A step-by-step tutorial on How to Make a Citrus Herb Brine for your next Thanksgiving turkey - so much flavor!
Ingredients
2cupskosher salt
28cupswater
6bay leaves
6garlic clovessmashed
1bunch fresh thyme
8sage leaves
1bunch fresh rosemary
2tablespoonsblack peppercorns
2tablespoonsmustard seeds
peel of one orange
peel of one lemon
Instructions
Dissolve Salt: Place 6 cups of water, salt and all other ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring to boil over medium-high heat and let simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring to allow salt to fully dissolve. Remove from heat and let water cool down to room temperature.
Brining Bag: Place turkey in brining bag or another large container, cover with salt mixture. Add the remaining water making sure the turkey is fully submerged - use a plate to weigh down, if you need to. If additional water is needed, add 1 cup water and 1 tablespoon salt until fully submerged.
Brining Time: Place the brining turkey in the fridge to sit for at least 12 hours, 24 preferred.
Remove: Carefully pull the turkey out of the brine, allowing excess liquid run off, rinse turkey in the sink with cold water, and discard the brining liquid.
Cook: Cook the brined turkey any way you want - we love to make Grilled Turkey!
Notes
Amount: This recipe is for a 18-22 lb fresh turkey. For an approximately 10 pound turkey or turkey breast, simply cut in half.
Thaw: Follow our tutorial on How to Thaw a Turkey to make sure your turkey is fully thawed before brining.
Cook Time: This is actually the amount of time the turkey should sit in the brine, not an actual cook time.