Beer-Brined Turkey With Giblet Gravy Recipe

Name: Beer-Brined Turkey With Giblet Gravy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 quarts apple cider or juice; 1-1/2 cups kosher salt; 1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar; 3 tablespoons whole peppercorns; 2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches); 4 bay leaves; 1 tablespoon Juniper berries, optional; 1 teaspoon whole cloves; 6 bottles (12 ounces each) dark beer, chilled; 6 cups cold water; 1 turkey (14 to 16 pounds); 2 turkey-size oven roasting bags; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 medium carrots, chopped; 2 celery ribs, chopped; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 1 tablespoon rotisserie chicken seasoning; 3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth; 2 tablespoons fresh sage or 2 teaspoons dried sage leaves

Servings: persons

2 quarts apple cider or juice
1-1/2 cups kosher salt
1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons whole peppercorns
2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)
4 bay leaves
1 tablespoon Juniper berries, optional
1 teaspoon whole cloves
6 bottles (12 ounces each) dark beer, chilled
6 cups cold water
1 turkey (14 to 16 pounds)
2 turkey-size oven roasting bags
1 large onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon rotisserie chicken seasoning
3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh sage or 2 teaspoons dried sage leaves

1
In a large kettle, combine the first eight ingredients. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until salt and brown sugar are dissolved. Remove from the heat. Add cold beer and water to cool the marinade to room temperature.
2
Remove giblets from turkey; cover and refrigerate for gravy. Place a turkey-size oven roasting bag inside a second roasting bag; add turkey. Carefully pour cooled marinade into bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible; seal bags and turn to coat. Place in a roasting pan. Refrigerate for 18-24 hours, turning several times.
3
Drain and discard brine. Rinse turkey under cold water; pat dry. Place the onion, carrots, celery and garlic in both cavities. Skewer turkey openings; tie drumsticks together. In a small bowl, combine the broth, butter and chicken seasoning.
4
Place turkey breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Bake, uncovered, at 325u00b0 for 3-1/2 to 4 hours or until a thermometer reads 180u00b0, basting occasionally with broth mixture. (Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly.) Cover and let stand for 15 minutes before carving; discard vegetables or save for another use.
5
For gravy, add 1 cup broth to the pan, scraping to loosen browned bits. Skim and discard fat, reserving 1-1/2 cups pan drippings; pour into a small saucepan.
6
Chop giblets. In a large saucepan, cook giblets in oil and butter until browned. Add 1-1/4 cup pan drippings; cook and stir for 5 minutes. Combine flour and remaining drippings until smooth. Gradually stir into pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
7
Add the wine, sage and remaining chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes or until liquid is reduced by half. Serve with turkey.

1388

kcal

Calories

Fat

136

Carbs

120

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 25 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 quarts apple cider or juice, 1-1/2 cups kosher salt, 1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar, 3 tablespoons whole peppercorns, and more.

Yes, Beer-Brined Turkey With Giblet Gravy falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Beer-Brined Turkey With Giblet Gravy

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions