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You are here: Home / Cooking / Make a Better Turkey – Turkey Brining Recipe

Make a Better Turkey – Turkey Brining Recipe

November 13, 2012 By Shannah 48 Comments

This turkey brine recipe is just what you need for your turkey to come out moist and delicious for Thanksgiving! This easy turkey brine is a must!

Ok, turkey day is fast approaching. Do you have your menu planned? Grocery list made? How about your table setting planned?

As you prep for the holiday, make sure you put this easy turkey brine recipe on your planning list. It will take your Thanksgiving turkey from good to great with just a few steps.

Make a Better Turkey - Turkey Brine Recipe

So, first, what does brining mean?

Brining is similar to marinating but doesn’t use the large amounts of acid (vinegar, citrus, etc) that marinating does. It involves soaking the meat in a salt water solution for somewhere between 30 minutes to several days.

How to brine a turkey?

Brining a turkey is actually really simple. On a basic level, it involves soaking the turkey in a salt solution for several hours.

How long to brine a turkey?

There is really no exact answer on this one. I typically brine my turkey overnight because that is what is easiest. The recommended amount of time is a minimum of 8 hours to be most effective.

Now, some people tend to shy away from brining because they think it is difficult or a big hassle. It really is neither!

Not to sure how to brine a turkey? All you need is some salt, brown sugar, vegetable broth, peppercorns, allspice, and ginger.

How to Brine a Turkey

You will combine all of the items and bring them to a boil. Let the mixture cool completely before adding to the turkey. You can even refrigerate it overnight before adding to the turkey.

Make a Better Turkey

We use coarse kosher salt but sea salt would also work great.

Turkey Brining Recipe

When you’re ready to use the brine, take your turkey and place it in a bucket or a turkey brine bag and add in your broth mixture, water, and ice. Leave it overnight in the fridge to sit in the brine.

Easy Turkey Brining Recipe

When you’re ready to cook your turkey, take it out of the brine and just wash it in cold water.

Make a Better Turkey Recipe

How do you cook a brined turkey?

After you use this turkey brine recipe, you simply cook your turkey the way your normally would. Using the best turkey brine recipe (this one!) you can find doesn’t really change how you ultimately prepare your turkey for the meal.

Simple Turkey Brine

For us, cooking the turkey involves using a turkey brine recipe and then cooking the turkey in a roasting bag. We have friends who love their turkeys deep fried. You pick your favorite.

Best Turkey Brine

How to Brine a Turkey

If you loved this Turkey Brining Recipe, check out these other great Thanksgiving recipes:

  • The Best Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes
  • 13 Ways to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers
  • Quick and Easy Leftover Turkey Curry

Essential items for this recipe:

  • Large pot
  • Bucket
  • Large plastic bag
 

5 from 3 votes
Print
Perfect Turkey Brine
Course: Main Course
Ingredients
  • 14-16 lb thawed turkey
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 gallon vegetable broth
  • 2 Tbsp whole black peppercorns
  • 2 tsp whole allspice berries
  • 1 1/2 tsp candied ginger chopped
  • 1 gallon heavily iced water
Instructions
  1. The day before plan to cook your turkey, combine the the salt, brown sugar, vegetable broth, peppercorns, allspice and ginger in a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the solids. Boil for 1 minute and then remove from heat. Let cool completely and refrigerate until ready to use {you can do this 1-2 days in advance of when you plan to use it}.

  2. The night before your are cooking your turkey, add your turkey to the bucket or bag. Add the ice, water and broth mixture from step one. Cover and refrigerate {or keep cold by adding more ice} overnight and until ready to cook the turkey.

  3. When ready to cook your bird, remove it from the brine and wash it with cold water. Season and cook as you usually would.

sig

Filed Under: Cooking, food, holidays, Main Dishes, Recipes, Thanksgiving Tagged With: Just Us Four Recipes, main courses, Main dishes, Thanksgiving, turkey brining

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Comments

  1. Cas D says

    November 13, 2012 at 3:15 pm

    I have always wanted to brine a turkey… I havent yet because I am addicted to how I make mine… Forever ago I had an uncle that cooked a turkey with beer and onions once… and then never again. I thought it was the best turkey I had ever had. So when I was finally out on my own and did my own Thanksgiving I set about to re-create that turkey. 12 years later I have my version I consider better. I heat a bottle of beer with a stick of butter to melt…wait till it cools and then I inject the turkey all over with the beer and butter stuff it with onions and then salt pepper and butter the skin.. Put it in the fridge overnight and let her get good and soused… I call it drunken turkey..lol. I watched Trisha Yearwoods new show.. have you heard about the no bother turkey? You put it in the oven and cook for an hour and turn it off and let it sit in the oven for like 6 hours… I wonder if that really works.

    Reply
  2. Jessi @ Practically Functional says

    November 14, 2012 at 10:32 pm

    We’ve been brining our turkeys for years now, using a similar recipe, and it’s fabulous!

    Thanks for sharing at The Fun In Functional!

    Reply
  3. ISeeSpotz says

    November 15, 2012 at 12:54 am

    Thanks for sharing! I always wanted to try brining! will be pinning this for later!

    Reply
  4. Barb says

    November 15, 2012 at 2:45 pm

    We’ve tried brining a few times and loved the end result. My dh is the chef for Thanksgiving. I’m not sure if he’s doing it again this year, or just going the traditional route.

    Reply
  5. Ginger Bergemann says

    November 15, 2012 at 4:32 pm

    Yes! We brine ours too and it always turns out soooo good.

    I’d love for you to come link up at my link party this week! http://www.gingerlymade.com/2012/11/show-and-tell-2.html

    Reply
  6. Jo-Ann says

    November 19, 2012 at 1:39 pm

    I have never brine a turkey. After ready your recipe and instructions of how to do it, I think it would be worth trying it. Sounds so good. Thanks for sharing. Have a great Thanksgiving. Blessings, Jo-Ann

    Reply
  7. Christine says

    November 20, 2012 at 5:33 pm

    This looks so good! Yours is the first recipe I found to use broth and ginger…..

    Reply
  8. Christine says

    November 20, 2012 at 5:33 pm

    This looks so good! Yours is the first recipe I found to use broth and ginger…..

    Reply
  9. The Mom @ Babes in Hairland says

    November 21, 2012 at 4:23 pm

    We just pulled ours out of the brine this morning. My husband actually does our turkey because he has a smoker and loves it done that way. He put a dry rub on it this morning & that will sit in the fridge until tomorrow when it goes into his smoker. It makes me drool just thinking about it! Yum! I’m going to have to compare your brine to what he did because now I’m curious! Hopped over from SNAP! 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving & hope your turkey is fabulous!

    Reply
  10. Christina at I Gotta Create! says

    November 21, 2012 at 8:17 pm

    I’ve been hearing so much about brining. I’m featuring you today… you’re a STAR over at I Gotta Create! Thanks so much for linking up with the Wildly Original Crowd at the party.

    <3 Christina

    Reply
  11. Ann says

    November 22, 2012 at 5:25 am

    We are a bit un-traditional, being that my husbands mom is from El Salvador. Turkey is a BIG deal there, and delicious, and we start prep the night before, covering it in dijon mustard and garlic, and a half bottle of red wine. Meanwhile, preparing the sauce made with roasted veggies, pasilla chili peppers, capers, pumpkin and sesame seeds, and a hundred exotic spices. Next day, the turkey is cooked in this sauce until it is fall apart tender. It is served on crusty french bread with a couple of sprigs of watercress. Once I had this, I never went back. The sauce is to die for. Happy Thanksgiving!!

    Reply
  12. Christy says

    November 27, 2012 at 12:12 am

    Were always with family for Thanksgiving, but if I ever get the chance to make my own Turkey I will have to remember this! I’ve seen it a lot of places this year. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  13. Joanne T Ferguson says

    November 8, 2013 at 3:03 am

    G’day! American born and bred, now an Aussie, true!
    I have never brined a turkey, but it always intrigues me too!
    Cheers! Joanne
    Viewed as part of Cathy’s Bloggers Showcase: Thanksgiving (Fall) Recipe RoundUp
    Joanne T Ferguson recently posted…Curious WHAT made “The Campbelltown South Australian” Community HOWL?My Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 19, 2013 at 2:40 pm

      Definitely give brining a try next time you make a turkey {or chicken}

      Reply
  14. DesignedByBH says

    November 18, 2013 at 1:03 am

    I have never brined a turkey before, but I’m not opposed! And for the record, I love Alton Brown!!!! 🙂
    DesignedByBH recently posted…Thanksgiving for Two: Drunken Slow-Cooker Cornish HensMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 18, 2013 at 12:41 pm

      Oh, brining a turkey makes a huge difference in the end result. It is so so good.

      Reply
  15. Amy Desrosiers says

    November 18, 2013 at 8:26 am

    We are totally brining our turkey again this year! It makes it so relish, and flavorful!
    Amy Desrosiers recently posted…Easy No Bake Holiday Oreo Cookie Balls RecipeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 18, 2013 at 12:40 pm

      Brining makes such a huge difference! I don’t think we could go back.

      Reply
  16. Mama to 5 BLessings says

    November 18, 2013 at 8:56 am

    I have never cooked a turkey in my life! Thankfully we go to my aunts she does the turkey we all bring the sides! I like to cook but this would intimidate me! Great job!
    Mama to 5 BLessings recently posted…Comment on Crashing Fun – Jenga Tetris Review & Giveaway by Tenielle SMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 18, 2013 at 12:39 pm

      I had never done a turkey until a few years ago. Now, we host Thanksgiving so I do most of the cooking.

      Reply
  17. Virginia @thatbaldchick says

    November 18, 2013 at 1:05 pm

    Great tips, thanks. Turkeys intimidate me.
    Virginia @thatbaldchick recently posted…It’s Christmas Baker’s Edition Giveaway (12/9)My Profile

    Reply
  18. brett says

    November 18, 2013 at 1:17 pm

    we are a brine family too. and my mouth is watering in anticipation!
    brett recently posted…5 Reasons to Send Your Kid to PreschoolMy Profile

    Reply
  19. Jennifer B says

    November 18, 2013 at 5:06 pm

    I love to brine my turkey! Thanks for the wonderful recipe! I might give this one a try!
    Jennifer B recently posted…It’s All About Her Holiday GiveawayMy Profile

    Reply
  20. Jessica @Bkeepsushonest says

    November 18, 2013 at 5:15 pm

    I have never cooked a turkey in my life but I really need to learn how. Thanks for the great tips!
    Jessica @Bkeepsushonest recently posted…Tips for Photographing Your Own ChildrenMy Profile

    Reply
  21. Pam says

    November 18, 2013 at 5:52 pm

    To be honest I usually just bake it with stuffing inside. I had never tried brining. Thanks for sharing how to do it!

    Reply
  22. Malia says

    November 18, 2013 at 6:34 pm

    My mom usually cooks the Turkey. She doesn’t brine heres though. I will have to share this with her
    Malia recently posted…Radio Flyer Ziggle *2013 Holiday Gift Idea*My Profile

    Reply
  23. Dawn Lopez says

    November 18, 2013 at 7:33 pm

    What a fun idea, I’ve never tried that before… or much with turkey. I am looking forward to giving this a try!
    Dawn Lopez recently posted…Finding Extra Cash in Your Budget for the Holidays & $300 Cash Card Giveaway #HRBlockEAMy Profile

    Reply
  24. Shauna says

    November 18, 2013 at 9:03 pm

    I have never ever brinded a turkey, but I just may have to do it, since you made it sound so easy and yummy!

    Reply
  25. Danielle @ We Have It All says

    November 18, 2013 at 9:59 pm

    I’ve never heard of brining a turkey… interesting. I might have the courage to try this soon.
    Danielle @ We Have It All recently posted…Buy Hormone Free, Antibiotic Free Chicken, Meat and More from Zaycon FoodsMy Profile

    Reply
  26. Amber Edwards says

    November 18, 2013 at 11:07 pm

    I just cooked a turkey last week with a similar turkey brine recipe. Oh my goodness! It was the first time I had ever used a Turkey brine but it will definitely not be the last! I don’t think I can ever do a turkey without a brine again! It was just so much more moist and such a better flavor!
    Amber Edwards recently posted…Why Can’t We All Just Get Along?My Profile

    Reply
  27. Wendy @ ABCs and Garden Peas says

    November 19, 2013 at 1:03 am

    I have been told that once you brine, you’ll never roast without it again! I hear it’s wonderful!
    Wendy @ ABCs and Garden Peas recently posted…2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Safe Sleep with @HaloSleepsackMy Profile

    Reply
  28. kathy balman says

    November 19, 2013 at 8:44 am

    Great tips! we are just doing a ham this year!
    kathy balman recently posted…Sunflower Education – Bulletin Board In A Book ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
  29. Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says

    November 19, 2013 at 2:27 pm

    I’ve never done this before but I can 100% see the appeal in doing it. I might be on board with this next week!
    Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell recently posted…Curry Pumpkin StewMy Profile

    Reply
  30. Debi@TheSpringMount6Pack says

    November 19, 2013 at 8:50 pm

    I have never actually brined our turkey before. But it seems easy enough.
    Debi@TheSpringMount6Pack recently posted…It’s Cold and Grey and I Miss the Lake-Beltzville, PaMy Profile

    Reply
  31. Kristyn says

    November 20, 2013 at 7:31 am

    ooo this sounds like a yummy way to make one!
    Kristyn recently posted…Holiday Ready :: Tweed Jacket & Metallic Gold JeansMy Profile

    Reply
  32. Shanna says

    November 20, 2013 at 11:50 am

    I think I’m going to try this recipe this year! Sound good
    Shanna recently posted…Conquering Holiday Clutter (and Learning Spanish) with the Brother P-Touch Label MakerMy Profile

    Reply
  33. Carmen's Life says

    November 20, 2013 at 2:34 pm

    Seasoning.. a lot a special mix I make and in the oven I can’t stand fried turkey..
    Carmen’s Life recently posted…Free Sample of CentrumMy Profile

    Reply
  34. Nichole says

    November 22, 2013 at 11:38 am

    Sounds so yummy….. But I’m wondering if you still have to season it after you brine.

    Reply
  35. Leslie @ House on the Way says

    November 23, 2013 at 9:15 pm

    Love a brined turkey! Thanks for sharing at the Twirl & Take a Bow Party! Have a great day.
    Leslie
    Leslie @ House on the Way recently posted…Saturday Shopping Pick – Wingback HeadboardMy Profile

    Reply
  36. Liren | Kitchen Confidante says

    November 14, 2018 at 9:42 pm

    5 stars
    Brining is the way to go — we can’t make turkey any other way. I’ll have to try your brine recipe next time!

    Reply
  37. Lindsay Cotter says

    November 15, 2018 at 5:24 pm

    5 stars
    This is a showstopping turkey! Looks so tender and juicy!

    Reply
  38. Toni | Boulder Locavore says

    November 15, 2018 at 11:29 pm

    5 stars
    This would be great to try for Thanksgiving!

    Reply

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About Me

Hi, I'm Shannah! Welcome to My Suburban Kitchen, where you'll find tons of recipe ideas including family friendly dinners, sinfully delicious desserts and even Paleo and Whole30 recipes. I love spending time in our kitchen and also share little glimpses of my life as a wife to one awesome Mathlete and working mom to 2 cute kids! I hope you'll grab a seat at our table and enjoy your time in the kitchen with us.

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