Wet Brine Turkey
Add incredible flavor and moisture to your holiday bird with this easy wet brine recipe made with citrus, apple juice, herbs, and spices—perfect for roasting, smoking, or frying.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: ~24 hours
- Yield: 1 brined turkey
- Category: Dinner, Holiday
- Method: Brining
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2 gallons water
1½ cups kosher salt (preferably Diamond Crystal)
2 oranges, quartered
1 lemon, quartered
1 apple (e.g., Honeycrisp), sliced
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
2 cups apple juice or apple cider
1 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons peppercorns
6 cloves garlic, smashed
2 cups fresh cranberries
Instructions
Prepare the Brine:
In a large pot over medium-high heat, combine water, salt, sugar, juice, herbs, spices, fruit, and cranberries. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve completely. Bring to a gentle boil.
Cool the Brine:
Remove from heat. Cover and allow to cool completely. (Tip: Replace a few cups of water with ice to speed up the cooling process.)
Brine the Turkey:
Place turkey in a large brining bag or food-safe container. Pour in cooled brine to fully submerge the turkey. Seal and refrigerate for 18–24 hours.
Rinse & Prep for Roasting:
Remove turkey from brine. Rinse thoroughly under cool water to remove surface salt. Pat dry with paper towels.
Roast or Cook as Desired:
Proceed with your preferred cooking method—roasting, smoking, frying, or slow cooking.
Notes
Use Diamond Crystal kosher salt for best results; Morton is saltier by volume and may make the brine too intense.
Works with turkey breasts, whole chickens, and frozen turkeys.
Always cool brine completely before adding poultry to avoid food safety risks.
Do not reuse the brine after use.
Find it online: https://allcookedup.com/wet-brine-turkey/
