Delicious Smoked Turkey Brine
Elevate your turkey game with this Smoked Turkey Brine that infuses rich flavors and ensures a juicy, tender bird perfect for any gathering. This simple yet effective brining process combines aromatic herbs and spices, transforming an ordinary turkey into a show-stopping centerpiece. Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or weekend barbecues, this brine will leave your guests raving about the flavor and moistness of your turkey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: Varies based on smoking time
- Total Time: 36 minute
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Brining
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 gallon water
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1 cup brown sugar (dark preferred)
- 2 tbsp black peppercorns
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 6 garlic cloves (crushed)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Ice cubes (for cooling)
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine water, kosher salt, and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until completely dissolved to create the brine base.
- Add black peppercorns, crushed garlic cloves, thyme, rosemary, and lemon zest. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Once cooled slightly, add ice cubes to the pot until chilled to ensure food safety.
- Submerge your turkey in the cooled brine solution. Cover and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
- After brining, rinse the turkey under cold water to remove excess salt and pat dry with paper towels.
- Allow the turkey to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before smoking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (113g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Customize your brine by adding citrus peels or maple syrup for unique flavors. Store leftover smoked turkey tightly wrapped in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.