Citrus Turkey Brine Recipe

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Most Helpful Positive Review

Sep 10, 2007

I have always used a plain salt brine for my poultry and decided it was time to try some flavours in the brine...This ia a great recipe! I doubled the recipe and added 1/2 C of brown sugar and used some whole peppercorns instead of ground pepper. I also added a bit of baking soda to the mixture to neutralize the acidity of the oranges and lemons; this helps the brine absorb into the meat better. I dry the bird after removing from the brine and get it into the oven right away; this ensures the brine stays in the meat. The weight of the food on itself begins to squeeze the brine out within minutes of leaving the bath. I've used this brine many times and I'm never disappointed. Works well for whole birds or pieces. Thanks!

—britishcolumbiagirl

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Nov 30, 2009

I doubled the recipe for a 22.5 lb. turkey and put it in a clean 5 gal. bucket to brine the turkey. I always brine because it provides moisture and flavor to the turkey. However, this recipe was way too salty and I couldn't taste the fruit. I added extra garlic, onion and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. If I were to try this again, I'd cut the amount of salt by 1/2 cup. Maybe more fruit could be added as well.

—wilow

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190 Ratings

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Dec 07, 2004

I used orange juice and RealLemon instead of fresh fruit because that's what I had available. Also, used less than a gallon of water. Brined two turkeys, and they were both great. Easily the best turkeys I have ever made. The turkeys themselves were bargain basement frozen birds, not fancy high dollar fresh turkeys.

—MTWALLACE

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Jan 23, 2006

I have been brining my turkeys for several years now using a different recipe, but was not quite happy with it. So I tried this one and give it 10 stars. Incredibly moist, very flavorful the citrus flavor is subtle but there and yet it is still good with traditional sides. I added a sliced orange, lemon, onion, and some garlic gloves to the cavity as it baked. Great recipe!

—ABEACH

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Sep 22, 2006

EXCELLENT! Brined turkey is the moisted and most flavorful I've ever had. I just mixed the salt, citrus and herbs into the water and dropped in my turkey. I also added a 1/2 cup of sugar and some sprigs of rosemary. Try this, you won't be disappointed.

—Nikki

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Nov 18, 2006

I found that if the turkey is too salty that I could change the type of turkey and make a big difference. Butterball adds lots of salt injected in the bird. I like fresh local turkeys the best.

—JOEPOWERS

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Nov 29, 2004

My turkey was superb! I used the brine, then cooked in a bag upside down (on it's breast) and it was the juiciest turkey ever!

—jamieq

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Nov 12, 2005

This is also great cook on a smoker if you have time (9-13hrs, depending on size).You will love what that citrus add in flavor to this bird. I use a tall kitchen trash bag to whole everything in the pot.It also is helpful in reducing the contact with air and other flavors in the frig. I have also use orange juice to replace some of the water, for extra flavor. Now I boil the brine solution and let cool to room temp,then add to plastic bag and let stand in frig overnight. Remember to let stand the next day to get to room temp, then cook as desired. Get ready for a juicey, flavoral, tender treat.

—celiving

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