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Easy Citrus Herb Turkey Brine Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 782 reviews
  • Author: Wesley
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Total Time: 510 min
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Brining
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Easy Turkey Brine Recipe infuses your turkey with moisture and flavor, resulting in a tender, juicy centerpiece perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion. The brine combines citrus notes, fresh herbs, and a hint of sweetness from maple syrup and apple juice to enhance the taste and texture of a 12-pound turkey.

Ingredients

Scale

Brine Solution

  • 1 quart water
  • 1 ½ cups kosher salt
  • 2 lemons (quartered)
  • 2 oranges (quartered)
  • 2 fresh rosemary sprigs (needles removed and stem discarded)
  • 10 fresh bay leaves
  • 10 fresh sage leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp whole peppercorns
  • 1 cup maple syrup
  • 3 quarts apple juice
  • Additional water to cover the bird

Turkey and Seasoning Butter

  • 12 lb turkey (giblets removed)
  • 1 cup salted butter (softened)
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (minced)
  • 1 tbsp fresh sage (minced)
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme (minced)
  • 5 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 lemon (zested)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Additional Aromatics for the Turkey Cavity

  • 2 lemons (quartered)
  • 5 fresh sage leaves
  • 5 fresh rosemary sprigs
  • 5 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1 onion (quartered)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Brine: In a large pot, combine 1 quart of water, kosher salt, quartered lemons and oranges, rosemary needles, bay leaves, sage leaves, dried thyme, whole peppercorns, maple syrup, and apple juice. Stir well until the salt dissolves completely.
  2. Add Water to Cover: Add additional water to the pot until there is enough brine solution to fully submerge the turkey, ensuring the bird will be completely covered.
  3. Brine the Turkey: Remove the giblets from the turkey. Submerge the 12-pound turkey in the brine solution, placing it in a large container or brining bag. Refrigerate and let the turkey soak in the brine for approximately 8 hours or overnight.
  4. Prepare the Herb Butter: In a bowl, mix softened salted butter with minced fresh rosemary, sage, thyme, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  5. Remove and Rinse Turkey: After brining, take the turkey out of the brine and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
  6. Season the Turkey: Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey breasts and spread the herb butter mixture evenly beneath the skin to infuse the meat with flavor and moisture.
  7. Stuff the Cavity: Place the quartered lemons, sage leaves, rosemary sprigs, thyme sprigs, and onion inside the turkey cavity to add aroma during roasting.
  8. Proceed with Cooking: The turkey is now ready for roasting or your preferred cooking method according to your main recipe (not covered here).

Notes

  • Brining helps retain moisture and enhances the flavor of the turkey, preventing dryness.
  • This citrus and herb brine offers a balanced sweet and savory profile perfect for holiday meals.
  • The herb butter injected under the skin adds extra flavor and keeps the breast meat juicy during cooking.
  • Make sure to thoroughly rinse and dry the turkey after brining to avoid overly salty taste.
  • This brine recipe is designed for a turkey weighing approximately 12 pounds; adjust quantities accordingly for larger or smaller birds.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pound
  • Calories: 692 kcal
  • Sugar: 19 g
  • Sodium: 14650 mg
  • Fat: 33 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 70 g
  • Cholesterol: 272 mg

Find it online: https://lickplates.com/easy-citrus-herb-turkey-brine-recipe/