Go Back
+ servings
Bright & Zesty Citrus Turkey Brine
3.67 from 12 votes
Wake up your holiday roast with a burst of sunshine! This vibrant brine uses a medley of fresh lemons, oranges, and limes to infuse the meat with a bright, refreshing flavor profile. It effortlessly cuts through the heaviness of traditional holiday meals while locking in maximum moisture for a remarkably tender bird.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 gallon Water (for the boiling phase)
  • 1 cup Kosher salt (essential for the brining process)
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar (or honey, to balance the tart acidity)
  • 2 medium Oranges (sliced into thick rounds)
  • 2 medium Lemons (sliced into thick rounds)
  • 2 medium Limes (sliced into thick rounds)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (smashed to release oils)
  • 1 tbsp Coriander seeds (pairs beautifully with citrus)
  • 4 sprigs Fresh thyme (for an earthy backbone)
  • 1 gallon Ice water (crucial for rapidly cooling the concentrated liquid)

Instructions
 

  • In a large, heavy-duty stockpot, combine 1 gallon of water, Kosher salt, sugar, sliced oranges, lemons, limes, smashed garlic, coriander seeds, and fresh thyme.
  • Place the pot over medium-high heat. Bring the vibrant mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until the Kosher salt and sugar have completely dissolved (about 5-10 minutes).
  • Remove the pot from the heat. Use a wooden spoon to gently muddle and press the citrus slices against the side of the pot to release extra essential oils from the peels. Let it cool slightly at room temperature.
  • Pour the citrus concentrate into your designated brining container (a massive pot or a heavy-duty brining bag). Immediately pour in the 1 gallon of ice water to drop the temperature fast. Wait until the liquid is entirely ice-cold before proceeding.
  • Submerge your fully thawed, raw turkey into the chilled liquid, breast-side down. Make sure the entire bird is covered.
  • Transfer to the refrigerator and let the bird soak for 12 to 18 hours to absorb those bright, zesty flavors.
  • Remove the turkey from the liquid and discard the brine. Pat the bird incredibly dry inside and out with paper towels before roasting for perfectly crisp skin.

Nutrition

Calories: 162kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 28391mgPotassium: 268mgFiber: 5gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 224IUVitamin C: 76mgCalcium: 144mgIron: 1mg
Calories: 162kcal
Meal Type: brine, prep
Cuisine: American
Keyword: citrus turkey brine, fresh turkey marinade, thanksgiving prep
Cooking Method: Boiled
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!