Turkey Brine Preparation

Brining your turkey adds flavor and moisture to your turkey. You can brine a frozen or fresh turkey. Never brine a kosher or self basting turkey, as a salty broth has been added.

Ingredients

  • 1 gallon water
  • 1 cup salt (if using a smaller turkey, cut amount of salt down to 3/4 cup)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 4 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
  • 1 large turkey - 12-20 pounds.

Instructions

  1. Combine water and salt in a container. Stir until salt is dissolved. Add brown sugar, maple syrup, bay leaves and black peppercorns. 
  2. Have your turkey completely defrosted and cleaned inside and out.
  3. Place turkey in a large stockpot or large plastic container.
  4. Pour brine over turkey and place in refrigerator for at least 10 hours, but no more than 24 hours.  When you are ready to cook your turkey, remove from brine and rinse inside and outside of turkey in cold water.  Discard brine. Your turkey is now ready to be cooked.