A close-up overhead image of a large tub filled with an organic turkey brine made with herbs, spices, onions, and citrus.
Image shows a large clear bucket filled with an organic turkey brine and plates of ingredients surrounding the bucket on a tabletop.

How to Brine a Turkey

Danielle Kartes
This flavorful organic turkey brine is packed with herbs, spices, and citrus. It's an easy way to add so much flavor to your holiday turkey!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Brining Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 10 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 1 serving

Equipment

  • Cambro Camwear Polycarbonate Square Food Storage container, 22 Quart, Pack of 1

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons black peppercorns
  • 2 tablespoons mustard seeds
  • 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes

Optional (but recommended):

  • 1 head garlic halved
  • 3-5 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 3-5 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 orange sliced
  • 1 lemon sliced

Instructions
 

  • Place your thawed bird into a 20-22 quart Cambro bucket or similar food-safe bucket with lid. Fill container with cool water.
  • Add seasonings. Use a spoon to gently swirl turkey and water to dissolve salt and sugar.
    1 cup kosher salt, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 3 tablespoons black peppercorns, 2 tablespoons mustard seeds, 2 tablespoons coriander seeds, 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon dried rosemary, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon chili flakes
  • Add fresh items and stir again.
    1 head garlic, 3-5 sprigs fresh rosemary, 3-5 sprigs fresh thyme, 1 orange, 1 lemon
  • Soak turkey only 12-24 hours.
  • If you do not have refrigerator space for the container, add ice and make sure temperature does not exceed 40 degrees.
Keyword easy turkey brine, organic turkey brine, turkey brine, turkey brine recipe

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