How to Brine a Turkey
Intimidated by brining?
Don’t be! Brining your Thanksgiving turkey is the simplest way to ensure a juicy and flavorful bird, and we’ve included the answers to any questions that may arise below. For a quick demonstration on how to brine a turkey, watch our instructional video. Happy brining!
What will you need?
Turkey (up to 25 pounds), fresh or thawed
Brine Mix
Brining bag - included in the Brine Mixes
2 gallons water, divided
How long will it take?
Up to 24 hours brining a fresh turkey
If you're using a frozen turkey, thaw it first and brine for no longer than 12 hours
How to brine a turkey up to 25 pounds:
Prepare brine: Stir brine mix into 1 gallon of boiling water until salt is dissolved, remove from heat. Cool brine thoroughly and refrigerate until the brine is fully chilled.
Add brine: Place turkey in brining bag (included with both flavors of The Spice Hunter Turkey Brine) or in a large container such as a cooler. Add chilled brine and add 1 additional gallon of cool water. Make sure the turkey is fully submerged in the brine; add a few cups of additional water if the turkey is not submerged.
Refrigerate: Keep refrigerated or on ice in a large cooler for 12-24 hours. We recommend fresh, but if using a frozen turkey (thawed), brine for no longer than 12 hours.
Rinse: Rinse turkey with cold water, pat dry, and cook as desired. Note: brined meats cook faster. If you’re used to cooking an unbrined turkey or chicken for a certain length of time, start checking the internal temperature about ⅔ of the way through the normal cooking process.