Description

This Best Turkey Brine Recipe ensures a juicy, flavorful turkey by soaking it in a savory brine made with apple cider, kosher salt, brown sugar, garlic, citrus, peppercorns, bay leaves, and fresh herbs. The brining process tenderizes the meat and infuses it with a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for enhancing your holiday or special occasion turkey.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey

1 14 lb turkey (giblets and neck removed)

Brine Liquid

2 gallons liquid (apple cider preferred; water also works)
1 cup coarse kosher salt or good quality coarse sea salt
1 cup brown sugar

Flavorings

8 cloves garlic, smashed
2 oranges, juiced and halved
2 lemons, juiced and halved
4 tablespoons peppercorns
4 bay leaves
Handful of fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley)

Instructions

Prepare the Brine Base: Transfer about 8 cups of apple cider or water to a saucepan. Add the kosher salt and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the salt and sugar dissolve fully. Remove from heat and let the brine cool completely; you can expedite cooling by adding ice.
Combine Brine Ingredients and Submerge Turkey: Pour the cooled brine into your brining container. Add the remaining liquid (cider or water), smashed garlic cloves, fresh herbs, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Squeeze juice from the oranges and lemons into the brine, then add the halved citrus fruits as well. Slowly and carefully submerge the turkey into the brine, ensuring it is fully covered. Cover the container and refrigerate the turkey to brine for one hour per pound (approximately 14 hours for a 14 lb turkey).
Rinse the Turkey: After brining time is complete, carefully remove the turkey from the brine and place it in the sink (lining the sink with plastic bags or wrap is recommended to maintain sanitation). Rinse the turkey thoroughly but gently under low water pressure to remove excess salt and brine residue. This step prevents an overly salty taste in the cooked turkey.
Dry and Prepare for Cooking: Pat the turkey dry with paper towels after rinsing. Transfer it to your preferred cooking vessel and prepare or season it as desired before cooking by your chosen method.

Notes

Using apple cider in the brine adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor, but water can be used as a substitute.
Ensure the brine is completely cooled before adding the turkey to prevent bacterial growth.
The brining time of one hour per pound helps maximize flavor and juiciness without over-brining.
Rinsing the turkey after brining is essential to avoid excess saltiness in the final dish.
This brine recipe is suitable for fresh or thawed turkey, not frozen.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (brining only, cooking method not included)
Category: Brining
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: turkey brine, apple cider brine, holiday turkey, moist turkey, brining recipe, kosher turkey, flavorful turkey