Turkey Brine Recipe

Name: Turkey Brine
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Meat & Poultry
Ingredients: For brine; 1 (12 to 14 pound) turkey, preferably organic, quills removed if necessary; 1 whole nutmeg; 1 tablespoon whole Sichuan peppercorns*; 6 whole star anise; 3 sticks cinnamon; 1 tablespoon cloves; 1 tablespoon coriander seeds; 1/2 teaspoon whole mace (optional); 1 (3-inch) piece fresh ginger, unpeeled, sliced; 1 cup table salt

Servings: persons

For brine
1 (12 to 14 pound) turkey, preferably organic, quills removed if necessary
1 whole nutmeg
1 tablespoon whole Sichuan peppercorns*
6 whole star anise
3 sticks cinnamon
1 tablespoon cloves
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon whole mace (optional)
1 (3-inch) piece fresh ginger, unpeeled, sliced
1 cup table salt

1
Make brine:
2
Remove neck, giblets, and liver from turkey and reserve for another use. Rinse turkey inside and out and pat dry.
3
Place whole nutmeg in center of 9-inch-square of cheesecloth. Using back of knife or cleaver, smash nutmeg. Add Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, coriander seeds and mace (if using), gather cheesecloth around spices, and tie tightly with kitchen string.
4
In large stock pot over high heat, bring 2 gallons water to boil. Add spice package and ginger, then reduce heat to medium and simmer, uncovered, 20 minutes. Stir in salt, remove from heat, and let cool. Strain out and discard spice package and ginger.
5
Place turkey in cooled brine (brine should completely cover turkey; if it doesn't add additional chicken stock) and refrigerate at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours.

No nutrition data on file — estimate from the ingredient list.

No additional tips available.

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

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

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: For brine, 1 (12 to 14 pound) turkey, preferably organic, quills removed if necessary, 1 whole nutmeg, 1 tablespoon whole Sichuan peppercorns*, and more.

Yes, Turkey Brine 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.

Turkey Brine

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