Orange Turkey Brine

This brine features citrus flavors to help make your Thanksgiving turkey even more memorable.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 697 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 lime, sliced
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
• 1 ½ gallons water
• 1 cup kosher salt
• 1 orange, sliced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine the orange juice concentrate, orange slices, lemon slices, lime slices, thyme, pepper, garlic, bay leaves, salt, and water in a large stockpot; bring to a boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

Step 2

Wash and dry your turkey. Make sure you have removed the innards. Place the turkey, breast down, into the brine. Make sure that the cavity gets filled. Place the bucket in the refrigerator. Allow turkey to marinate 1 to 2 days before cooking. Remove the turkey carefully. Drain and discard the excess brine and pat dry.

Step 3

Cook the turkey as desired reserving the drippings for gravy. Keep in mind that brined turkeys cook 20 to 30 minutes faster.