How To Cook A Brined Turkey

All you need to know about: How To Cook A Brined Turkey.

Preparing the Brine

To make the brine, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 quarts of water
• 1 cup of salt
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of whole peppercorns
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or sage)

In a large pot, combine the water, salt, sugar, peppercorns, bay leaves, garlic, and herbs. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once the mixture has come to a boil, reduce the heat and let the brine simmer for 10 minutes. Allow the brine to cool completely before proceeding.

Brining the Turkey

Once the brine has cooled, you will need to submerge the turkey in the brine. To do this, you will need a large pot or container that the turkey will fit in. Place the turkey in the container and pour the brine over the bird. Make sure that the turkey is completely submerged in the brine. Place the container in the refrigerator and let the turkey brine for at least 8 hours, but no longer than 24 hours.

Roasting the Turkey

Once the turkey has finished brining, it is time to roast it. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry with a paper towel. Place the turkey in a greased roasting pan. Rub the turkey with a mixture of herbs and butter. Roast the turkey for about 2 hours, or until a thermometer inserted into the thigh reads 165 degrees F.

Serving the Turkey

Once the turkey is finished roasting, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve the turkey with your favorite sides and enjoy!