Best 2 Maple Turkey Brine Recipes

When Thanksgiving rolls around each year, turkey is often the centerpiece of the feast. However, simply roasting a turkey can yield dry and bland results. Brining the turkey is a great way to ensure a moist and flavorful bird. A maple brine is a popular choice, as the sweetness of the maple syrup helps to balance out the savory flavors of the turkey. Additionally, the brine helps to tenderize the meat and prevent it from drying out during the cooking process.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

MAPLE TURKEY BRINE

Maple Turkey Brine image

This is Dave's favorite brine for Thanksgiving turkey. It can be used on any kind of poultry and pork. It gives a sweet, maple flavor to meats.

Provided by US92

Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes

Time 1h35m

Yield 18

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

4 quarts water, divided
2 cups dark brown sugar
1 cup soy sauce
1 cup maple syrup
¾ cup sea salt
8 cloves whole garlic cloves, peeled
6 bay leaves
3 large fresh thyme sprigs
2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
1 cup sour mash whiskey

Steps:

Place 2 quarts of water in a large pot over medium heat, and stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, maple syrup, sea salt, garlic cloves, bay leaves, thyme sprigs, peppercorns, and whiskey. Stir to dissolve brown sugar and salt; bring to a boil. Remove from heat, and stir in remaining 2 quarts of water. Allow brine to cool completely before using.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 180.4 calories, Carbohydrate 37.4 g, Fat 0.1 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 1 g, Sodium 4336.8 mg, Sugar 34.4 g

PEPPERED MAPLE AND THYME TURKEY BRINE

Peppered Maple and Thyme Turkey Brine image

Our easy-to-prepare brine recipe will help ensure you end up with a deliciously moist and flavor-packed turkey.

Provided by Better Than Bouillon

Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Better Than Bouillon®

Time 2h45m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

2 gallons cold water
½ cup Better Than Bouillon® Roasted Chicken Base
1 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons black pepper
½ tablespoon granulated garlic
2 tablespoons fresh thyme

Steps:

In the vessel that you will marinate the turkey in, combine all ingredients and mix well with a wire whisk, being sure that the chicken base is completely blended.
Carefully place raw turkey or poultry into this vessel, being sure that the entire bird is covered with the brine.
Cover vessel and place under proper refrigeration for 24 to 48 hours.
When ready to cook the turkey, carefully remove it from the brine and rinse under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
Your turkey is now ready to cook, as you normally would do.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 87.3 calories, Carbohydrate 27.2 g, Fat 1.3 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 2.6 g, Sodium 1658.3 mg, Sugar 18.9 g

Tips:

Use fresh or thawed turkey: Fresh turkey is ideal, but frozen turkey can also be used. If using frozen turkey, thaw it in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days before brining.
Choose a large enough container for brining: The container should be large enough to hold the turkey completely submerged in the brine.
Make sure the brine is completely dissolved: Stir the brine until all of the salt and sugar has dissolved.
Brine the turkey for at least 12 hours: The longer the turkey brines, the more flavorful it will be. However, do not brine the turkey for more than 24 hours.
Rinse the turkey thoroughly before cooking: Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water before cooking.
Pat the turkey dry before cooking: Pat the turkey dry with paper towels before cooking to help the skin crisp up.
Cook the turkey according to the package instructions: Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the turkey and the cooking method.

Conclusion:

Brining a turkey is a great way to ensure that it is moist and flavorful. By following the tips in this article, you can brine your turkey perfectly. So, next time you are cooking a turkey, be sure to give brining a try. You won't be disappointed!