Brining Basics for Your Thanksgiving Turkey

Basically, to brine a turkey means that you will be soaking your turkey in a container of salt, water, and herbs. The whole turkey must be completely immersed in the brine solution, so you will need a very large container. The turkey and container must stay refrigerated during the brining process, so you will need to make room in your refrigerator ahead of time. The turkey should soak in the brine solution for about 8-12 hours.

Why Brine a Turkey?

A turkey that has been correctly brined is almost always extremely moist and tender. When you cook your brined turkey it will stay very juicy because of the water solution that it has soaked in. Brining your turkey is one of the easiest ways to enhance the flavor and moistness of a turkey. Once you brine, you may never go back.

How to Brine A Turkey

Make sure your turkey is completely thawed and cleaned.

Remove the giblets, neck and tailpieces.

For the basic Brine solution, you will need:

2 gallons, appx., of water

2 cups kosher salt or 1 cup table salt

Optional add ons:

A sugar ingredient such as-brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey.

Vegetable such as--- onion, garlic, or carrot.

Herbs such as --- bay leaves, parsley, or cilantro

Spices such as - pepper, cumin, cinnamon

Bring about 4 cups or so of the water to simmering.

Add salt and other ingredients to simmering water.

Remove pot from heat once the salt has dissolved.

Add the rest of the water ..(very cold) to the solution

Now you will place the turkey into a very large container, and pour the brine mixture over the turkey, making sure that the turkey is completely submerged in the solution.

If you do not have a large enough container, or your container will not fit into your refrigerator, you can try using an extra extra large zip lock type of cooking bag. Place the turkey in the bag, and then add the brine into the bag. Make sure you squeeze out any extra air in the bag before sealing it.

Do not brine the turkey for more than 12 hours, as this will probably make the turkey too salty.

Do not season the brined turkey before cooking.

Completely rinse the turkey to make sure you remove all the brine mixture before cooking your turkey.

Do remember that a brined turkey will usually cook faster than a normal turkey. Use a meat thermometer to be sure to not overcook.

Cook or roast your turkey the way you prefer.

Enjoy!