Citrus Herb Turkey Brine

Recipe Collection: Dinner

Citrus Herb Turkey Brine elevates your Thanksgiving feast with vibrant flavors of orange, lemon, and lime, complemented by aromatic herbs. This American cuisine staple ensures your turkey remains juicy and flavorful, impressing your guests with every bite. Perfect for brining, this versatile recipe can also enhance other poultry dishes.

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Overview

This citrus-infused turkey brine adds a burst of unexpected flavors to your Thanksgiving turkey, ensuring it remains juicy and flavorful. The combination of orange, lemon, and lime with aromatic herbs will leave your guests in awe.

Diet Type

Gluten-Free

Allergies

None

Cuisine

American

Serving Size: 1 turkey

Cooking Time: 510 minutes

Ingredients

• 1.5 Gallons water
• 12 Fluid Ounces (fl oz) frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
• 1 Cup kosher salt
• 1 Whole orange, sliced
• 1 Whole lemon, sliced
• 1 Whole lime, sliced
• 1 Tablespoon (tbsp) dried thyme
• 1 Tablespoon (tbsp) ground black pepper
• 3 Whole garlic cloves, mashed
• 2 Whole bay leaves

Steps

1. In a large stockpot, combine water, orange juice concentrate, kosher salt, orange slices, lemon slices, lime slices, dried thyme, ground black pepper, mashed garlic cloves, and bay leaves.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
3. Wash and pat the turkey dry, ensuring the giblets are removed.
4. Place the turkey, breast-side down, into the cooled brine, ensuring the cavity is filled with the brine.
5. Place the stockpot in the refrigerator and allow the turkey to brine for 8 to 48 hours.
6. To cook the turkey, carefully remove it from the brine, drain, and discard the excess brine. Pat the turkey dry.
7. Cook the turkey as desired, keeping in mind that brined turkeys cook 20 to 30 minutes faster. Reserve drippings for gravy if desired.

Enjoy your flavorful and juicy turkey!