Anyone Brine their turkeys?

[ahutton]

Doesn't it make the meat salty? We never use salt so aren't use to having much and the thought of putting my turkey into a salt solution just doesn't sound good.

We don't think it's salty and we don't use much salt. We follow his recipe exactly - it has been the most consistently good thing we've ever made. They do have low sodium broth which allows you more control over the salt. And we've made a smaller batch of brine and done just a turkey breast too - the key is don't let it go too long. Follow the directions for time too, it matters!

 

[minniecarousel]

Can you still roast a turkey in a cooking bag if you've brined it?

 

[Hrhpd]

If yes, with what??

Yes, we have been doing it forever. The most consistently juicy and tasty bird I have ever cooked. I don't think my family would allow me to go back to the dry, roasted turkey of yesteryear.

I use Emeril's Beer Brine. I have tried Alton Brown's, Williams & Sonoma and a few other recipes, and while have had excellent results, our personal preference is Emeril's. Something about the beer and apple cider just give it a flavor we happen to like.

I have a 23lb turkey to brine this year. We use a large insulated cooler to put it in and the ice is still there the next morning, so I am not worried about spoilage.

This is for an 8-10lb turkey. I usually double the recipe. It does get pricey with 8 qts of beer, but it is oh so worth it!

Ingredients

• 2 quarts apple cider

• 2 cups dark brown sugar, packed

• 2 cups kosher salt

• 1/4 cup black peppercorns

• 1 tablespoon juniper berries

• 4 bay leaves

• 1 cinnamon sticks (3-inch)

• 1 teaspoon whole cloves

• 4 quarts dark beer

 

[okeydokey]

Been doing Alton Brown's turkey brine for years. There are videos online that show step by step.

 

[stitch'sgirl]

I just tried Ree Drummond's recipe this week with apple cider and brown sugar in it. I used to just brine with kosher salt, but this turned out much more flavorful. DS13 ate up all of the breast, so no turkey sandwiches for me!

 

[waddup]

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/good-eats-roast-turkey-recipe.html

 

[nugov2]

I haven't made a full turkey in years because my MIL does thanksgiving, but when I do I brine the turkey. It makes a huge difference. My MIL is a great cook, but doesn't brine the turkey and it is very dry. They aren't big turkey people and make lasagna too. I think they only make turkey out of obligation.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Can you still roast a turkey in a cooking bag if you've brined it?

I wouldn't see why not