Prep Time::20 mins
Additional Time:: 10 hrs
Total Time:: 10 hrs 20 mins
Servings::12
Yield::1 1/2 gallons
Ingredients
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1 (12 pound) fresh, whole, bone-in skin-on turkey, rinsed and patted dry
1 cup salt
1 medium onion, cut into wedges
1 medium orange, cut into wedges
1 medium lemon, cut into wedges
3 cloves garlic
4 large bay leaves
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 ½ gallons cold water
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
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Rub turkey all over with salt.
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Place remaining salt into a large stainless steel or enameled stockpot. Add onion, orange, and lemon wedges to the pot, along with garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and pepper.
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Place turkey into the pot and pour in cold water. Cover and refrigerate, 8 hours to overnight.
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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.
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Editor's Notes:
Always brine foods in a food-grade, nonreactive container such as a stainless steel or enameled stockpot, a brining bag, or a food-grade plastic bucket.
Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of brine ingredients. The actual amount consumed will vary.