BOURBON & ORANGE BRINED TURKEY RECIPE - (3.7/5)

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Bourbon & Orange Brined Turkey Recipe - (3.7/5) image

Provided by ruhroh

Number Of Ingredients 17

FOR THE BRINE:
2 gallons cold water
1 to 1 1/2 cups bourbon
1 cup kosher salt, such as Morton's brand
1 cup brown sugar
1 large navel orange, sliced into 6 wedges
2 bay leaves, crumbled
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1 3-inch cinnamon stick, coarsely broken
FOR THE TURKEY:
One 12 to 14 pound turkey, defrosted if frozen, giblets removed. Deep frying recommended maximum bird is 15 pounds. Smaller is ideal.
NOTE: Only use the following if oven roasting, smoking or grilling your bird:
1 large navel orange, sliced into 6 wedges
Several sprigs of fresh herbs, such as sage, thyme, rosemary, etc.
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, melted
1 tablespoon Grand Marnier or other orange-flavored liqueur (optional)
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • MAKE THE BRINE: In a large stockpot or other container large enough to hold the turkey and brine, combine the water, bourbon, salt, brown sugar, orange wedges (squeeze each wedge to release the juice), bay leaves, peppercorns, and cinnamon stick. Stir to dissolve the salt and sugar. Add the turkey to the brine, breast-side down, weighting it with resealable plastic bags filled with ice or cold water. Refrigerate the turkey and brine for 24 hours. When ready to cook, drain the turkey and discard the brine. Blot the turkey dry with paper towels and knock off any solid bits of spices. Remove any large gobbets of fat at the front of the main cavity. Put the orange wedges and herbs in the main cavity. Tie the legs together with butcher's string and fold the wings behind the back. Combine the butter and Grand Marnier, if using, and coat the outside of the turkey. Start your grill, oven or roaster - set to 350°F. Roast the turkey until it is deeply browned, the skin is crisp, and the internal temperature of the thickest part of a thigh is 165°F when read on an instant-read meat thermometer. If deep frying - heat oil to 375°F. When lowering the turkey into the oil it is recommended to turn off the burner. Once turkey is fully submersed light the burner and cook maintaining 350°F oil temperature. Cook 3 to 4 minutes per pound. Internal temperature should be 165 to 170°F in the breast, 175 to 180°F in the thigh. Remove and let grease drain. Set on paper towel to rest for 15 minutes.

Malaiya Henderson
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This was the best turkey I've ever had!


Gurung Gam
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Overall, this was a great recipe.


Magdalana Onate
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I found the cooking time to be a bit long.


Puza Budhaprithee
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This turkey was a bit too salty for my taste.


Leo Tygon
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I'm not a big fan of turkey, but this recipe changed my mind. The brine made the meat so juicy and flavorful.


aqib zaman
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This turkey was delicious! The brine really helped to keep the meat moist and flavorful.


Koleosho Sherifat
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This turkey was a hit! Everyone loved it. The meat was so tender and the flavor was incredible.


Carly Martin
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This turkey was amazing! The meat was so juicy and flavorful. I will definitely be making this again.


Tasnimul Hasan
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This was the best turkey I've ever had! I'll definitely be making this again for Thanksgiving.


Enjoy All Time
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Overall, this was a great recipe. The turkey was moist and flavorful. I would definitely recommend it.


Maya Jirel
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I found the cooking time to be a bit long. I think I'll cook the turkey for a shorter amount of time next time.


Mdparbej Aalam
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This turkey was a bit too salty for my taste. I think I'll use less salt in the brine next time.


Eren Say
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I'm not a big fan of turkey, but this recipe changed my mind. The brine made the meat so juicy and flavorful. I will definitely be making this again.


Rustam Rkf
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This turkey was delicious! The brine really helped to keep the meat moist and flavorful. I would definitely recommend this recipe.


Amire Amire
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I've been making this turkey recipe for years and it never disappoints. The brine makes the meat so flavorful and juicy. My family loves this recipe.


neville hylton
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I made this turkey for Thanksgiving dinner and it was a hit! Everyone loved it. The meat was so tender and the flavor was incredible. I will definitely be making this again.


kasun Kasun
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This was my first time brining a turkey, and I was so glad I did. The turkey was so moist and juicy. I will definitely be doing this again.


Dawn Wagstaff
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I followed the recipe exactly and my turkey turned out amazing! The brine really made a difference in the flavor of the meat. I will definitely be making this again.


Thalapathi Rasigan
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This bourbon orange brined turkey was the best turkey I've ever had. The meat was so moist and flavorful, and the skin was perfectly crispy. I'll definitely be making this again for Thanksgiving.