The Best Brined Turkey

Blogger, Catherine McCord of weelicious.com shares a recipe. Best Brined Turkey creates a moist, delicious and unforgettable turkey. Try it.

Prep Time: 18 hours 20 min
Total Time: 21 hours 0 min
Makes: 8 - 10 servings

(16 ratings)

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How-To Make The Best Brined Turkey

Blogger, Catherine McCord of weelicious.com shares a recipe. Best Brined Turkey creates a moist, delicious and unforgettable turkey. Try it.

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20	cups water (5 quarts)
1	cup sugar
1	cup salt (preferably kosher)
1	turkey (10-12 lb), defrosted if frozen
4	cloves
4	bay leaves
1	tablespoon vegetable or canola oil

1.	In a large stockpot, heat 4 cups of water; sdd sugar and salt. Stir until dissolved. Add 16 cups cold water, cloves and bay leaves (2 cups of ice can be added to make sure water is cold). Stir to combine.
2.	Urwrap turkey; wash the turkey inside and out. Place breast side down in the stockpot with brine; water will just cover the turkey. Refrigerate 18-24 hours.
3.	Preheat the oven to 450°F. Take the turkey out of the stock pot; rinse the inside and out with cold water discarding brine. Place the turkey on a roasting rack inside a wide low pan, blotting the turkey with a paper towel. Tuck back the wings and rub the skin of the turkey with the oil. Roast on the lowest rack of the oven for 30 minutes.
4.	Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Pour 1 cup of water into the pan and place a piece of foil just over the breast of the turkey to cover for even roasting. Continue to roast for an additional hour.
5.	Remove the foil from the breast and cook another 15-30 minutes. Insert a meat thermometer into the deepest part of the thigh (avoiding the bone) to reach a temperature of 160-165 degrees. The turkey will actually continue to cook a little even after you take it out of the oven.
6.	Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes (this is an essential step to allow the juices to redistribute and settle). Serve.

Tips from blogger, Catherine McCord

- Brining – “a technique whereby meat is soaked in brine which tenderizes, moisturizes and flavors the meat, as well as reduces the cooking time.” (Food Lover’s Companion – Herbst and Herbst) - Brine overnight – at least 18-24 hours; be sure brine completely covers the turkey. - I recommend brining in a 12-quart stockpot or food safe bag that can accommodate the turkey and the brine. - Turkey – how much should you buy? Allow about 1 pound of uncooked turkey per person. - I recommend trussing the turkey - Truss – “ to secure meat with string, pins or skewers so the food maintains a compact shape during cooking.” (Food Lover’s Companion – Herbst and Herbst) - Bake to internal temperature of 165 degrees – take temperature in thigh of turkey. - Brined meat will have a slightly pink tinge – even though thoroughly baked.

Nutrition Information:

1 Serving: Calories 490 (Calories from Fat 130); Total Fat 14g (Saturated Fat 4g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 275mg; Sodium 3760mg; Total Carbohydrate 6g (Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 6g); Protein 84g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 0%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 6%; Iron 25% Exchanges: 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 12 Very Lean Meat; 1 1/2 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 1/2
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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