Turkey brine

Turkey brine recipes have been around for centuries, with the earliest known recipe dating back to the 16th century. The basic ingredients of salt, water and spices have remained the same, but the proportions and methods of preparation have varied over the years.

Early turkey brine recipes were quite simple, often just salt and water. This was effective in preserving the meat, but the flavor was quite bland. Over time, people began to experiment with different spices and herbs to add more flavor to the brine. Common additions include garlic, onion, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary.

Some modern recipes call for the addition of sugar, honey, or fruit juices to the brine. This helps to balance the salty flavor and adds a touch of sweetness. Other common ingredients include vinegar, cider, wine, and beer.

Advice

When making a turkey brine, the most important thing is to make sure the ratio of salt to water is correct. Too much salt can make the brine too salty, while too little can leave the turkey dry. Start by mixing 1 cup of salt for every gallon of water and taste the brine before adding any more salt. You can also add aromatics, such as herbs and spices, to the brine to give it extra flavor. Be sure to store the brine in a cool place and use it within two days of making it. Finally, make sure to let the turkey brine for at least 12 hours before cooking to ensure the most flavorful, juicy turkey.

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Recipes

 

Basic Turkey Brine

4/5 - 255 votes

• sugar
• allspice berry
• black pepper
• ​salt
• water
• garlic
• rosemary
• sage
• thyme
• turkey

 

Citrus Turkey Brine

4/5 - 92 votes

• water
• lemon
• lime
• orange
• onion
• thyme
• salt
• sugar
• garlic
• bay leaf

 

Savory Turkey Brine

4/5 - 90 votes

• rosemary
• thyme
• water
• vegetable stock

 

Hawaiian-Style Turkey Brine

4.5/5 - 56 votes

• maple syrup
• salt
• soy sauce
• brown sugar
• red pepper
• pineapple juice
• bay leaf
• garlic

 

Apple Turkey Brine

4/5 - 65 votes

• black peppercorn
• cinnamon
• turkey
• clove
• salt
• brown sugar
• apple juice
• water
• orange zest

 

Apple Spice Turkey Brine

4/5 - 48 votes

• salt
• water
• nutmeg
• clove
• brown sugar
• apple juice
• orange juice

 

Maple and Brown Sugar Turkey Brine

4/5 - 47 votes

• maple syrup
• dark brown sugar
• peppercorn
• thyme
• salt
• soy sauce
• water
• garlic
• bay leaf

 

Smoked Turkey Brine

3.5/5 - 59 votes

• salt
• sugar
• water
• black peppercorn
• tarragon
• bay leaf

 

Smoked Turkey Brine

5/5 - 10 votes

• black peppercorn
• lemon peel
• orange peel
• water
• brown sugar
• salt
• rosemary
• thyme
• bay leaf
• garlic
• turkey

 

Best-Ever Turkey Brine

No Rating - 0 votes

• lemon
• orange
• black peppercorn
• allspice berry
• brown sugar
• salt
• water
• bay leaved
• rosemary
• sage
• garlic

 

Turkey Brine Recipe

No Rating - 0 votes

• salt
• water
• lemon
• onion
• orange
• turkey
• rosemary
• thyme
• peppercorn

 

Quick Turkey Brine

No Rating - 0 votes

• black peppercorn
• turkey
• salt
• ice
• brown sugar
• bay leaf
• water
• rosemary
• thyme

Ingredient Breakdown

Insights