Citrus Turkey Brine

This a great citrus turkey brine that will ensure your bird is very moist. You can use the brine on other poultry in smaller amounts.

Prep Time:

20 mins

Additional Time:

10 hrs

Total Time:

10 hrs 20 mins

Servings:

Yield:

1 1/2 gallons

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

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Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

1 (12 pound) fresh, whole, bone-in skin-on turkey, rinsed and patted dry
1 cup salt
1 medium onion, cut into wedges
1 medium orange, cut into wedges
1 medium lemon, cut into wedges
3 cloves garlic
4 large bay leaves
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 ½ gallons cold water

Directions

Gather the ingredients.

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Rub turkey all over with salt.

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Place remaining salt into a large stainless steel or enameled stockpot. Add onion, orange, and lemon wedges to the pot, along with garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and pepper.

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Place turkey into the pot and pour in cold water. Cover and refrigerate, 8 hours to overnight.

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When ready to cook, discard brine. Rinse turkey, then pat dry and place in a roasting pan. Refrigerate, uncovered, for 2 to 3 hours. Roast, grill, or deep-fry turkey according to your favorite recipe.

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Editor's Notes:

Always brine foods in a food-grade, nonreactive container such as a stainless steel or enameled stockpot, a brining bag, or a food-grade plastic bucket.

Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of brine ingredients. The actual amount consumed will vary.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

732	Calories
36g	Fat
4g	Carbs
92g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 732
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 36g	46%
Saturated Fat 10g	51%
Cholesterol 305mg	102%
Sodium 8091mg	352%
Total Carbohydrate 4g	2%
Dietary Fiber 1g	4%
Protein 92g	184%
Potassium 1262mg	27%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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