Citrus-Scented Brined Turkey Recipe

  • 12
  • 30 mins
  • 270 mins

Ingredients

  • 11 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 6 cups unsweetened apple juice
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons minced fresh gingerroot
  • 4 bay leaves
  • 6 cups cold water
  • 1 Member's Mark Turkey (12 to 14 pounds) X Fresh holiday turkey Make holiday meals extra special with premium, all-natural turkey. Learn More >
  • 1 medium lemon, cut into wedges
  • 1 medium orange, cut into wedges
  • 1 medium onion, cut into wedges
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil

Preparation

Step 1

Mince five garlic cloves; halve the remaining garlic cloves and set aside. In a large saucepan, combine the apple juice, salt, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, bay leaves and minced garlic. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until salt and sugar are dissolved. Remove from the heat. Add cold water to cool the brine to room temperature.

Remove giblets from turkey and discard. Place a turkey-size oven roasting bag inside a second roasting bag; add turkey. Carefully pour cooled brine 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.

Drain and discard brine. Rinse turkey under cold water; pat dry. Place the lemon, orange, onion, thyme and reserved garlic in both cavities. Rub oil over skin. Skewer turkey openings; tie drumsticks together.

Place turkey breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 4 to 4-1/2 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 160° (cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly). Let stand for 15 minutes before removing contents from cavities and carving the turkey.
Yield: 12-14 servings.