Video: How to Brine a Turkey

Discover the surprisingly simple secret to juicy, flavorful turkey.

95,309 Plays

A moist roasted turkey is a marvel. In this video, you’ll learn how to brine a turkey, the surprisingly simple secret to getting juicy, flavorful, very moist roast turkey. We’ll show you to how to make saltwater brines that actually helps the turkey hold its juices. Brining a turkey couldn’t be easier. All you need is a large pot, water, and salt. Of course, you can also add extra ingredients like brown sugar, black pepper, or fresh herbs like rosemary, tarragon, and thyme, which will infuse even more flavor into the turkey. You’ll learn how long to store the soaking turkey in the fridge and get tips on rinsing and patting the bird nice and dry before roasting, grilling, or smoking your turkey. It’s simple! Find top-rated recipes for roast turkey.

Related Recipes & Articles

Citrus Turkey Brine

Fruity Tutti Turkey Brine

Sugar Free Citrus Turkey Brine

Comments

Add a comment View all comments »

MrsFisher0729

Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)

Apr. 15, 2012 5:20 pm

I used this video to help me prep my turkey for my last Thanksgiving! Best turkey ever!

Kickstand

Nov. 24, 2011 5:07 pm

OOPS...1/2 stick of butter and add 1/2 to each side of breast...Enjoy

Kickstand

Nov. 24, 2011 5:03 pm

billbird2011...I agree with you 100% on the salt...however, pulling back the skin of a turkey ever so gently and adding soften butter mixed with 1/8 teaspoon of poultry seasoning works great...

Lisa

Nov. 23, 2011 4:51 pm

I always brine the turkey. Got a great recipe for it. I have been doing it for years .. and will never go back and cook a turkey without brining the first.

baileycream42366

Nov. 22, 2011 10:58 am

>>>mom4u281....answer is YES...I always "dry" my turkey in the frig for at least 8-10 hours before roasting...doing this will make the skin more crispy...sometimes brining will make the skin soft and rubbery...

baileycream42366

Nov. 22, 2011 10:54 am

A brined Turkey is great,however please remember a brined turkey cooks faster so be sure to start checking your bird about 2/3 of the way...

spydarr

Nov. 22, 2011 2:03 am

Lyn55: Absolutely! Comes out awesome. However, it is imperative that you thoroughly dry it off (inside and out) before it goes in the oil.

cptquinlan

Nov. 21, 2011 5:53 pm

Let a brined turkey dry in the fridge over night, you want to put a dry turkey in the oven. Don't put in oven right after brining.

lynn55

Nov. 21, 2011 10:10 am

can any one tell me if a turkey can be fried after brineing ??

linda

Nov. 20, 2011 8:29 am

I've been brining my turkeys for 5 years. I buy a pack of fresh poultry herbs in produce depart. at meijers it's just the right amount. The fresh herbs taste better than dry. I add them to a regular salt and sugar brine mix. I boil about 3-4 cups of water first to disolve salt and sugar then add herbs to cool. then add remaining water to cover turkey. Leave for 12+ hours. RINSE WELL

Add a comment View all comments »

Recipe Box

Menus

Shopping Lists

See something worth saving?
Register now to save all your favorites in your Recipe Box.