11/24/2025
To brine or not to brine….that is the question…
I think I’ve baked a Turkey with every method possible. Here’s how I decide if I’m going to brine.
I ALWAYS BRINE.
Turkey is a lean meat. Brining (especially a store bought turkey) just makes it more tender and succulent.
Here’s how I brine.
🦃 What you need:
THAWED 12 to 20 pound turkey
1 gallon room temp spring water
1 cup course kosher salt
1 cup granulated sugar
4 cups chicken broth or apple juice
10 cloves garlic, smashed
2 large carrot cut in pieces
1 large lemon, sliced
1 large orange, sliced
1 tablespoon peppercorns
4 sprigs fresh thyme
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
Bunch of parsley
3 bay leaves
🍂 What to do:
Put the water, salt and sugar in a large pot that your turkey will fit in. Have I gotten a turkey so big that it wouldn’t fit in a pot? Yes. Have I used a 5 gallon bucket in a desperate situation? Also yes.
Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve.
Add everything else to the pot and stir. Add Tom the Turkey. If he’s not submerged, add more water and broth/juice until he is.
Cover with a lid or plastic wrap. Place something on top to keep Tom under water (I know that sounds evil).
Refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
When it’s go time, rinse the turkey under cold water and pat dry.
I salt and pepper my bird and slather it with butter before putting it in the oven. I hope your Thanksgiving is the best one EVER (and that every year they get better and better)!