Turkey in Brine

[Chicken Woman]

Are any of you soaking your turkey in brine ? I am but not sure if IM doing it right. I have a 20 lb turkey and put in a cooler with 1 cup of salt and one cup of sugar. Covered with ice. How long should I soak it?

 

[Must Be Losing It]

I'm soaking mine for 12 + hours.

 

[2468Chickensrgr8]

Why do you soak it in brine?....would you rinse it before cooking? Wouldnt the Chicken/turkey taste salty? Just curious.....Should the Turkey be unthawed first?...if your one of the unlucky people that dont have fresh Turks...or you only do this with a fresh Turkey/chicken that hasnt been frozen?..The brine is sugar and water.hm?..and what is the average time you would soak it for....thanks so much

 

[MandyH]

2 cups salt, 1 cup sugar, one small onion, one head of garlic, 1/4 cup peppercorns. Mix all and bring to a boil, let cool, pour in cooler with enough water to cover turkey, soak for 24 hours. We had ours today and this is how I do mine every year and it was DEVINE. I cook my turkey covered, on 225 for 12 hours and it was falling off the bone when I opened it up this morning. JUICY and tender!

 

[Chicken Woman]

I had a fresh turkey and soaked in saltn sugar and water in a cooler with a bag of ice tocover for 12 hours. Then soaked in clear water and ice for 3 hours. Set on counter to reach almost room temp. Roasted covered 2o minutes a pounds with the last 20 uncovered at 325. It was DEVINE !!!!!!!

 

[newchickenfamily]

DH makes an apple cider brine with spices and salt and who knows what else. He soaks if for at least 24 hours. The turkey was AWESOME! I'm still stuffed!

 

[2468Chickensrgr8]

Okay all yee stuffed humans....Can you only soak a fresh Turkey in brine or can you soak a frozen Turkey that has been thawed in brine also????Very interesting...I may just try this at Christmas...

 

[Chicken Woman]

I have done a frozen turkey before and it turned out good as well.

 

[PurpleChicken]

You can do either fresh or thawed. I believv the mixture is 1/2 cup salt to
1 gallon of water. I usuallu use a little more. Salt is cheap.

Great ideas on this thread. I never thought to use sugar.

 

[2468Chickensrgr8]

So why would you use brine...as a flavour...wouldnt the Turkey be salty?