Brined and Roasted Whole Turkey Recipe ๐ฆ
Overview:
Prepare to impress your guests with this succulent Brined and Roasted Whole Turkey recipe! ๐ Juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor, this dish is perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion. The brining process ensures a moist and flavorful bird, while roasting adds that irresistible golden-brown finish. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups kosher salt
- 2 cups sugar
- 2-3 gallons water
- 12-15 lb turkey
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- Optional: Wine for basting
Instructions:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1 | Brining: In a large stockpot, dissolve kosher salt and sugar in cool water. Submerge the whole turkey in the brine, ensuring it’s completely covered. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 5 hours. |
| 2 | Rinsing: Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse inside and out under cool running water to remove excess salt. Pat dry with paper towels. |
| 3 | Seasoning: Mix softened butter with ground black pepper. |
| 4 | Preparation: Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Carefully loosen the skin from the turkey breast and rub seasoned butter underneath. Brush the skin with melted butter. |
| 5 | Roasting: Pour chicken broth or water into the pan to prevent drippings from burning. Roast the turkey at 450ยฐF (232ยฐC) for 25 minutes. Baste and rotate the roasting pan, then continue roasting for another 25 minutes or until the skin is golden brown. |
| 6 | Internal Temperature: Reduce the oven temperature to 325ยฐF (163ยฐC). Continue roasting, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 170ยฐF (77ยฐC) for turkey breast meat and 180ยฐF (82ยฐC) for turkey thigh meat. |
| 7 | Resting: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meat. |
Tips:
- Internal Temperature: Follow USDA guidelines for safe cooking temperatures.
- Avoid Brining: If the turkey contains basting or liquids with salt, skip the brining process.
- Time-Saving Tip: If short on time, increase the salt and sugar in the brine and reduce soaking time to 2 hours.
- Pop-Up Timer: If your turkey comes with a pop-up timer, leave it intact to prevent juices from escaping.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 939.8
- Fat: 44.1g
- Saturated Fat: 15.1g
- Cholesterol: 329.1mg
- Sodium: 19171.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 33.9g
- Sugar: 33.5g
- Protein: 92.8g
Serving and Yield:
- Servings: 10 to 12
- Preparation Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 9 hours
Recipe Source:
This delightful recipe is brought to you by Morton Salt. Enjoy the tender and flavorful result of brining and roasting a whole turkey to perfection!
Now, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to savor the most delicious turkey you’ve ever tasted! ๐ฝ๏ธโจ
