![Alton Brown's Turkey Brine Recipe Showing Alton leaning on a kitchen counter with a finished roast turkey](https://assets.epicurious.com/photos/6011d4f449e69a1349f54d47/1:1/w_2560%2Cc_limit/14%2520AB%2520Turkey%2520close.jpg)
If you really want a flavorful roast turkey with juicy white and dark meats it’s going to take a little time…but it’s worth it. Aim to get your fully thawed turkey into the turkey brine 12 hours before cooking.
Ingredients
At least 10–12 servings
For Turkey Brine
For Roasting
Step 1
Two to three days before roasting, thaw the turkey in the refrigerator or in a cooler kept at 38° F, tops.
Step 2
To make the turkey brine:Combine the broth, salt, sugar, peppercorns, allspice, and finger in a large stockpot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve. Remove from the heat. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate the brine.
Step 3
The eve before roasting, combine the brine and the iced water in a cooler. Place the thawed turkey (guts, neck, and whatnot removed) breast side down in the brine. Seal up the cooler and use it as an ottoman. Target bring time: 12 hours; flip the bird once about halfway through.
Step 4
On roasting day:Heat the oven to 500°F. Remove the bird from the brine and rinse inside and out. Discard brine.
Step 5
Place the bird on a roasting rack and place inside a roasting pan. Pat the bird dry (inside and out) with paper towels.
Step 6
Combine the apple, onion, cinnamon, and water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 5 minutes. Add to the turkey’s cavity, along with the rosemary and sage. Truss, if you like.
Step 7
Lightly coat the bird with canola oil. Roast the bird on the lowest rack of the oven for 30 minutes.
Step 8
Insert a probe thermometer into the thickest part of the breast and reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.
Step 9
Roast until the thermometer registers 155°F, about 2½ hours.
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Reviews (5)
Back to TopYou may want to correct this: "finger"..... s/b ginger Step 2 To make the turkey brine: Combine the broth, salt, sugar, peppercorns, allspice, and finger in a large stockpot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve. Remove from the heat. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate the brine. I've used this recipe before and it's great!!
Linda
SF Bay Area
12/29/2021
This recipe is a family favorite. The instructions are easy to follow. The turkey is perfect in flavor without being dry. It’s our fourth year of following these instructions. The videos are fun & add to out turkey preparation. Alton Brown brings delicious food to our table. Thank you, Alton!
Ellison Family
American Fork, UT
11/25/2021