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Thanksgiving Turkey Brine

turkey breast brining in a white pot.
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When it comes to cooking a Thanksgiving turkey, a brine is essential for a juicy, flavorful bird. This simple Thanksgiving turkey brine with oranges, rosemary, and a handful of spices will ensure your turkey is moist and delicious every time!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp black peppercorns
  • 1/2 tbsp allspice berries
  • 1/2 tbsp juniper berries
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary (you can also use thyme or sage)
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • About 2 gallons water

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, salt, sugar, peppercorns, allspice berries, juniper berries, and bay leaves. Heat, stirring, until sugar and salt are dissolved. Cool to room temperature.
  2. Add mixture to a large pot, 5 gallon bucket, or brining bag. Add garlic, rosemary, orange slices and about 1 gallon of cold water. Stir. Add thawed turkey to the brine and add additional water to cover the turkey.
  3. Brine turkey overnight. Rinse turkey and pat dry after removing from the brine. Season and cook turkey as desired.

Notes

  • You can usually buy juniper berries and allspice berries in the bulk spice section of your grocery store.
  • If you're just making a turkey breast (like I show here) you can half the recipe easily.
  • I brine the turkey overnight. You can probably get away with two days, but I really wouldn't brine any longer, or you risk your turkey being too salty.

 

Keywords: turkey brine, easy turkey brine, turkey brine with oranges and juniper berries

Find it online: https://livelytable.com/thanksgiving-turkey-brine/