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Turkey Brine

A savory-sweet turkey brine with brown sugar, allspice, and candied ginger for a juicy bird.

Total time
20 min
Serves
16
Difficulty
Medium
Turkey Brine
As seen on Episode 251

The preparation

8 steps, about 20 minutes start to finish.

  1. 01

    Combine turkey stock, kosher salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, allspice berries, and candied ginger in a large pot

  2. 02

    Bring to a boil, stirring until salt and sugar dissolve

  3. 03

    Let cool to room temperature (flavors continue to infuse during cooling)

  4. 04

    Place turkey in brining vessel

  5. 05

    Pour cooled brine over turkey

  6. 06

    Add gallon of ice water on top

  7. 07

    Ensure turkey is fully submerged (use weights if it floats)

  8. 08

    Brine for approximately 2 days before cooking

lightbulb The chef's notes

“Make sure the brine is fully cooled before the turkey goes in, warm brine starts to cook the bird. Weigh it down so it stays submerged, since anything floating above the liquid won't get seasoned.”

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