Go Back
+ servings
Deeply Caramelized Brown Sugar Turkey Brine
Achieve a breathtaking, magazine-worthy holiday bird! This rich, molasses-infused soak uses the deep, warm sweetness of dark brown sugar to lock in essential moisture while creating a gorgeous, slightly glazed, crackling mahogany skin as it roasts in the oven.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 gallon Water (for the boiling phase)
  • 1 cup Kosher salt (essential for the brining process)
  • 1 cup Dark brown sugar (firmly packed, for that rich molasses flavor)
  • 1 tbsp Black peppercorns (whole)
  • 1 tsp Whole cloves (adds a wonderfully warm autumn spice)
  • 2 whole Bay leaves
  • 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, firmly packed dark brown sugar, whole black peppercorns, whole cloves, and bay leaves.
  • Place the pot over medium-high heat. Bring the sweet and savory mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until the Kosher salt and brown sugar have completely dissolved into the water (about 5-10 minutes).
  • Remove the pot from the heat. Let the spices steep in the hot liquid as it cools slightly at room temperature.
  • Pour the brown sugar 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 fully covered.
  • Transfer to the refrigerator and let the bird soak for 12 to 24 hours to absorb all that moisture and sweet flavor.
  • Remove the turkey from the liquid and discard the brine entirely. Pat the bird incredibly dry inside and out with paper towels before roasting to guarantee a spectacularly crispy, caramelized skin.

Nutrition

Calories: 218kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 0.4gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.03gSodium: 28405mgPotassium: 117mgFiber: 1gSugar: 53gVitamin A: 45IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 137mgIron: 1mg
Calories: 218kcal
Meal Type: marinade, prep
Cuisine: American
Keyword: brown sugar turkey brine, holiday turkey prep, juicy roast turkey
Cooking Method: Boiled, wet brine
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!