Citrus Turkey Brine
Description
This easy citrus turkey brine adds fresh, bright flavor to your holiday bird and ensures juicy, tender meat — no matter how you decide to cook it.
Ingredients
•
1 (12 pound) fresh, whole, bone-in skin-on turkey, rinsed and patted dry
•
1 cup salt
•
1 medium onion, cut into wedges
•
1 medium orange, cut into wedges
•
1 medium lemon, cut into wedges
•
3 cloves garlic
•
4 large bay leaves
•
1 tablespoon dried thyme
•
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
•
1 1/2 gallons cold water
Directions
1
Gather the ingredients.
2
Rub turkey all over with salt.
3
Place remaining salt into a large stainless steel or enameled stockpot. Add onion, orange, and lemon wedges to the pot, along with garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and pepper.
4
Place turkey into the pot and pour in cold water. Cover and refrigerate, 8 hours to overnight.
5
When ready to cook, discard brine. Rinse turkey, then pat dry and place in a roasting pan. Refrigerate, uncovered, for 2 to 3 hours. Roast, grill, or deep-fry turkey according to your favorite recipe.