Turkey Brine

Name: Turkey Brine
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey, up to 18 lbs; 2 gallon water; 2 cup kosher salt; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 0.25 cup sweet paprika; 0.25 cup chili powder; 2 tbsp onion powder; 2 tbsp garlic powder; 2 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp red pepper flakes

Deep-Flavor Turkey Brine with Smoky Heat

This spice-packed brine transforms your turkey from the inside out, building layers of flavor with smoky paprika, earthy chili powder, and a touch of brown sugar sweetness. The magic happens during those overnight hours when the seasoned salt solution penetrates deep into the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy and well-seasoned.

AmericanMeal PrepHolidayTurkey

Prep15 min

Cook—

Total15 min

Servings—

Difficultyeasy

Ingredients

1 whole turkey, up to 18 lbs
2 gallonwater
2 cupkosher salt
1 cuplight brown sugar, packed
¼ cupsweet paprika
¼ cupchili powder
2 tbsponion powder
2 tbspgarlic powder
2 tspcayenne pepper
1 tspred pepper flakes

Instructions

Pour the water into your largest pot and add everything except the turkey. Place over medium heat and stir steadily until the salt and brown sugar completely dissolve — this takes about 5 minutes. You'll know it's ready when no gritty bits remain on your spoon. Transfer the hot brine to the refrigerator and let it cool completely, about 2 hours.
Find a container large enough to hold your turkey and the brine — a clean cooler, large stockpot, or even a brining bag will work. Nestle the turkey inside, then pour the cooled brine over it until completely submerged. If the turkey floats, weight it down with a plate. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, but no more than 18 hours — longer can make the meat too salty.
⏱ 8 hrs
Lift the turkey from the brine and discard the liquid completely. Pat the bird thoroughly dry with paper towels, getting into all the crevices. Place the turkey on a rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate uncovered for at least 1 hour before roasting. This air-drying step helps the skin crisp beautifully during cooking.
⏱ 1 hr