How to Make the Perfect Turkey Brine

This turkey brine recipe will result in a delicious and moist turkey that your family and friends will love. Brining a turkey before cooking ensures that every bite is tender and flavorful. The ingredients in this brine add a perfect balance of flavors that complement the natural taste of the turkey. Whether it's Thanksgiving or any other special occasion, this turkey brine recipe is sure to impress and make your meal unforgettable.

Ingredients

• 1 gallon water
• 1 cup kosher salt
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon dried sage
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
• 1 tablespoon dried savory
• 1 tablespoon dried tarragon
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried dill
• 1 tablespoon dried cilantro
• 1 tablespoon dried coriander
• 1 tablespoon dried fennel seeds
• 1 tablespoon dried garlic flakes
• 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
• 1 tablespoon dried celery flakes
• 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground fenugreek
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper

Directions

1. In a large pot, combine water, kosher salt, and brown sugar. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve.
2. Add bay leaves, whole black peppercorns, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried sage, dried parsley, dried marjoram, dried savory, dried tarragon, dried basil, dried oregano, dried dill, dried cilantro, dried coriander, dried fennel seeds, dried garlic flakes, dried onion flakes, dried celery flakes, whole allspice berries, whole cloves, crushed red pepper flakes, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground turmeric, ground cumin, ground paprika, ground cardamom, ground mustard, ground fenugreek, and ground white pepper. Stir well to combine.
3. Place the pot over medium heat and bring the brine to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors. Remove from heat and let the brine cool to room temperature.
4. Once the brine is cooled, prepare your turkey by removing the giblets and rinsing it under cold water. Place the turkey in a large container or brining bag, breast side down.
5. Pour the cooled brine over the turkey, making sure it is completely submerged. If needed, weigh the turkey down with a plate or a heavy object to keep it fully submerged in the brine.
6. Cover the container with plastic wrap or seal the brining bag and refrigerate for 24 hours.
7. After brining, remove the turkey from the brine and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess salt. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
8. Your turkey is now ready to be cooked according to your favorite recipe. Enjoy!

Interesting Facts