Description
A simple wet brine that produces juicy, tender, and deeply flavorful turkey infused with citrus, apple, herbs, and subtle sweetness—perfect for holidays and special occasions.
Ingredients
2 gallons water
1 ½ cups kosher salt
2 oranges, quartered
1 lemon, quartered
1 apple (Honeycrisp preferred), sliced
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
2 cups apple juice or apple cider
1 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons whole peppercorns
6 cloves garlic, smashed
2 cups fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Stir until the salt and brown sugar are completely dissolved.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
- Cover and allow the brine to cool completely.
- Pour the cooled brine into a large brining bag or container.
- Add the turkey, ensuring it is fully submerged.
- Refrigerate for 18–24 hours.
- Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse thoroughly under cool water.
- Pat dry with paper towels, discard the brine, and cook turkey using your preferred method.
Notes
Do not brine longer than 24 hours to avoid overly salty meat.
Always discard used brine for food safety.
Reduce water and add ice cubes if faster cooling is needed.
Skip additional salt when seasoning the turkey after brining.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Brining
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (brined turkey portion)
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
