This Citrus Turkey Brine is truly a game changer. Everyone gushes over brining as the very best way to make your Thanksgiving turkey. However, if you have never created a brine or are intimidated by the process, than this recipe is for you.
You will make turkey every time this way because it generates a juicy, moist bird that everyone loves.
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Making this Citrus turkey brine will change how you make a turkey forever. It is actually science. That will enhance the flavor and it will season from the inside out. And it will change the meat’s membrane and muscle tissue.
This is the best way to make a flavorful turkey.
If you’re looking for more Thanksgiving recipes, try these Sausage Apple Cranberry Stuffing, Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams and Maple Roasted Brussel Sprouts.
With over 200 easy and delicious dinner ideas, you'll never have to worry about what to make for dinner again.
Why We Love This Citrus Turkey Brine Recipe
While brining your turkey might take some time, it is well worth it. You will make this turkey every year.
- Prep: Cooking a turkey, takes time, as low and slow is best, however, making this brine for your turkey is worth it.
- Easy Ingredients: All brine ingredients are found in the pantry or refrigerator.
- Family Friendly: Let’s face it, turkey for thanksgiving is the star of the show, no one wants a dry turkey, therefore this turkey brine adds so much flavor.
- Adaptable: Brine made with different citrus works great. Put the citrus your family loves in the brine.
- Raw Turkey: Remember when using a turkey, follow the guidelines for handling the Bird, Keep the turkey refrigerated until ready to roast.
Ingredient Notes to Brine a Turkey
- Whole turkey: 12-20 pounds
- Apple juice: A good one without additives.
- Kosher salt
- Fresh Herbs & Spices: Fresh Rosemary, Fresh thyme, black peppercorns, dried sage, bay leaves.
- Oranges: Sliced. Or other flavorful citrus fruit.
- Water: 2 gallons of water. (1 gallon of water is 16 cups of water.)
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Variations and Substitutions for Citrus Brine for Turkey
You can add different things to the brine but make this brine with quality ingredients so your Thanksgiving menu is perfection.
- Apple Cider: Transfer the turkey by using fresh apple cider in place of the apple juice for your cold brine.
- Ingredient substitution: how to adapt to dietary needs
- Wet Brine vs. Dry Brine: The wet brine adds moisture, while the dry removes moisture from the skin. Therefore, that is good for deep frying the poultry.
How to Make Roast Turkey with Citrus Brining
While making this citrus brine with Morton’s kosher salt remember to make a quantity of brine to cover the bird when you place turkey in the container.
These are the basic steps for making brined turkey for Thanksgiving. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions and nutrition information. Let us know if you made this recipe.
Step 1: In a Stock Pot and Bring to a Boil
First, add the salt and sugar, juice, fruit and water to a large stock pot and bring mixture to a boil. Then remove from heat, cover and allow to cool completely.
Step 2: Submerge the Turkey in the Brine
Then place the turkey and the brine in a stock pot, make sure the turkey is submerged and cover. Or, if using a brining bag, place the cleaned turkey in the brining bag and transfer the cooled brine to the bag. Next seal bag and place in a container with sides. Refrigerate turkey in brine for 12-24 hours.
Step 3: Remove the Turkey and Dry
Then remove the turkey from the brine, and rinse well. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the turkey to remove any excess salt from the outside and the cavity. Next pat dry and prepare using your favorite recipe. We’ve linked to some our favorite recipes above. Discard the brine that was used.
Recipe FAQs to Wet Brine a Turkey Breast
Expert Tips for Making This Wet Brined Turkey Recipe
- Brine Bags: Make sure you have a large enough container to hold the turkey and the brine. We like these brining bags.
- Frozen Orange Juice: Make with the orange juice concentrate for a punch of orange flavor.
- Garnish: Decorate the bird will fresh herbs and cut citrus so people know the flavors in the turkey.
- Sugar: White sugar or sugar substitute. Brine sounds scary but is easy to adapt.
- Variation tip: Adding ice to the brine will help keep the temperature of the brine, infuse more flavor and Help keep the bird submerged.
What to Serve with Citrus Turkey Brine
Citrus Turkey Brine
Equipment
- Container with lid
Ingredients
- 1 Whole turkey, 12-20 pounds
- 3 cups Apple juice
- 2 gallons Water
- 2 cups Brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups Kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons Fresh Rosemary
- 4 Fresh thyme, springs
- 3 tablespoons Black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon Dried sage
- 5 cloves Garlic, smashed
- 5 Bay leaves
- 3 Oranges, sliced
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large stock pot and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat, cover and allow to cool completely. This step can be done the day before.
- Add the cleaned turkey to a stock pot and cover. Or, if using a brining bag, place the cleaned turkey in the brining bag and transfer the cooled brine to the bag. Seal bag and place in a container with sides.
- Refrigerate brined turkey for 16-24 hours.
- Remove turkey from the brine, and rinse well. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the turkey to remove any excess salt from the outside and the cavity.
- Pat turkey dry and prepare using your favorite recipe. We’ve linked to some our favorite recipes above.
- Discard used brine.
Expert Tips
- Frozen Orange Juice: Make with the orange juice concentrate for a punch of orange flavor.
- Garnish: Decorate the bird will fresh herbs and cut citrus so people know the flavors in the turkey.
- Sugar: White sugar or sugar substitute. Brine sounds scary but is easy to adapt.
- Variation tip: Adding ice to the brine will help keep the temperature of the brine, infuse more flavor and Help keep the bird submerged.