ALTON BROWN'S CLASSIC BRINED AND ROASTED TURKEY

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image



Alton Brown's Classic Brined and Roasted Turkey image

Number Of Ingredients 15

18 pounds Turkey
3 bunches Fresh Herbs (thyme, rosemary, and sage)
2 Large Carrots, coarsely chopped
2 Celery Stalks, coarsely chopped
1 Onion, coarsely chopped
1 Nonstick vegetable oil spray
2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
2 quarts Hot Tap Water
2/3 cup Sugar
1 pound Kosher Salt
8 pounds Ice (which is a gallon of water)
16 cups Vegetable Broth (128 ounces)
1 cup Water
1 cup Low-sodium Chicken Broth
1 Cornstarch

Steps:

  • Thawing the Turkey
  • Place wrapped turkey in a 5-gallon cooler with a drain spout. Place cooler in a bathtub and cover turkey with cold water. Drain and replace water every 2-3 hours, keeping water temperature below 40°, until turkey has thawed, 8-10 hours.
  • Brining the Turkey
  • Clean cooler with soap and water, then pour in hot tap water, sugar, and salt. Stir thoroughly to dissolve sugar and salt. Then stir in ice and vegetable broth.
  • Unwrap thawed turkey and remove any parts (such as neck, organs, etc.) that may be inside cavity. These may be saved for gravy.
  • Place turkey in brine, breast side up. If your turkey floats, fill a 1-gallon resealable plastic bag with water and place it on top of turkey. Set cooler, lid closed, in a cool place, turning turkey over once if possible, 8-12 hours. Check brining liquid periodically with probe thermometer; if temperature is above 40°, add a few freezer packs that have been enclosed in resealable plastic bags.
  • Remove turkey from brine, rinse under cold water, and pat dry with paper towels. Do not stuff turkey.
  • Roasting the Turkey
  • Remove all oven racks except for one. Set this rack in the next-to-the-lowest position. Preheat the oven to 500°.
  • Loosely pack turkey with a combination of herbs, carrots, celery, and onion. Keep packing loose.
  • Place turkey, breast side up, on a V-shaped rack set inside a large roasting pan. Cut a piece of foil big enough to cover the turkey's breast. Mold piece to breast. Remove foil, then grease with spray.
  • Rub butter between your hands until liberally greased (you may use disposable gloves if desired). Rub butter into turkey. You may need to re-butter your hands a couple times in order to get a nice, even coating.
  • Place turkey in oven, neck end first and breast up. Roast turkey until nicely browned, 30-40 minutes. Apply foil to breast of turkey. Insert thermometer probe directly through foil into deepest part of breast.
  • Reduce oven temperature to 350° and return turkey to oven, foil securely in place. Do not open oven to baste turkey. Roast until probe registers 161° for breast and 181° for thigh, 2-2½ hours.
  • Cover turkey with foil and let rest 30 minutes. Save pan drippings for gravy.
  • Carve turkey.
  • Gravy (Optional)
  • Mix pan drippings with water, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Heat in a small saucepan over medium until thickened.

qute girl3
[email protected]

This recipe is a must-try for any turkey lover. The turkey is moist, flavorful, and the skin is crispy.


Education#7311
education#[email protected]

I'm not a big fan of turkey, but I have to admit that this recipe is pretty darn good.


Mukesh Gupta
[email protected]

This recipe is a bit time-consuming, but it's definitely worth the effort. The turkey is so moist and flavorful.


Saba Fayyaz
[email protected]

I was so impressed with this recipe. The turkey was cooked to perfection and the gravy was amazing.


ChasetheGummies
[email protected]

I've tried many turkey recipes over the years, but this one is by far the best. The brine makes all the difference.


LAGEND BHAI
[email protected]

This is my go-to turkey recipe. It's always a hit with my family and friends.


Taylor Missildine
[email protected]

I followed the recipe exactly and the turkey turned out perfectly. It was so moist and juicy. The gravy was also delicious.


spacegimii s
[email protected]

This recipe is amazing! The turkey was so moist and flavorful. I will definitely be making this again.


Pria Islam
[email protected]

The best turkey recipe I've ever tried. Period.


Md Shahadat
[email protected]

This recipe is a keeper! I'll definitely be making it again for my next holiday gathering.


Saiful hasan
[email protected]

I've made this recipe several times, and it's always a hit. The turkey is always moist and juicy, and the skin is crispy and delicious.


paul anointing
[email protected]

I'm not a very experienced cook, but I was able to follow this recipe easily. The turkey came out perfectly, and I'm so proud of myself!


Bishal Nepali
[email protected]

I made this recipe for Thanksgiving last year, and it was a huge success. Everyone raved about the turkey, and I even got a few requests for the recipe.


Grace mensah
[email protected]

This recipe is a bit time-consuming, but it's definitely worth the effort. The turkey is so moist and flavorful, and the gravy is to die for.


Alme Alme
[email protected]

I've been using this recipe for years, and it never disappoints. The turkey always comes out perfectly cooked, and the gravy is always delicious.


Elizabeth Cruz
[email protected]

I'm not a huge fan of turkey, but I have to admit that this recipe is pretty darn good. The brine really helps to keep the meat moist, and the roasting process gives it a nice crispy skin.


Tatiana Claros
[email protected]

I was a bit skeptical about brining the turkey, but I'm so glad I did. It made a huge difference in the flavor and texture of the meat. I'll definitely be brining my turkey every year from now on.


John Pritex
[email protected]

I've tried many turkey recipes over the years, but Alton Brown's classic brined and roasted turkey is by far the best. It's always a hit with my family and friends.


Towhid Hasan
[email protected]

This turkey recipe is an absolute winner! The brine keeps the meat moist and flavorful, and the roasting process ensures a crispy, golden-brown skin. I highly recommend it!