Citrus Turkey Brine
This citrus turkey brine offers tangy flavor but also acts to tenderize the meat of the poultry. Treat your taste buds with this tantalizing recipe.
- Preparation:
- Cooking:
- Total:
- Serves: 16 persons
Ingredients
- 1gallon water (divided)
- 1cup salt (or 1 1/2 cups Kosher or coarse salt)
- ¾cup sugar
- 1large lime
- 1lemon
- 1orange
- 1onion (cut into thick slices)
- 4cloves garlic (crushed)
- 4bay leaves
- 1tablespoon thyme (dried)
Instructions
Step 1
Gather the ingredients.Step 2
Bring 4 cups of water to a low boil in a large saucepan. Add the salt and sugar and stir until they are completely dissolved.Step 3
Cut the lemon, lime, and orange into 8 pieces each.Step 4
Add the lemon, lime, orange, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme to the saucepan. Reduce the heat to low and cover. Let simmer for 30 minutes.Step 5
Pour this mixture into a large pot. Add the remaining water (cold) and refrigerate the brine until it is completely cooled.Step 6
If using a frozen turkey, it must be completely defrosted before brining. Place the poultry and brine in a large plastic container. The poultry should be fully surrounded by the brine. Keep the turkey refrigerated throughout the brining time. Brine for 1 hour per pound. Do not brine for more than 24 hours. Thoroughly rinse all the brine from the turkey before cooking. Otherwise, there will be a salty flavor to the turkey.