Heather Wagner
@rehtaehwa
Thanksgiving Turkey Brining Solution
This Thanksgiving Turkey Brine recipe ensures your turkey is juicy and flavorful. The combination of herbs and spices in the brine enhances the turkey's natural taste, making it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday feast.
Details
- Difficulty:hard
- Estimated Cost:N/A
- Occasion:thanksgiving
- Ingredients:16
- Views:6
Recipe Information
- Prep time20 min.
- Cook time5 min.
- Total time25 min.
- Servings20
Ingredients
- 1 gallon
- 4 quarts
- 1 1/2 cups
- 2 tablespoons
- 2 tablespoons
- 2 tablespoons
- 2 tablespoons
- 2 tablespoons
- 2 tablespoons
- 2 tablespoons
- 2 tablespoons
- 1 tablespoon
- 1 tablespoon
- 1 tablespoon
- 2 gallons, divided
- 1 (20 pound), neck and giblets removed
Cooking Instructions
Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Thanksgiving Turkey Brining Solution.
Step 1
To start your delicious turkey brine, grab a large 5-gallon bucket and pour in the water, chicken broth, and kosher salt.
Step 2
Give it a good stir until the salt is completely dissolved, creating a flavorful base for your turkey.
Step 3
Next, add in the minced garlic, dried rosemary, dried minced onion, dried basil, dried savory, dried marjoram, dried thyme, dried tarragon, dried oregano, ground black pepper, and coriander seeds.
Step 4
Stir everything together until well combined, allowing those aromatic herbs and spices to mingle beautifully.
Step 5
To kick off the chilling process, mix in 2 cups of ice, which will help cool down your brine.
Step 6
Now, it’s time to introduce your turkey to this savory bath.
Step 7
Carefully place the turkey into the brine, making sure to fill the cavity with the mixture for maximum flavor.
Step 8
Add more ice to the bucket until the turkey is completely submerged.
Step 9
Secure the lid on the bucket and gently swish it from side to side, helping to chill the brine even further.
Step 10
Pop the bucket in the refrigerator and let the turkey soak in the brine for 12 to 24 hours, remembering to add more ice every couple of hours to keep it nice and cold.
Step 11
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 12
Take the turkey out of the brine and pat it dry with paper towels, then toss that brine away.
Step 13
Place the turkey on a rack inside a roasting pan, and as it bakes, baste it every 30 to 40 minutes.
Step 14
You’ll know it’s done when the juices run clear, which should take about 5 to 6 ½ hours.
Step 15
For the best results, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 16
Once your turkey is perfectly cooked, remove it from the oven and cover it with a double layer of aluminum foil.
Step 17
Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing into that beautifully juicy bird.
Step 18
Enjoy the delightful flavors and the compliments that are sure to follow!.