Make the best Turkey Brine with this recipe; it’s full of flavorful, straightforward ingredients that will elevate your Thanksgiving turkey to new heights.
There is some controversy for sure surrounding brining or not brining a Thanksgiving Turkey. Having boiled dozens, even hundreds of turkeys over the years, I believe brining a turkey is worthwhile if you have the time.
Bringing turkeys isn’t hard. The extra, easy step of brining your turkey makes it the absolute juiciest!
Only fresh turkeys that aren’t “pre-brined” or “self-brining” should be brined using this wet method, so make sure to check your packaging for specific instructions. You want to find a turkey labeled “Natural” if you plan to brine it.
The kind of turkey you should purchase for brining is usually labeled as “natural,” indicating that no additional ingredients have been added.
Get ready! I’m about to share all of my tips and tricks to make the best turkey brine. You’ll be amazed at what this simple wet brine brings to the Thanksgiving table.
Hey there, fellow turkey enthusiasts! Are you ready to take your Thanksgiving (or any other turkey-worthy occasion) feast to the next level? Then you need to try brining your Butterball turkey. It’s a simple yet magical technique that guarantees a moist, flavorful bird that will have your guests raving.
What is Brining?
Brining is like marinating on steroids, but instead of focusing on adding flavor, it’s all about keeping the moisture locked in. It’s like giving your turkey a spa day before the big event, ensuring it stays juicy and tender even after hours in the oven.
How to Brine a Butterball Turkey: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Choose Your Brine Recipe:
Butterball offers a variety of delicious brine recipes, from the classic Savory Brined Turkey to the tangy Pickle Brined Turkey. Pick one that suits your taste and dietary preferences.
2. Prep Your Turkey:
Grab your fresh or thawed Butterball turkey and remove the giblets and neck You can save them for another culinary adventure or simply discard them,
3. Mix the Brine:
Follow the instructions in your chosen recipe to mix the brine. Make sure all the salt dissolves completely, and if you’re using a heated brine, let it cool down to room temperature before proceeding.
4. Submerge Your Turkey:
Find a large container (food-grade plastic, stainless steel, or glass) or a brining bag that can comfortably accommodate your turkey. Place the turkey, breast-side down, in the container and pour the brine over it, ensuring it’s completely submerged.
5. Fridge Time:
Pop the container with your brining turkey into the refrigerator and let it hang out for the specified time in the recipe. This could range from a few hours to overnight, depending on your chosen recipe and the size of your turkey.
6. Rinse and Dry:
After the brining time is up, remove the turkey from the brine and give it a good rinse under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels before proceeding to cook it as desired.
Brining Tips and Tricks:
- Don’t skip the rinsing: While the brine adds flavor, it can also be a bit salty. Rinsing the turkey before cooking ensures a balanced taste.
- Use a brining bag for convenience: Brining bags are a great option for easy cleanup and space-saving storage in your fridge.
- Brining works for other meats too: This technique isn’t just for turkeys! You can brine chicken, pork, or even fish for a juicy and flavorful result.
- Experiment with different flavors: Once you’ve mastered the basic brining technique, feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and even fruits to create your own signature brines.
Butterball’s Got Your Back:
If you have any questions about brining your Butterball turkey, don’t hesitate to reach out to their Turkey Talk-Line® at 1-800-BUTTERBALL. Their team of turkey experts is always happy to help you achieve turkey-tastic results.
So, there you have it! Now you’re equipped with the knowledge and confidence to brine your Butterball turkey like a pro. Get ready to impress your guests with a juicy, flavorful bird that will be the star of the show. Happy brining and happy feasting!
How to Make Turkey Brine
It’s simple to make the best turkey brine by combining all the ingredients and heating them until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
- Mix: Combine the remaining ingredients, brown sugar, salt, and four cups of water in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Bring to a boil while whisking to fully dissolve the salt and sugar.
- Add Additional Water: Add the remaining water and let the brine cool all the way to room temperature. It’s super important that the brine is cool. Refrigerate if necessary.
If you are in a rush, you can expedite the cooling process by substituting ice cubes for water in the second step.
Change the liquid: Fruit juice (orange or apple) can be used to replace some of the water.
Use other citrus: Lemon slices are good in place of or in addition to the orange slices.
Herbs: If you can’t find fresh herbs, you can use dried instead. You can also leave the herbs out entirely if you prefer.
How to Brine a Turkey
- Immerse the Turkey: Using a brining bag or bucket as previously mentioned, add the turkey to the fully cooled brine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours. A larger turkey will require brining for at least 24 hours. At this point, you can add more water if the turkey isn’t completely submerged.
- Prepare for Roasting: Remove the turkey from the brine and set it on a wire rack to allow the liquid to drip off before roasting. Use paper towels to pat dry. Let the turkey air dry in the refrigerator for at least one to two hours, or overnight, to guarantee crispy skin.
- Roast: After brining, roast the turkey according to your recipe. Need a great recipe? Use these Roast Turkey Instructions.
How To Brine a Turkey with Chef Tony
FAQ
Can Butterball turkey be brined?
What percentage of brine is in Butterball?