THANKSGIVING TURKEY BRINE

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Thanksgiving Turkey Brine image

Recipe courtesy Alex Guarnaschelli 2009 Show: Dear Food Network Episode: Dear Food Network: Top 10 Thanksgiving Problems Solved

Provided by ElizabethKnicely

Categories     Whole Turkey

Time 15h45m

Yield 14 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

6 quarts tap water
1 lb kosher salt
1 cup molasses
2 cups honey
1 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon dried red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon dried sage
1 large bunch fresh thyme
2 heads garlic, broken into individual cloves, unpeeled
5 lbs ice cubes
1 (14 -18 lb) turkey, cleaned, innards removed
1 lb unsalted butter, softened
2 lemons, zested

Steps:

  • In a medium pot, bring 3 quarts of the tap water to a boil over medium heat. Put the kosher salt in a large bowl and slowly (and carefully!) pour the boiling water over the salt. Stir to blend.
  • Add the molasses, honey, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, sage, thyme and garlic to the salt and water mixture. Stir to blend. Add the remaining 3 quarts of cool water. Add the ice to a cooler or bucket large enough to hold the brine and the turkey. Pour the brine over the ice and use a large whisk to blend all of the ingredients.
  • Submerge the turkey, breast side down, in the brine. Make sure the cavity of the bird fills with the liquid as you are submerging it. Cover the cooler and allow the bird to sit in the brine overnight or for about 12 hours.
  • Remove the bird from the brine and dry it thoroughly with thick (absorbent) kitchen towels. Take care to wipe inside the cavity as well. Discard the brine. Whisk together the butter and the lemon zest. Gently lift the skin covering 1 breast of the turkey and spread half of the butter right on the meat under the skin. Repeat with the other breast. The butter will add extra moisture and richness as the bird roasts.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Arrange the turkey in a roasting pan fitted with a rack. Put on the lower rack of the oven and roast until the internal temperature of the turkey, taken from the thickest part of the thigh reads 170°F on an instant-red thermometer, about 3 1/2 hours. Remove the turkey from the oven to a cutting board or serving platter and tent with foil. Allow to rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1204, Fat 62.9, SaturatedFat 26.9, Cholesterol 378.4, Sodium 14046.3, Carbohydrate 62.8, Fiber 0.7, Sugar 53.8, Protein 96

Red orange
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This recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves turkey. The brine makes all the difference.


Saad Bhai
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I've been using this recipe for years and it never disappoints. The turkey is always moist and juicy.


Akomolafe Oluwaferanmi
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This recipe is a game-changer! The turkey was so moist and flavorful. I will never brine a turkey any other way.


John Ukaegbu
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I made this recipe for Thanksgiving and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved the turkey and asked for the recipe.


Adeshina Oluwajuwon
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The turkey was a little dry, but the flavor was good.


Nura Shehu
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This is the best turkey brine recipe I've ever used. The turkey was so moist and flavorful. I will definitely be using this recipe again.


Nor Mohammad
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This recipe was easy to follow and the turkey turned out great. I would definitely recommend it.


Mehtab adil Adil jan
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I've tried this recipe twice now and both times the turkey has been delicious. The brine is the key!


Gibe Media
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I followed the recipe exactly and the turkey came out dry. I'm not sure what went wrong.


Kenley Thiersaint
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This recipe is a keeper! The brine made the turkey so juicy and tender. I will definitely be making this again.


Nicole Runge
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The best turkey I've ever had! The brine was easy to make and the turkey turned out perfect.


Tammy Fisher
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Finally a turkey recipe that I can trust! The brine made the turkey so moist and flavorful. My family loved it.


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