Brining is simple and it’s the key to moist, delicious turkey that everyone will want more of.
I started brining my Thanksgiving turkey a few years ago and haven’t looked back.
Simply Recipes / Emma Christensen
What Is Brining?
Simply Recipes / Emma Christensen
Brining means making a salt water solution and submerging the turkey for about 24 hours before roasting.
This spa treatment helps the turkey retain more moisture during roasting and prevents it from drying out.
A brine also gives me a chance to season the turkey with herbs and spices, especially the skin!
Simply Recipes / Emma Christensen
Sage and citrus is one of my favorite combinations.
It’s so festive and makes the house smell amazing.
To this, you could add any herbs, spices, or other seasonings that you like.
Simply Recipes / Emma Christensen and Elizabeth Stark
A good, well-seasoned brine gives you some of the best turkey skin you’ve ever had.
Lukewarm is also fine.
You just don’t want the brine to be piping hot when you pour it over the turkey.
Simply Recipes / Emma Christensen
Let it cool before pouring it over the turkey.
How Long to Brine a Turkey
Brine your turkey for 12 to 24 hours.
The longer the better, but honestly, even a quick brine does wonders for the turkey.
Simply Recipes / Emma Christensen
Be sure to keep your turkey covered and refrigerated while brining.
Consider that when makinggravy.
Taste the gravy as you go.
Simply Recipes / Emma Christensen
You may not need to add any salt to the gravy.
If the gravy is too salty, dilute it with unsalted stock or water.
More Recipes to Use This Brine!
Simply Recipes / Emma Christensen
You need need enough brine to cover the meat.
And omit the salting steps in the recipes below.
Remove the giblets and save formaking gravy.
Simply Recipes / Emma Christensen
Strip the peels from the oranges and lemons using a vegetable peeler.
Roughly chop the sage leaves.
verify the bay leaves, peppercorns, and garlic cloves are measured out and ready to go.
Simply Recipes / Emma Christensen
(Save the leftover oranges and lemons for stuffing the turkey during roasting!)
Once boiling, add the salt and stir until dissolved.
Add the orange and lemon peels, chopped sage, bay leaves, peppercorns, and garlic.
Simply Recipes / Emma Christensen
Let the water return to a boil, then remove from heat.
Check the temperature of the brine; it should be room temperature or lukewarm.
If the turkey is floating, weight it down with a plate or other heavy object.
Simply Recipes / Emma Christensen
Cover the turkey and keep refrigerated during brining.
It’s ok if the water is tinged pink.
Roasting time may be shortened; begin checking the temperature of the turkey halfway through roasting.
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