Best Brined Turkey Recipe

Description:

This Best Brined Turkey recipe promises to deliver the most moist and juicy turkey you’ve ever tasted! Inspired by a Food Network tip on brining turkeys, this recipe has been perfected to ensure a succulent bird every time. Prepare yourself for a flavor explosion and get ready to impress your guests with this fabulous dish!

Cook Time: 4 hours
Prep Time: 24 hours
Total Time: 28 hours

Recipe Category: Poultry 🦃
Keywords: Meat, Oven 🍗🔥

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 1237.9
• Fat Content: 64g
• Saturated Fat Content: 21.3g
• Cholesterol Content: 487.5mg
• Sodium Content: 11857.4mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 17.3g
• Fiber Content: 1.6g
• Sugar Content: 13.9g
• Protein Content: 139.6g

Ingredients:

• 15-20 lb turkey
• 1 gallon water
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup kosher salt
• 1 tbsp whole allspice
• 1 tbsp whole black peppercorns
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 red apple
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
• 1/2 cup butter (for injection, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Brine:

   • In a large pot, combine the water, brown sugar, kosher salt, allspice, black peppercorns, cinnamon, and dried thyme.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
   • Remove from heat and allow the brine to cool completely.

2. Brine the Turkey:

   • Place the turkey in a clean 5-gallon bucket and pour the cooled brine over it.
   • Cover the bucket and refrigerate overnight.
   • In the morning, flip the turkey to ensure even brining.

3. Prepare the Turkey for Roasting:

   • Remove the turkey from the brine and place it in a baking pan.
   • On a microwave-safe plate, arrange the red apple, onions, cinnamon sticks, and fresh thyme or rosemary. Sprinkle with about 1/4 cup of water and microwave on high for 7 minutes.
   • Stuff the apple, onions, cinnamon sticks, and fresh herbs inside the turkey.
   • If desired, inject the turkey with melted butter infused with garlic cloves, thyme, rosemary, peppercorns, or cinnamon sticks. (Optional)

4. Roast the Turkey:

   • Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C).
   • Cook the turkey for 30 minutes or until it is nicely browned.
   • Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C), cover the turkey with heavy-duty foil, and continue baking for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 161°F (72°C).

5. Rest and Serve:

   • Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for about 20 minutes before carving.
   • Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, corn, biscuits, cornbread, peas, or just bread.

Additional Tips:

• For the injection butter, slowly melt the butter in a small saucepan with your choice of garlic cloves, thyme, rosemary, peppercorns, or cinnamon sticks. Strain before injecting into the turkey.

With this Best Brined Turkey recipe, you’re sure to impress your family and friends with a perfectly cooked, flavorful bird that will have them coming back for seconds and thirds! Enjoy the culinary journey and savor every bite of this masterpiece. 🍽️👨‍🍳