TURKEY BRINE RECIPES

What is a brine? The real secret to my turkey brine recipes is a method of marinating a food item in salted water in order to increase its moisture content. Amazingly, it doesn't make the turkey taste salty, but nicely seasoned and juicier than you could imagine. You can brine any poultry meat that you wish.

To begin, of course, you have to know how large a turkey is needed. A little more than 50 percent of a turkey's weight consists of bones, fat and skin. Figure on approximately one pound of whole turkey per person, or slightly less if feeding a lot of children. Each person will enjoy about eight ounces of pure meat, using this method. If you like lots of leftovers for sandwiches and casseroles, be sure to factor that in as well.

If you can, buy a fresh, unfrozen turkey for the best flavor. If you have a frozen turkey though, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw completely before it is roasted. A fully frozen turkey can take up to a whole day to thaw for each four pounds that it weighs (i.e. three days for twelve pounds).

Be sure to remove the packet of giblets from the cavity of the bird. These are the heart, kidneys, and liver, and sometimes the neck. You can reserve them to make gravy if you desire.

Following are some of my favorite brine recipes.

GRILLING RECIPES

Are You Smoking or Deep Frying a Turkey Tonight? This is THE best turkey brine recipe to use. The compliments are never ending.....

2 gallons of water
1-1/2 cups kosher salt (NOT TABLE SALT)
1/4 cup homemade worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup homemade brown sugar, packed
3 TBS garlic, minced
1 TBS freshly ground black pepper

Bring the water to a boil and add all of the ingredients. Boil slowly until the salt and sugar is dissolved. Take off heat and set aside until turkey brine is at room temperature.

Place the turkey in the brine and soak in the refrigerator for a full 24 hours.

Place in the smoker, deep fryer or oven and cook until juices run clear. Then call me and I will be right over to eat.

This is another one of my favorite turkey brine recipes.

HONEY BRINE

1 gallon hot water
1 pound kosher salt
2 quarts vegetable broth
1 pound honey
1 (7-pound) bag of ice
1 (15 to 20-pound) turkey, with giblets removed

Combine the hot water and the salt in a 54-quart cooler. Stir until the salt dissolves. Stir in the vegetable broth and the honey. Add the ice and stir. Place the turkey in the brine, breast side up, and cover with cooler lid. Brine overnight, up to 12 hours.

Remove the turkey from the brine and dry thoroughly.

Turkey Brine Recipes back to DEEP FRYING A TURKEY

Turkey Brine Recipes to Miss Homemade HOME

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