People often wonder what kind of containers can be used to hold the brining solution and meat when the topic of brining comes up. A non-reactive container made of plastic, ceramic, glass, stainless steel, or anodized aluminum (as opposed to regular aluminum) is the typical response. The reason plastic containers are so popular is that they are easily found in sizes big enough to accommodate a whole turkey, which is a frequently brined meat.
Plastic is made from hydrocarbons derived from petroleum or natural gas. The hydrocarbons are formed into chains called polymers, or plastic resins. By combining hydrocarbon molecules in different ways, different types of plastic can be created.
Brining your Thanksgiving turkey is a surefire way to achieve a succulent, flavorful bird that’ll have your guests raving. But finding the right container can be a challenge, especially when dealing with a large turkey and limited fridge space Fear not, fellow Thanksgiving warriors, for I bring you a brilliant solution: the humble refrigerator drawer
Why the Fridge Drawer Is Your Brining BFF
Forget cumbersome buckets and overflowing coolers. Your fridge drawer is the perfect vessel for brining your turkey, offering a multitude of benefits:
- Shape: The drawer’s tall sides and deep design ensure your turkey stays submerged in the brine, unlike a wide cooler or container where the brine might not fully cover the bird.
- Size: Don’t underestimate the capacity of your produce drawers. They can comfortably accommodate a 15-pound turkey, leaving you with ample fridge space for other Thanksgiving goodies.
- No Extra Equipment: No need to splurge on a dedicated brining container. Your trusty fridge drawer is ready to serve, eliminating the need for additional purchases.
- Out of Sight, Out of Mind: The drawer keeps your brining turkey tucked away, leaving the rest of your fridge shelves free for all the other Thanksgiving essentials.
- Perfect Temperature: No need to worry about maintaining the correct temperature. Your fridge keeps the brine consistently cool, eliminating the hassle of adding ice like you would with a cooler.
Brining in the Drawer: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Size Check: Before you get started, ensure your turkey fits comfortably in the drawer. Place the turkey in its packaging and test it out. If it’s a tight squeeze, consider a smaller turkey or a different brining method.
- Clean and Inspect: Give your drawer a thorough cleaning and check for any cracks or leaks. A leaky drawer is the last thing you want when dealing with a brining turkey.
- Bag It Up (Optional): While not mandatory, using a brining bag can make things easier. Line the drawer with the bag, ensuring it’s loose enough to accommodate the turkey and brine.
- Turkey Time: Place the turkey in the bag (or directly in the drawer) and pour in your chosen brine. Make sure the brine surrounds the turkey as much as possible.
- Seal the Deal: Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it tightly. A double-check is crucial to avoid any leaks.
- Back to the Fridge: Slide the drawer back into its rightful place and let the brining magic happen. If the brine doesn’t fully cover the turkey, simply flip it over halfway through the brining time.
More Than Just Turkey:
This handy fridge drawer hack isn’t just for Thanksgiving turkeys. It’s a versatile tool for brining other large cuts of meat, like whole chickens, pork roasts, or even brisket. So, the next time you’re planning a flavorful feast, remember your trusty fridge drawer – it’s the secret weapon for brining success.
Additional Tips and Resources:
- For detailed brining instructions and recipe ideas, check out The Kitchn’s comprehensive guide on brining any meat.
- If you’re looking for a brining bag, most grocery stores and online retailers offer a variety of options.
- Remember to thaw your turkey completely before brining.
- Don’t forget to factor in the brining time when planning your Thanksgiving timeline.
- Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process of creating a delicious and memorable Thanksgiving feast!
Not All HDPE Containers Are Food Grade
There is a widespread misperception that all white plastic or HDPE plastic containers with the number “2” on them are food grade containers. This is not true.
You should assume that a container is not food grade and should not be used for brining unless it is lined with a food grade plastic bag if you are considering buying it somewhere other than a kitchen or restaurant supply store and it is not labeled as “food safe” or made of food grade plastic.
Plastic Bags For Brining
There are times when brining in a food-grade plastic bag is more practical and requires less refrigerator space than using a large plastic container.
Regular Ziploc bags can be used safely for brining. Small cuts of meat, such as pork chops or chicken pieces, can be stored in one-gallon containers; a whole or butterflied chicken can be stored in two-gallon containers. Simply place the meat in the bag, pour in the brine, zip it closed, and keep the mixture in the refrigerator to provide support and catch any leaks.
For items like a whole turkey, large food grade plastic bags will do the trick. One such product is Ziploc Big Bags XL. These thick, sturdy bags are designed to store anything, including food, and are made of the same food grade plastic as regular Ziploc bags. They measure 2′ x 1.7′ and hold up to 10 gallons. They include built-in handles and a pleated bottom that allows the bag stand up on its own.
Another product is Reynolds Oven Bag for Turkey. These bags can be used as a liner inside any non-food grade plastic container. In fact, you can add plain water outside the bag to displace some of the volume of the container, thus reducing the amount of brine needed inside the bag.
Stores carry regular Ziploc bags in addition to Reynolds Oven Bag for Turkey and Ziploc Big Bags XL.
Some kitchen supply stores and catalogs sell specially designed disposable turkey brining bags. They are made of food grade plastic, but tend to be very expensive compared to the bags shown above.
You shouldn’t use a plastic bag or container for brining if you know it isn’t made of food-grade material. It is not advisable to use a container or bag for brining if you are unable to verify its food grade status.
Examples include:
- HDPE white plastic containers of unknown food grade status
- Garbage cans or pails
- Mop buckets
- Laundry detergent or kitty litter buckets
- Dry pet food buckets
- Most home center 5-gallon utility buckets (pay close attention to the labels)
- Household storage containers
- Garbage bags
- Any container that has been used to store non-food items like paint, detergent, or chemicals, even if it is made of food-grade plastic
What is the best container to brine a turkey in?
FAQ
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