How to Brine a Turkey - Apple Cider Turkey Brine Recipe
Brining a turkey is a game-changer
As the holidays approach, many of us are looking for new recipes to add to our menus. At Brightview communities, all of our dining service directors, chefs, and cooks strive to bring delicious meals to our residents daily, and we want to share our culinary excellence with you this holiday season. This apple cider turkey brine will be a game-changer! When you brine a turkey it's an easy and natural way to keep the meat moist and tender. It’s important to season the meat so it adds that zest of flavor. This apple cider turkey brine will help to break down the muscle and proteins making the turkey tender.
Why Brine a Turkey?
Turkey by itself does not provide the most flavor, and it can tend to be a bit on the dry side, especially if the Griswold's are hosting! When you add in a turkey brine recipe you're allowing the turkey to soak up all of the amazing turkey brine flavors and adding moisture to the turkey.
What do you need to Brine a Turkey?
It's best to use a fresh turkey for brining. Frozen turkeys are not able to fully absorb the brine because of the sodium solution they use during the freezing process. Granted, a frozen brined turkey will taste better than a non-brined frozen turkey. We hope you enjoy this amazing apple cider turkey brine recipe and instructional video below. Happy Holidays!
Apple Cider Turkey Brine Recipe
Watch our 3-minute video on how to brine a turkey
In a medium size sauce pot mix all of the apple cider turkey brine ingredients. Place on medium low heat on stove top. Bring to a simmer (light bubbling), then turn off stove top. Let sit for 30 minutes and then move to fridge.
Once the apple cider turkey brine is cold place the whole turkey in the pot and cover with the brine. Refrigerate for 18-24 hours.
*Everyone’s pot/container will be different sizes. You can flip the turkey every few hours if it is not completely covered with the apple cider turkey brine or make additional brine to cover the turkey.
Remove from turkey and roast to1 65 degrees. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes. Slice and Enjoy this amazing turkey soaked in your apple cider turkey brine!
The remaining turkey brine can be put in a small sauce pot and brought to a boil, then used to baste the turkey during cooking.