange, cut into 1/8ths
1 large yellow onion, cut into 1/8ths
1 stalk celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large carrot, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs thyme
Salt and pepper
2 sprigs rosemary
1/2 bunch sage
3 or 4 sprigs parsley
1 1/2 to 2 cups chicken or turkey stock, for basting
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Reserved turkey neck and giblets
1 large carrot, coarsely chopped
1 onion, coarsely chopped
1 large celery stalk, coarsely chopped
1 small bay leaf
3 cups turkey stock, chicken stock, or canned low-salt chicken broth
3 cups water
4 cups turkey broth
1 cup dry white wine
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • For the Brine:
  • To make the brining solution, dissolve the salt and sugar in 2 gallons of cold water in a nonreactive container (such as a clean bucket or large stockpot, or a clean, heavy-duty, food grade plastic storage bag). Add the oranges, lemons, thyme, and rosemary. Note: if you have a big turkey and need more brine than this, use 1/2 cup salt and 1/2 cup brown sugar for every gallon of water.
  • Remove the neck, giblets, and liver from the cavity of the turkey and reserve for the gravy. Rinse the turkey inside and out under cold running water.
  • Soak the turkey in the brine, covered and refrigerated, for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse well under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels both inside and out. Place turkey, breast side up, in a large, heavy roasting pan. Rub breast side with orange segments and rub on all sides with the butter, stuffing some underneath the skin. Season lightly inside and out with salt and pepper. Stuff the turkey with the onion, remaining orange, celery, carrot, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, sage and parsley. Loosely tie the drumsticks together with kitchen string. Roast the turkey, uncovered, breast side down for 1 hour.
  • Remove from the oven, turn, and baste with 1/2 cup stock. Continue roasting with the breast side up until an instant-read meat thermometer registers 165 degrees F when inserted into the largest section of thigh (avoiding the bone), about 2 3/4 to 3 hours total cooking time. Baste the turkey once every hour with 1/2 to 3/4 cup chicken or turkey stock.
  • Remove from the oven and place on a platter. Tent with aluminum foil and let rest for 20 minutes before carving.
  • For the turkey broth:
  • Heat the oil in a large heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the turkey neck, heart, and gizzard to the pan and saute until just beginning to brown, about 1 minute. Add the chopped vegetables and bay leaf to the pan and saute until soft, about 2 minutes. Pour the stock and 3 cups of water into the pan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer until the stock is reduced to 4 cups, about 1 hour, adding the chopped liver to the pan during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Strain the stock into a clean pot or large measuring cup. Pull the meat off the neck, chop the neck meat and giblets, and set aside.
  • For the pan gravy:
  • Pour the reserved turkey pan juices into a glass-measuring cup and skim off the fat.
  • Place the roasting pan on 2 stovetop burners over medium heat add the pan juice and 1 cup turkey broth and the white wine to the pan, and deglaze the pan, stirring to scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the remaining 3 cup of broth and bring to a simmer, then transfer to a measuring cup. In a large heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium high heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, to make a light roux. Add the hot stock, whisking constantly, then simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.
  • Add the reserved neck meat and giblets to the pan and adjust seasoning, to taste, with salt and black pepper. Pour into a gravy boat and serve.
  • Slice and serve guests with desired sides.

Tips:

  • Brine the turkey for at least 12 hours: This will help the turkey to absorb the flavors of the herbs and spices, and it will also help to keep the turkey moist during cooking.
  • Use a variety of herbs and spices in the brine: This will give the turkey a more complex flavor.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices: There are many different combinations that can work well.
  • Make sure the brine is completely dissolved before adding the turkey: If there are any undissolved salt crystals, they can cause the turkey to become too salty.
  • Place the turkey in a large container that is big enough to hold the turkey and the brine: You may need to use a cooler or a large pot.
  • Keep the turkey in the brine in a cool place: The ideal temperature is between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Turn the turkey over in the brine every few hours: This will help to ensure that the turkey is evenly flavored.

Conclusion:

Herb-brined turkey is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a special occasion. By following these tips, you can ensure that your turkey is moist, flavorful, and cooked to perfection.

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