The Absolute Easiest Turkey Brine

Recipe Introduction

Ever panic about a dry Thanksgiving turkey? I know I have! That’s why I'm sharing this simple turkey brine . It's seriously foolproof.

It helps you achieve a juicy result, every single time.

Quick Hook

This brine uses simple ingredients. It infuses your turkey with flavour. It will be the most moist and flavoursome you've ever tasted. Are you ready for juicy, delicious turkey?

Brief Overview

Brining is an old trick. It started with preserving meat. It's now about adding flavour. It transforms a simple bird into a showstopper.

This basic turkey recipe takes minutes to prep. Then, it needs time in the fridge. It yields enough for a 12-16 pound turkey.

It's perfect for your easy Thanksgiving turkey .

Main Benefits

One of the best things? It’s a juicy turkey recipe . It practically guarantees you won’t have a dry bird. Serve it at Thanksgiving, Christmas or any holiday celebration.

What makes it special? It's super easy, even if you are a beginner turkey recipe follower, and gives consistent results!

Let's look at what you'll need to make this simple brine for turkey .

Simple Turkey Brine Ingredients

You only need a few things to make this Thanksgiving turkey brine recipe .

• 1 cup kosher salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 gallon cold water
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 2 bay leaves
• Optional: Orange, lemon, thyme or rosemary.

I once forgot the bay leaves. Honestly? I didn't even notice that much of a difference! But trust me, adding them will make your bird taste delicious!

Equipment

You’ll need a big container. It has to fit your turkey. A food grade bucket is great. A cooler works too.

Or you can use a brining bag. You might need a large pot. This is for heating the brine. But you can skip this.

Just stir it until dissolved. A food thermometer is also useful. Check that the brine is cold.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Turkey Brined!

So, you wanna make a juicy turkey recipe this year? First things first, let's get our ducks in a row.

Or, rather, our ingredients and equipment ready for this simple turkey brine . Don't worry, it's an easy Thanksgiving turkey win.

Main Ingredients: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

Here's what you'll need for this Thanksgiving turkey brine recipe . No fancy pants stuff here!

• Kosher Salt: 1 cup (200g) . Go for kosher. It dissolves better, Honestly.
• Granulated Sugar: ½ cup (100g) .
• Cold Water: 1 gallon (3.8 liters) .
• Garlic: 4 cloves , smashed, for that oomph .
• Black Peppercorns: 1 tablespoon .
• Bay Leaves: 2 , because why not?
• Optional: 1 orange and 1 lemon , quartered, and some fresh thyme or rosemary.

Quality indicators? For the garlic, make sure it's firm, not soft. For the herbs, fresh is always best! I swear by fresh herbs!

Seasoning Notes: It's All About That Flavor!

Essential spice combos? Garlic, pepper, and bay leaves are your base. They create a basic turkey recipe . I found that adding orange and lemon is a vibe.

For flavor enhancers, consider herbs like thyme or rosemary. Quick substitution? If you don't have fresh herbs, dried will do.

Just use about 1 teaspoon dried for every tablespoon fresh.

Equipment Needed: Bare Bones Only

You don't need a kitchen the size of Buckingham Palace for this beginner turkey recipe .

• Large Container: A food grade bucket, cooler, or brining bag. It needs to hold a 12-16 pound turkey submerged in brine.
• Large Stockpot: Optional, for heating water.
• Food Thermometer: Recommended, to ensure the brine is below 40° F ( 4° C) .

Don't have a fancy brining bag? A clean cooler works great. Or, use a large pot you already have. You can also weigh the turkey down with a plate.

A simple life makes for a simple turkey, doesn't it? So follow this recipe, and you will see how to brine a turkey for the best possible result.

The Absolute Easiest Turkey Brine (Even You Can't Mess This Up!)

Honestly, are you stressing about the Thanksgiving bird? Don't be! I'm here to share a super simple turkey brine recipe.

Trust me, if I can do it, you can too. I promise to make it an Easy Thanksgiving Turkey . It's also great for Christmas, or any time you want a super juicy turkey recipe .

I've had some major turkey fails in my day, but this basic turkey recipe is foolproof!

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place, Baby!

Before you even think about the Thanksgiving turkey brine recipe , get your stuff together! This is called mise en place , darling.

It's French, but don't let that scare you. Simply measure out 1 cup kosher salt, ½ cup granulated sugar, smash 4 garlic cloves, measure 1 tablespoon black peppercorns and grab 2 bay leaves.

Got an orange or lemon lying around? Chuck that in too! It helps with overall flavors.

Time saving tip: Dissolve the salt and sugar in a little hot water first. It's quicker! Also, make sure you have a huge container, I mean a cooler or a massive food grade bag.

My first year I use my washing machine (never again). Safety reminder : Always make sure you have space in your fridge.

You don't want your turkey going bad.

The Simple Brine for Turkey step-by-step

Right then, let’s get brining.

1. Dissolve 1 cup kosher salt and ½ cup sugar in 2 cups hot water.
2. Add 1 gallon cold water, 4 cloves smashed garlic, 1 tablespoon peppercorns and 2 bay leaves.
3. Make absolutely sure the brine is cold. This is important!
4. Submerge your turkey, weighing it down if it floats.
5. Refrigerate for 12- 24 hours . This depends on how large your turkey is. A large turkey takes the full 24.
6. Remove, rinse, and pat the turkey bone dry.
7. Roast until a thermometer reaches 165° F ( 74° C) in the thigh.

Pro Tips for Brining Glory

One thing I wish I would have done before when I started this Beginner Turkey Recipe , is reduce the overall salt you use in the roasting process.

Here are some easy turkey recipes Thanksgiving tips:

• Never re-use the brine. Gross!
• Don't over brine the best turkey brine recipe . It can get too salty.
• Pat that bird super dry for the crispiest skin. This is key.

And that's it. You've got this! This simple turkey brine recipe will deliver a perfectly seasoned bird. And that, my friend, is something to be thankful for. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes to Elevate Your Thanksgiving Turkey

Okay, so you've got the recipe for the absolute easiest simple turkey brine ever. But, let's chat about some extra bits to really make this easy Thanksgiving Turkey unforgettable.

Think of these as bonus levels to achieve maximum turkey glory.

Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation

Presentation matters, right? No one wants a sad-looking bird plopped on the table. For that wow factor, let your perfectly roasted juicy turkey recipe rest for at least twenty minutes before carving.

This lets the juices redistribute, making it even more succulent. Arrange the carved slices artfully on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Think rosemary or thyme sprigs. Maybe add some orange or lemon slices for a pop of color. It's all about that Thanksgiving 'Gram.

Sides and Sips That Shine

Pair your brined Beginner Turkey Recipe with classic sides. Creamy mashed potatoes are a must. Stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce? Obvs.

But, if you wanna kick it up a notch, try roasting some root vegetables. Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze? Yes, please.

For drinks, a crisp white wine, like a Pinot Grigio, complements the turkey. Or, maybe a spiced apple cider for a festive touch.

Storing Leftovers Like a Pro

Listen, leftovers are the best part, yeah? If you have any leftover turkey (unlikely, but hey), let it cool completely.

Then, store it in airtight containers in the fridge. It'll keep for about 3-4 days. If you are looking for Easy Turkey Recipes Thanksgiving , there are thousands for leftover turkey.

Want to freeze it? Slice the turkey and store it in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. It'll be good for up to 2-3 months.

Reheat gently with a little broth to keep it moist.

Variations: Spice It Up

Want to get fancy with your Thanksgiving turkey brine recipe ? Add a tablespoon of red pepper flakes to the brine for a spicy kick.

Or, try substituting brown sugar for the granulated sugar and adding a ¼ cup of maple syrup for a hint of sweetness.

It is super versatile.

Nutrition Basics: Simplified

Let’s break down the basics. A serving of turkey prepared after brining has roughly 350 calories. It has 50g of protein, and 15g of fat.

The sodium content is a bit higher because of the simple brine for turkey , but hey, flavor, right? Remember, this is just an estimate.

This basic turkey recipe also gets you lean protein. Protein is essential for muscle building and repair. So, you are basically doing your body a favour while enjoying best turkey brine recipe !

I hope you love this simple turkey brine ! With these tips, your turkey will be the talk of the town. Get in there and make it happen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I brine my turkey using this simple turkey brine recipe? I'm worried about it being too salty!

The recommended brining time is 12-24 hours, depending on the size of your turkey. A smaller turkey (12 pounds) might only need 12 hours, while a larger one (16 pounds) can go for the full 24.

However, avoid brining for longer than 24 hours, or you risk the turkey becoming overly salty nobody wants a turkey that tastes like the Dead Sea! Always rinse the turkey thoroughly after brining to remove excess salt.

Can I use table salt instead of kosher salt in this simple turkey brine? I'm all out!

While kosher salt is preferred because of its purity and coarse texture, you can substitute table salt in a pinch, but you'll need to adjust the amount. Table salt is much more concentrated than kosher salt, so use only half the amount in this recipe, that would be ½ cup of table salt instead of 1 cup of kosher salt.

Remember to taste the brine (before adding the turkey, of course!) to ensure it's not excessively salty.

What if I don't have a container big enough to completely submerge my turkey in the brine?

Finding the right container can be a bit of a Goldilocks situation! A food grade bucket, a large stockpot, or even a brining bag are good options. If you absolutely can't fully submerge the turkey, you can try weighing it down with a plate or a sealed bag filled with ice.

Rotate the turkey every few hours to ensure even brining. If you can only partially cover it, consider halving the turkey.

Is it really necessary to rinse the turkey after brining? I'm worried about losing the flavour.

Yes, rinsing is crucial! While you might think you're washing away flavor, you're primarily removing excess salt from the surface of the turkey. This prevents the finished bird from being too salty and allows you to get a nice crispy skin during roasting.

Don't worry, the brine will have already penetrated deep into the meat, infusing it with plenty of flavor.

Can I add other spices or herbs to this simple turkey brine to customize the flavour?

Absolutely! This recipe is a great base for experimentation. Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices think rosemary, thyme, sage, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

You could also include citrus fruits like oranges or lemons, or even some apple cider for a touch of sweetness and autumnal flavour. Just remember not to overdo it a little goes a long way!

How long can I store leftover cooked turkey that was brined using this method?

Cooked turkey, whether brined or not, should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3-4 days. Ensure the turkey cools down to room temperature before refrigerating it to prevent the formation of moisture and bacteria growth.

You can also freeze cooked turkey for longer storage (up to 2-3 months), but the texture may change slightly upon thawing.