Matt's Fried Turkey Brine

This deep-fried turkey brine with herbs, spices, brown sugar, and a bit of candied ginger adds incredible flavor to your Thanksgiving turkey, and it's so easy to make! This recipe comes from a dear friend of mine who's made his living as a sous chef on a luxury cruise line. When I asked him for a recipe for deep-fried turkey, this is what he shared with me. Makes enough brine for a 16-pound turkey.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 5 mins
• Total Time: 15 mins
• Calories: 66 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1 cup kosher salt
• ½ medium onion, sliced
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 (3 inch) cinnamon stick
• 1 ½ teaspoons whole allspice berries
• 1 gallon vegetable broth
• 1 ½ teaspoons chopped candied ginger
• 1 gallon water with ice chunks
• 1 medium red apple, cored and sliced
• 6 leaves fresh sage

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine vegetable broth, kosher salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, allspice berries, and candied ginger in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Stir to dissolve sugar and salt; bring mixture to a boil.

Step 2

Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerator until well chilled, at least 4 hours.

Step 3

Remove from the refrigerator and add water with ice chunks, apple and onion slices, cinnamon stick, rosemary sprigs, and sage leaves. Stir in remaining 1 cup water and brine is ready to use.