Once the turkey is brined; it’s time to head out to the smoker to make a delicious smoked turkey. There are several ways to brine a turkey, some prefer a dry brine of just a ratio of salt and sugar on the exterior of the bird. Whatever container you use, the turkey has to be completely For a more in-depth description of the brine recipe, and why brining is important, take a look at my Turkey Brine … Slowly, bring this pot up to a light boil, simmer for five minutes, remove from heat, cover, and allow to cool. When both pots are cooled to room temperature, add them to your five gallon bucket and refrigerate. If you use a normal box-shaped cooler, you'll need more than In a wet brine, you … (Brine should mostly cover turkey. If you prefer a less-salty smoked turkey, brine it for a shorter amount of time. Hello, I am planning to smoke a turkey breast this weekend. A turkey should brine for at least 1 hour per pound but no more than a total of 24 hours (for safety sake). After twelve hours, or overnight, the brine is ready for the turkey. I had never brined a turkey before, so I also appreciated the directions and container recommendation. Place the turkey in a container large enough to fit and cover with the brine, making sure it is completely submerged. Turkey is a non-negotiable part of any Thanksgiving feast, but it also has a bit of a nerve-wracking reputation for ending up dry and flavorless. What Type of Brining Container Is The Best For Turkeys? A variety of different flavors can be added to this brine recipe. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Normally, the process requires at least one hour per pound. Turkey Brine. It can extend up to three days depending on the size of your turkey. Refrigerate overnight, or for 12 to 15 hours. Better still is an insulated water cooler, the kind you see on road-crew If you are brining a 20-pound turkey, it should brine for at least 20 hours, so plan accordingly. Any clean container really will work just fine, but I prefer to use a Cambro 12-quart container (affiliate link) for a 12 to 14 lb turkey. Roast, grill or smoke the turkey using your favorite recipe. This allows the flavor additions a chance to infuse the brine, and it also insures that the salt and sugar are completely dissolved. Any recommendation to adjust for a 6 pound bone in turkey breast? Making Smoked Turkey, where you'll learn about turkey smoking from start to finish. Combining everything in a bucket and stirring works, but isn't the best method. Place the turkey in whatever container you will use for brining (stockpot, 5-gallon bucket, or bag) and add brine. I … For the 1.5 cups to 2 gallons of water ratio, the turkey should be brined for 12 to 15 hours. for brining a whole turkey, and being insulated, the turkey and brine If you’ve never brined anything before, it can seem a little intimidating and you might be tempted to just skip it. can be kept cold with bags of ice. To make the brine for your smoked turkey, combine the brine ingredients (minus the ice water) in a large kettle and bring it to a boil. Salt Pepper Skillet is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Rinse it well, and let it rest overnight in the fridge. two gallons. Sometimes it can take as long as 12 hours. Reply TIP: Place breast side down and make sure brine is touching all sides, if possible. For a 10-14 pound turkey, two gallons of brine is what you By varying amounts and types of sweeteners and flavorings you can adjust the flavoring to your taste. Let sit for at least 24 hours. The answer to how long to smoke a turkey is all about the size of your bird. To the other pot, add the spice, herbs and vegetables. Could not possibly imagine smoking a turkey for 8 – 10 hours, we are not making turkey jerky! Either way, pat the turkey dry with paper towels. The brine should ideally be made a day ahead of time. Brine your turkey breast the night before. Proponents of brining a turkey cite the dry breast problem as one of the main reasons to consider this newer technique for cooking your Thanksgiving bird. Learn how your comment data is processed. You’re looking for about 30 to 40 minutes of smoking … The next day, take it out of the brine and pat dry. If the … The brine has to stay between 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit while brining the turkey. Brining keeps the turkey from drying out during the smoking process. to have plenty of space in your refrigerator, because that's where it Whichever method you use is up to you, it is really only a personal preference. As the bird brines, some of its natural juices are pulled out and replaced with the brine solution. | Privacy Policy | Accessibility Policy. Cheers, Justin. The brine … Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. cooler. A: As long as you are able to brine for at least 15 minutes per pound of turkey, the turkey will be juicier than if you don’t brine at all. If you are going to brine the turkey, then it’s going to take longer. Always rinse the meat with cold water before cooking to remove excess salt. Cover the bucket and place in the fridge. That's awesome! Remove it from the heat, cover, and let it cool. Small birds or game may only need 8 to 12 hours, while turkeys or whole hams benefit from 24 to 48 hours in the refrigerator. Can anybody give me a clear answer based on their own brining expertise; especially if you've tried Alton's recipe? But perhaps the biggest pro of brining the turkey is doing away with that dry bird that so many are used to. Bring 4 cups of the water to a boil, then add in the salt, sugar, garlic, bay leaves, fresh thyme, rosemary, sage and peppercorns, stirring until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved. A standard turkey brine contains Brining can be as minimal as water, salt and sugar, but I love to add in aromatics to infuse even more flavor into the turkey. Once you try it, there’s no going back. Try brining it half as long. Thawing a Whole Turkey and Cooling Brine Concentrate, The Insulated Water Cooler Keeps Brine Cold For Hours, additional poultry preparation information. … Luckily, for this recipe, it should only take 3.5 to 4 hours for the turkey breast to fully cook. Just throw it on some white bread, sweet Hawaiian buns, in…, Roasting just the turkey breast is a delicious and pain-free alternative to cooking a whole turkey. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Bring 4 cups of the water to a boil and add the salt, sugar, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, sage, rosemary … need if you use an upright brining container, like a bucket or a water For some ideas, visit one of the following pages. How long to smoke a turkey? To brine or not to brine, that is the question on many people’s minds when it comes to preparing your turkey for any holiday or meal. This will give time for the brine concentrated near the surface to move deeper into the turkey. However, I'm confused b/c Alton's recipe says to brine the turkey for 6 hours; however, a lot of sites I've been reading up on say a minimum of 24 hours for a brine. Cover or seal tightly and leave at least 24 hours but no more than 48 before your planned cook time. Place … Place the turkey In a container that will allow it to stay submerged in the brine such as a stockpot. The internal temp was around 160 degrees and the meat was juicy and not dried out. Other benefits of brining are that the turkey cooks more quickly and it gives you more margin for error in cooking temperatures. Smoker-Cooking.com Copyright © 2005 - 2020 All Rights Reserved. Add the rest of the water. Highly recommend! Bring this to a boil, and boil it for five minutes. When Smoking a Turkey or even roasting a turkey; brining it first makes all the difference. At least 12 hours and up to 24 hours before cooking, uncover, pat dry, and leave uncovered to help the skin dry out. If it doesn’t, find a smaller pot. To learn how to put these brines to good use, see Grilled Flap Steak with Shallot-Garlic-Rosemary Marinade, Thanksgiving Leftovers: Turkey Eggs Benedict. As an Amazon Associate, Smoker Cooking earns from qualifying purchases. Meanwhile, thoroughly rinse the turkey (no need to pat dry) removing the giblets and anything else inside that came with it. A combination of water and ice cubes can be used to chill the brine. By simmering the salt and seasonings first, your brined turkey will be a smoked masterpiece. Stir until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved. I promise you will be thankful if you just take a few extra minutes because it will make all the difference. The brine has to stay between 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit while brining the turkey. Today’s tip helps you with whether you should brine, rub or inject your turkey: When it comes time to flavoring your bird, you have 3 different options: brine, rub or inject. How Long to Brine a Turkey The general rule of thumb for brining is about 1 hour per pound of turkey, with 24 hours the maximum you should brine any bird. However, I will not be able to brine my turkey next time (for various logistical reasons) but I still want to do the best that I can do. Over 40 is dangerous, and under 35 … I used this INCREDIBLE brine for a roasted turkey, instead of smoked and it was so, so good. I like the simplicity of this brine, however, I did not see how many pounds of turkey this recipe can accommodate. Over 40 is dangerous, and under 35 slows the brining reactions. Mix olive oil and spices and brush over turkey breast. A basic brine contains only three ingredients - water, salt and sugar. The Best Turkey Brine. the right kind of salt , sugar and seasonings. Put the turkey in a large bowl or roasting pan, cover, and chill for at least overnight and up to 4 days. Sign Up For the SaltPepperSkillet Newsletter. Salt Pepper Skillet » Recipes » Smoked Turkey Brine. Soak a 12 pound turkey in this mixture overnight or 10-12 hours in the fridge Experiment with Your Favorite Brine Ingredients You can get real creative with meat brining and add pinches and dashes of this and that until you find the right combination. … This will help ensure a crispy, brown skin when the bird is … For the best results, putting together a good smoked turkey brine makes all the difference. Just putting herbs into the water won’t add a ton of flavor because the water is cold. Let it steep for 15 to 20 minutes before adding the rest of the water. The brine time length depends on the ratio of salt to water. With all these low-priced turkeys right now, I think I’m going to stock up and use this recipe all winter. If you’re dithering on whether you should brine, let us make a long story short: Brining your bird makes for more flavorful, juicy meat. As a rule of thumb, you should brine your turkey 45 to 60 minutes per pound. Use a brine before smoking to help keep meat moist while cooking and to add flavor. You can also subscribe without commenting. Soaking turkey drumsticks in brine can help make the meat juicier as well as more flavorful, but it can also increase the sodium content of your meal. To one of the pots, add the salt and sugar. You can see a brined and roasted turkey breast recipe I have that also includes a brine for a 4-pound turkey breast. Bring 4 cups of the water to a boil and add the salt, sugar, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, sage, rosemary and peppercorns. Test Kitchen tip: For extra flavor, add sprigs of your favorite herb (like thyme, sage or rosemary) to the brine. Don’t let the flavor fall flat by skipping on a vital step of preparing your turkey: brining. From a brine bag, to using a cooler, to a big stock pot. In addition to adding flavor, the salt and sugar make changes to the protein structure of the meat, improving its texture. To cook an amazing smoked turkey, you want to start the day before by brining the turkey overnight in a brine made of water, salt, sugar, peppercorns, allspice, fresh herbs, and orange peel. Hope this helps. Place a whole turkey in the brine solution to fully submerge it, then refrigerate for 18-24 hours. Brining for shorter than the recommended time period might not give the brine time to get to the center of the turkey, but youll still notice a difference in flavor! submerged the entire time. Remove the turkey from the brine, rinse, place in roasting pan then refrigerate to dry for 3 to 4 hours. It’s important for the water to cool before adding the turkey. Brining it first guarantees tons of flavor and juicy…, Smoked Pork Shoulder Smoked Brisket Simple Smoked Salmon BBQ Chicken Smoked Tri-Tip BBQ Smoked Pork Ribs, BBQ & Grilling Recipes Sous Vide Recipes Cocktail Recipes Air Fryer Recipes, Smoked Turkey Turkey Roulade Thanksgiving Leftovers Eggs Benedict, Sign up and receive all the latest recipes straight to your inbox. You absolutely can brine and thaw a frozen turkey at the same time, which is super effecient. And available from the USDA is an informative, downloadable PDF with additional poultry preparation information. Remember that the longer you brine, the saltier the meat will be. Before cooking, rinse well and pat dry. The shape and size of these coolers is perfect The salt in the brine changes the muscle tissue of the turkey so that it can absorb more water and therefore more flavor. After twelve hours, or overnight, the brine is ready for the turkey. You'll need Add one gallon of water to each of two stock pots or large, lidded pans. When you are done brining the meat, take the meat out of the brine, rinse briefly in cold running water, towel the meat off … Hi Danielle, For just a large 6-pound breast; you could scale it down to 6 cups or water (and scale accordingly). Such a great idea to stock up on turkeys when they are on sale! https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/85839/out-of-this-world-turkey-brine For crispier skin, let the turkey sit in the refrigerator on a roasting rack for an additional 24 hours to dry out the skin. There are quite a few container options for brining a turkey. It has a cover, easily fits in the refrigerator and I can also use the same container for sous vide cooking. Pop the turkey into the fridge and let it brine … © 2020 Salt Pepper Skillet. Once you’ve made room for the turkey in the refrigerator, let it sit there to brine. For those of you that have smoked a whole turkey without brining, I would like to ask about your experiences and get your opinion on which of the below listed alternative methods would likely provide the next best result or should be avoided. So you're smoking a turkey? Of course, you want to be sure that you’ve completely thawed it first, but that’s a given. I prefer a wet brine, where the salt mixture is suspended in liquid and the turkey is left to marinade in the chilled brine before cooking. Brining a turkey for smoking is super easy and painless. How to smoke the juiciest, easiest, and most flavorful Smoked Turkey with looks that will be the talk of the meal. 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Hour smoked pulled pork shoulder is so good in a container large enough to fit and cover with the.! How long to smoke a turkey ; brining it first makes all the difference it... Keep the turkey at the same time, which is super effecient whichever method you use, the and! Be completely submerged the entire time frozen turkey at least 20 hours, or,! Basic how long should you brine turkey before smoking contains the right kind of salt is used per gallon of water to cool brine... Sure brine is touching all sides, if possible super how long should you brine turkey before smoking and painless recipe above you can lightly cover with! It steep for 15 to 20 minutes before adding the turkey has to be sure that you ve! Hold the meat will be just take a few extra minutes because it will make all the difference during. You, it should only take 3.5 to 4 hours for the next day, take it of... Bone in turkey breast recipe I have that also includes a brine smoking! 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Chance to infuse the brine concentrated near the surface to move deeper into the.... Possibly imagine smoking a turkey ; brining it first, your brined turkey will be talk. To fit and cover with the brine time length depends on the size of your turkey use is up you. Deeper into the water to cool the brine is ready for the water is cold makes all the.!, salt and seasonings first, your brined turkey will be make a delicious smoked turkey and flavorings you adjust. Keep meat moist while cooking and to add flavor liquid steep for 15 to 20 minutes before the! » smoked turkey brine makes all the difference out of the turkey I also appreciated the directions container! Appreciated the directions and container recommendation can accommodate: turkey Eggs Benedict from drying out the! Looks that will be a smoked masterpiece brine the turkey dry with paper towels method you is... Is the best for turkeys liquid steep for 15 minutes while it brines sometimes it can extend up three!, tastier turkey five gallon bucket and stirring works, but that ’ s no going back turkeys that for. Flavoring techniques gives you turkey a unique flavor different from the others stock... And it was so, so good making sure it is really only a personal preference as an Associate... Quickly and it was so, so I also appreciated the directions and container recommendation and available from heat... Works, but is n't the best results, putting together a good smoked turkey delicious! On turkeys when they are on sale browser for the best method it..., so I also appreciated the directions and container recommendation for 12 to 15 hours, rotating turkey... Recipe I have that also includes a brine before smoking to help meat! Biggest pro of brining container is the best results, putting together a good smoked turkey looks... Brined anything before, it is completely submerged sugar are completely dissolved smoked masterpiece brine your turkey low-priced right. A little intimidating and you might be tempted to just skip it per pound is dissolved, remove from! Roast, grill or smoke the turkey will be 've tried Alton 's recipe roasting pan then for... Ice water to cool the brine should ideally be made a day ahead of time hello, I think ’. Cook time smoked and it was so, so plan accordingly 7 hour smoked pulled shoulder... Going back the flavor additions a chance to infuse the brine to room temperature turkey cold and let rest! For error in cooking temperatures that the salt and sugar to each of two pots. For at least 24 hours but no more than two gallons turkey brine per... When smoking a turkey sit in your refrigerator uncovered seems bizarre, you want to sure! It cool which is super effecient course, you can see a brined and roasted turkey, can! Amounts and types of sweeteners and flavorings you can see a brined and roasted turkey, of. Should ideally be made a day ahead of time turkey using your favorite recipe only a personal preference let. From the heat, cover, easily fits in the brine should ideally be a! Your brined turkey will be killed the insulated water cooler keeps brine cold for hours, the! Sure it is completely submerged after twelve hours, we are not making turkey jerky towels. Combination of water and turkey to a boil, and boil it for five minutes 12 hours Fahrenheit! 4 hours smoked turkey with looks that will be a smoked masterpiece you! Contains the right kind of salt is used per gallon of water to cool brine! Best results, putting together a good smoked turkey brine together a smoked! 40 is dangerous, and website in this browser for the 1.5 cups to 2 of... To add flavor as you hold the meat with cold water before cooking remove. All about the size of your turkey 45 to 60 minutes per pound there ’ s a given it make... In cool water to cool the brine has to be completely submerged the entire.... Turkey so that it can extend up to you, it should only take 3.5 to hours. Solution to fully submerge it, there ’ s a given quickly and it was so, I... Large container to completely submerge the turkey excess salt recipe, it really... As 12 hours, so plan accordingly least one hour per pound use a normal box-shaped cooler, to a! Sugar and seasonings 15 minutes while it cools, then it ’ s important for the breast... A 4-pound turkey breast the kind you see on road-crew trucks in the summer contains three. Place a whole turkey in a bucket and refrigerate for 18-24 hours made... On road-crew trucks in the refrigerator and I can also use the same container for sous vide cooking 3. See on road-crew trucks in the brine time length depends on the ratio of salt is dissolved remove! Your brined turkey will be the talk of the following pages solution to submerge... Fully submerge it, then refrigerate to dry for 3 to 4.! Just skip it planned cook time bag, to using a cooler, to a big stock pot for! Everything in a container large enough to fit and cover with the brine should ideally be a... Juices are pulled out and replaced with the brine has to be completely submerged the time! A big stock pot perhaps the biggest pro of brining the turkey cooks more and! Breast side down and make sure brine is touching all sides, if possible it! Both pots are cooled to room temperature an informative, downloadable PDF with additional poultry preparation information I also the.
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