Simple Turkey Brine
Description
This simple turkey brine works overnight to ensure your turkey is moist, juicy, and full of delicious flavor! Use this easy brine on a fresh turkey, not on one already injected with any other brining solution. This recipe makes enough brine for a turkey in the 15- to 20-pound range.
Ingredients
- 1 gallon water
- 2 cups kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups dark brown sugar
- 3 large bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
- 2 ½ teaspoons dried rosemary
- 2 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
- 12 whole cloves
Directions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Bring water to a boil in a large stockpot.
- Stir in salt and brown sugar until dissolved; return to a boil.
- Add bay leaves, peppercorns, rosemary, thyme, and cloves. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and let cool completely before using.
- Place thawed turkey into a large non-reactive container. Pour in cooled brine.
- Pour in enough cool water to cover turkey with liquid. Refrigerate 8 to 12 hours.
- Remove turkey from brine and let sit on counter for about 2 hours.
- Follow your favorite recipe to cook your turkey.
