Can You Brine a Turkey in a Styrofoam Cooler?

Brining a turkey is a great way to ensure a moist and flavorful bird, but finding a container large enough to hold the brine and the turkey can be a challenge, especially if your fridge is already packed. One solution is to use a styrofoam cooler. But is this safe?

Styrofoam and Food Safety

The short answer is yes, you can brine a turkey in a styrofoam cooler. Styrofoam, also known as polystyrene, is a food-safe material. It is commonly used for food packaging, such as coffee cups and meat trays. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using styrofoam for brining:

Make sure the cooler is clean. Wash the cooler thoroughly with soap and hot water before using it.
Use a food-grade liner. This will help to protect the styrofoam from the brine and prevent any potential leaching of chemicals. A large oven bag or a trash bag will work well.
Keep the cooler cold. Place the cooler in a cool place, such as a garage or basement, or pack it with ice to keep the brine cold.
Don’t reuse the cooler for food storage. Once you have used the cooler for brining, it is best to discard it.

Brining in a Styrofoam Cooler: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to brine a turkey in a styrofoam cooler:

Prepare the brine. Choose a brine recipe that you like and mix it according to the instructions.
Line the cooler. Place a food-grade liner in the cooler.
Add the turkey. Place the turkey in the liner and pour the brine over it, making sure the turkey is completely submerged.
Seal the cooler. Close the lid of the cooler tightly.
Refrigerate or keep cool. Place the cooler in a cool place, such as a garage or basement, or pack it with ice to keep the brine cold.
Brine for the desired amount of time. The brining time will vary depending on the size of the turkey and the recipe you are using. Generally, a 12-14 pound turkey will need to brine for 12-24 hours.
Remove the turkey from the brine. Once the brining time is complete, remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels.
Cook the turkey. Roast, grill, or smoke the turkey according to your recipe.

Tips for Brining a Turkey in a Styrofoam Cooler

Here are a few additional tips for brining a turkey in a styrofoam cooler:

Use a large cooler. Make sure the cooler is large enough to hold the turkey and the brine comfortably.
Double-bag the turkey. This will help to prevent leaks and keep the brine clean.
Check the temperature of the brine. The brine should be kept at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
Discard the brine after use. Do not reuse the brine for another turkey.

Alternatives to Styrofoam Coolers

If you are concerned about using a styrofoam cooler for brining, there are a few alternatives that you can use:

Brining bucket. A food-grade brining bucket is a great option for brining a turkey. It is reusable and easy to clean.
Large stockpot. A large stockpot can also be used for brining a turkey. Just make sure it is large enough to hold the turkey and the brine.
Brining bag. A brining bag is a large, food-grade bag that can be used to brine a turkey. It is disposable and easy to use.

Brining a turkey in a styrofoam cooler is a safe and effective way to ensure a moist and flavorful bird. Just be sure to follow the tips above to ensure food safety. If you are concerned about using styrofoam, there are a few alternative options available.

Brining a turkey in a crisper drawer

Some people brine their turkey in the crisper drawer of their refrigerator.

If you are considering this, first make sure the turkey will fit with the drawer closed. (Tip: do this before you remove any packaging from the turkey. ) This will generally only work with smaller birds.

Do NOT use the crisper drawer directly as a brining basin, as shown in the photo below. It would create an open bacteria bathtub to infect your entire refrigerator.

Instead, place the turkey into a food-safe plastic bag that will not leak. For all intents and purposes, this means a large, brand-new oven bag. After adding the turkey and brine to the bag, seal it, and put it in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer.

This contains raw-turkey contamination.

In the unlikely event that the bag leaks, make sure you thoroughly sterilize the refrigerator drawer and its surrounding areas using a solution of water and bleach. Some people suggest to double-bag the bird to help prevent this happening.

can you brine a turkey in a styrofoam cooler

Roasting a brined turkey

When the turkey is rinsed, and optionally dried, put your turkey in the oven, and roast as usual.

Needless to say, there’s no need to salt the turkey before cooking.

How to brine a turkey in a cooler

FAQ

What kind of container can I use to brine a turkey?

When choosing a container for brining, keep in mind that it must be food safe. Bowls (glass, stainless-steel or ceramic), stainless-steel stock pots, brining bags or plastic containers are all suitable.

Is it safe to brine in a cooler?

I have found the best way to brine a bird is in a cooler. The cooler provides space your fridge probably doesn’t offer. It also allows for the bird to be submerged in icy water for extended periods of time. If you are brining just the quartered sections of the bird a Grizzly 40 or 60 is plenty big enough.

What temperature do you brine a turkey in a cooler?

Place the container in the refrigerator for the period of time specified in the recipe. The amount of time will depend on the type of brine you use; however, do not brine any longer than two days and always keep the turkey and brine refrigerated (at 40°F or less). Remove turkey from brine after the recommended time.