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This Year’s Turkey Brine Recipe (2015)
Transform your holiday turkey into a flavorful masterpiece with this tried-and-true brine recipe, passed down through our family. Perfect for infusing your bird with a delicious blend of herbs and spices, this brine will ensure your turkey is moist, tender, and bursting with flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (including boiling the water and mixing the ingredients)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (to bring the water and tamari to a boil and dissolve the ingredients)
- Total Time: Brining Time: 12 hours (overnight brining)
- Yield: Enough brine for a turkey up to 20 pounds
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Brining
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sage
- 1 tablespoon celery salt
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 4 whole garlic cloves
- 7 oz tamari (a rich, gluten-free alternative to soy sauce)
Instructions
Instructions:
- Prepare the Brine Base:
In a large pot, bring water, tamari, and the whole garlic cloves to a boil. This will help release the rich, savory flavors that will penetrate your turkey. - Add the Dry Ingredients:
Once boiling, add the kosher salt, brown sugar, sage, celery salt, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are fully dissolved and well mixed. The aroma alone will hint at the amazing flavor to come! - Cool Down the Brine:
Remove the pot from heat. Add a bag of ice to the pot to quickly cool down the mixture. This step is crucial—never add a hot brine to your turkey, as it could start the cooking process prematurely. - Brine the Turkey:
Once the brine is cool to the touch, place your turkey in a large pot or brining bag. Pour the cooled brine over the turkey, ensuring it is fully submerged. Add extra water if needed to cover the turkey completely. - Let It Rest:
Cover the pot and let the turkey sit in the brine overnight, or for at least 12 hours. This will allow the turkey to absorb all the delicious flavors, making it juicy and flavorful when roasted.
Notes
Tips for Success:
- Choose the Right Turkey: Opt for a fresh, organic turkey for the best results. If using a frozen turkey, make sure it’s fully thawed before brining.
- Don’t Overbrine: More is not always better. Overbrining can lead to a turkey that’s too salty. Stick to the recommended time for best results.
- Rinse Before Roasting: Before cooking, rinse the turkey thoroughly under cold water to remove excess brine. Pat dry with paper towels.
Why This Brine?
This brine recipe has been a family favorite since 2015, bringing together the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy. The tamari adds a unique depth of flavor, while the sage and garlic provide that classic holiday aroma we all love. Whether you’re cooking for a small family gathering or a large holiday feast, this brine will ensure your turkey is the star of the table.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (including boiling the water and mixing the ingredients)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (to bring the water and tamari to a boil and dissolve the ingredients)
- Brining Time: 12 hours (overnight brining)
- Total Time: 12 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: Enough brine for a turkey up to 20 pounds
Nutrition
- Serving Size: based on a 4 oz. serving of turkey
- Calories: 20-30 kcal
- Sugar: 1-2g
- Sodium: 500-700mg
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1-2g
- Protein: 0g