Ingredients
2 gal. water, divided
2 1/2 c. kosher salt
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 orange, cut into rounds
1 lemon, cut into rounds
6 cloves garlic, smashed
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
4 sprigs fresh sage
4 dried bay leaves
1 tbsp. black peppercorns
1 tsp. allspice berries (optional)
Preparation
Step 1 Combine 1/2 gallon water (8 cups) with all other ingredients in a large pot and place over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently, then reduce to a simmer and cook until salt and sugar have dissolved completely. Remove from heat and add remaining 1 1/2 gallons (24 cups) water to pot. Stir to combine and let cool completely, around 1 hour.Step 2Submerge turkey completely in brine. If more water is needed, mix together additional brine by adding 2 tablespoons kosher salt to 1 cup of water, and stirring until dissolved. Brine overnight, or up to 24 hours. Step 3When ready to roast, thoroughly rinse turkey and pat dry with paper towels.
Read on for more info on one of our favorite ways to give your roast turkey delicious flavor: What is turkey brine? Why should I brine my turkey? Brining is the process of submerging meat in a salty, seasoned mixture for a long enough period of time that the brine’s flavors infiltrate the meat, giving added moisture and flavor. Because turkey is a leaner meat, it has the possibility of turning dry and tough if cooked too long. Brining your turkey ensures it has the added moisture to keep it nice and juicy, and lends delicious flavor that will stick around when cooking! How long should I brine my turkey? You should brine your turkey at least overnight, but the longer it sits in the brine, the more irresistible flavor it gives. If you have the time, letting your turkey sit in the brine for up to 24 hours will give the most moisture and flavor to your main dish. Can I brine a frozen turkey? We suggest brining a fresh or thawed turkey, but if you’re really in a pinch you can thaw it while you brine. BUT, be prepared for it to take even longer to defrost in the brine — up to two days! What do I brine my turkey in? You’re going to want something big enough to hold your turkey and flavorful brine in with no risk of spillage. We suggest a large stockpot, but if you don’t have one big enough, you can also use a large cooler or a bucket. One last pro tip: Make sure to get every nook and cranny of your turkey dry before roasting. Dry skin = crispy skin! Made it? Let us know how it went in the comment section below! And don’t forget to check out our best-ever roast turkey recipe and our guide on how long to cook your turkey for the most stress-free Thanksgiving ever!
