The days of flavorless Thanksgiving turkey are long gone, as everyone is aware of how simple it is to make a homemade brine to add extra cajun flavor and juiciness to our bird!
We love juicy turkey so much that this month we shared two amazing recipes for it: our sassy cajun turkey brine for those who adore that zesty, southern flavor, and our sweet apple cider smoked turkey brine.
Before roasting or smoking your bird this year, we advise you to coat either bird with our turkey paint, also known as turkey compound butter!
Hey there, fellow turkey enthusiasts!
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and you know what that means: it’s time to tackle the turkey. But let’s be honest, the thought of a dry, flavorless bird can make anyone’s stomach churn.
Fear not, my friends, because I’m here to introduce you to the Cajun dry-brine, a game-changer that will transform your Thanksgiving turkey into a juicy, flavorful masterpiece
What is a Cajun Dry-Brine?
A Cajun dry-brine is a simple yet powerful technique that involves rubbing a flavorful salt mixture onto the turkey and letting it rest for a day or two. This process helps to break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a super-moist and tender bird
And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to do, No need for fancy equipment or complicated steps,
Why Choose a Cajun Dry-Brine?
- Flavor Explosion: The Cajun spice rub adds a depth of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. Think smoky paprika, aromatic garlic, and a hint of cayenne pepper.
- Juicy Perfection: The dry-brining process locks in moisture, ensuring a juicy bird that won’t leave you feeling parched.
- Easy Peasy: This technique is incredibly simple and requires minimal effort. Just rub, rest, and roast!
- No Fuss, No Mess: Unlike a traditional brine, a dry-brine doesn’t require a giant bucket of liquid, saving you time and cleanup.
How to Cajun Dry-Brine a Turkey
Ready to get your Cajun dry-brine on? Here’s what you need to do:
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Zest of one lemon
Instructions:
- Mix it up: Combine all the ingredients in a bowl to create your Cajun spice rub.
- Get rubbing: Generously rub the spice mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get under the skin and into all the nooks and crannies.
- Rest and relax: Place the turkey in a large plastic bag or dish and refrigerate for 2-3 days, depending on the size of the bird.
- Rinse and repeat: Rinse the turkey thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Roasting time: Roast the turkey according to your favorite recipe.
Cajun Dry-Brined Turkey: Beyond the Basics
Looking to take your Cajun dry-brined turkey to the next level? Here are a few additional tips:
- Compound butter: Add a layer of flavor by spreading a compound butter (made with softened butter, fresh herbs, and spices) under the skin before roasting.
- Olive oil drizzle: Drizzle the skin with olive oil for a beautiful golden brown color and extra crispiness.
- Spice it up: Feel free to adjust the spice level of the rub to your liking.
- Get creative: Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique Cajun dry-brine blend.
Cajun Dry-Brined Turkey: The Verdict
So, what are you waiting for? Give the Cajun dry-brine a try this Thanksgiving and experience the difference it makes. You won’t be disappointed!
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the Cajun Brined Turkey-Two Ways recipe from Bobby Flay for even more inspiration.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
How To Prepare A Cajun Turkey
To brine your turkey it must be completely defrosted or fresh. Frozen turkey will not brine because the brine solution can not penetrate frozen meat. Three days prior to starting the brining process, make sure you start defrosting your bird in the refrigerator.
Place the turkey breast-side down into the brine, You will want to rotate larger birds once during brining.
Our cajun brine is a zesty blend of classic cajun spices, garlic, creole mustard, and lemon for brightness.
How Long Do You Leave Turkey In Brine Solution?
Brine overnight and up to 48 hours.
I have even gone 3 days in brine with this particular recipe with good results. We store ours in a refrigerator in the garage, but people in colder climates may be able to keep the brining turkey in an icy section of the garage by covering it.
You should be fine as long as the turkey is submerged in the brine and both the brine and the turkey remain at 40 degrees or lower.
We usually start breast side down and rotate the next day. For optimal flavor, it is recommended to soak for at least 24 hours, but as little as 10 hours will still yield good results.
Remove the bird from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. Discard the brine and cook as usual.
The turkey can be brined for 24 to 48 hours, but as little as 10 or overnight will yield excellent results.
Bobby Flay’s Cajun Brined Turkey | Bobby Flay’s Barbecue Addiction | Food Network
FAQ
Is dry brining a turkey a good idea?
Do you need to rinse turkey after dry brine?
Can you stuff a turkey that has been dry brined?
Do you inject dry brined turkey?
What is Cajun turkey brine?
Our Cajun turkey brine is a dry brine that is much easier to use than a wet brine, especially when you have a whole turkey, because it takes up less space in the fridge. Seasoned butter under the skin adds flavor and moisture to the turkey and bastes the turkey while it cooks.
Can You reuse Cajun turkey brine?
Once it’s been used, throw out the Cajun turkey brine. To avoid getting sick from bacteria in the uncooked meat, you should never reuse marinades or brines that were in contact with raw meat. Cajun turkey brine adds incredible New Orleans flavor to a breast or whole bird. Our brine recipe yields enough for a 12-pound Cajun turkey.
Is Cajun turkey brine good for Thanksgiving?
A combination of spicy seasonings in the dry brine really kicks up the flavor of this roasted Cajun Turkey. The Cajun turkey brine gives the bird a bold flavor that really kicks up any holiday meal. This recipe isn’t just for Thanksgiving dinner. It is perfect for any special occasion or a casual weekend dinner.
How do you Dry Brine a Cajun Turkey?
For a Cajun Thanksgiving, pair this flavorful bird with our rice dressing, jalapeno cornbread, sweet potato crunch, and sweet potato pie. Dry brining means rubbing the turkey with salt, letting it rest in the refrigerator for 24 to 72 hours, and then roasting it. The salt changes the protein structure in the meat, causing it to release moisture.