Kittencal's Best Brown Sugar Turkey Brine
Transform your holiday turkey into a show-stopping centerpiece with Kittencal's Best Brown Sugar Turkey Brine, a foolproof recipe for a succulent, flavor-packed bird. This easy-to-make brine combines the perfect balance of kosher salt and sweet brown sugar with the tangy depth of apple cider vinegar, aromatic fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, and the warming spice of black peppercorns and garlic. By soaking your turkey in this rich, deeply infused brine for up to 24 hours, you'll ensure every bite is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you're roasting, grilling, or smoking your bird, this brine locks in moisture while enhancing natural flavors, making it the ultimate secret weapon for turkey perfection. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike.
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Ingredients
- 16 cups Water
- 1 cup Kosher salt
- 1.5 cups Brown sugar
- 1 cup Apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Black peppercorns
- 3 leaves Bay leaves
- 6 cloves Garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 sprigs Fresh rosemary sprigs
- 6 sprigs Fresh thyme sprigs
- 8 cups Ice water
Directions
Step 1
In a large stockpot, combine 16 cups of water, kosher salt, and brown sugar. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar, black peppercorns, bay leaves, smashed garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
Step 3
Allow the brine to cool to room temperature, which should take about 30–45 minutes.
Step 4
Once the brine has cooled, pour in 8 cups of ice water to further lower the temperature. The brine must be cold before adding the turkey to prevent bacterial growth.
Step 5
Place the thawed turkey into a large brining bag or a food-safe container. Pour the cooled brine over the turkey, ensuring the bird is fully submerged. If necessary, weigh the turkey down with a plate or a heavy object.
Step 6
Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for 12–24 hours. For best results, turn the turkey occasionally to ensure even brining.
Step 7
Before cooking, remove the turkey from the brine and rinse it thoroughly under cold water. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
Step 8
Proceed with your preferred method of roasting, grilling, or smoking the turkey. Enjoy your moist and flavorful bird!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (6530.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 951.7 |
| Total Fat 0.7g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 107577.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 233.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 5.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 211.9g | |
| Protein 3.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 556.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 4.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 772.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories