Citrus Turkey Brine

This easy citrus turkey brine adds fresh, bright flavor to your holiday bird and ensures juicy, tender meat — no matter how you decide to cook it.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Calories: 732 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup salt
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 medium onion, cut into wedges
• 1 medium lemon, cut into wedges
• 1 (12 pound) fresh, whole, bone-in skin-on turkey, rinsed and patted dry
• 1 medium orange, cut into wedges
• 4 large bay leaves
• 1.5 gallons cold water

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Rub turkey all over with salt. Place remaining salt into a large stainless steel or enameled stockpot.

Step 2

Add onion, orange, and lemon wedges to the pot, along with garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and pepper. Place turkey into the pot and pour in cold water. Cover and refrigerate, 8 hours to overnight.

Step 3

When ready to cook, discard brine. Rinse turkey, then pat dry and place in a roasting pan. Refrigerate, uncovered, for 2 to 3 hours. Roast, grill, or deep-fry turkey according to your favorite recipe.