Good Turkey brine?

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mrmerck

Fire Starter
Original poster
May 3, 2014
34
13
Hi,

my wife is doing the traditional turkey in the oven and I want to do a turkey breast on the Smokin-it.

Was planning to brine the night before and need a basic brine recipe.

Thanks!
 
here is a recipe of Jeff's for a buttermilk brine
http://www.smoking-meat.com/november-10-2011-smoked-buttermilk-brined-turkey

Here is a recipe for cranberry brined turkey
http://www.smoking-meat.com/november-2010-smoked-cranberry-brined-turkey

here is a butter method
http://www.smoking-meat.com/november-10-2016-smoked-thanksgiving-turkey-lots-of-butter-method

Feel free to search that site for lots of recipes or check out the newsletter! this week was all about brining a turkey!

Happy Smoking,
phatbac (Aaron)
 
Been using this one 25 years and it is being used commercially with great success...JJ

Families Favorite Brine

1/2C Kosher Salt

2T Paprika

2T Gran. Garlic

2T Gran. Onion

2T Dry Thyme

2T Black Pepper

1C Vinegar (Any)

1-11/2Gal Cold Water to cover Chix

1/2C Brown Sugar, Optional

1T Red Pepper Flake Optional

Mix well and Soak the Bird over night or up to 24 Hours.

Remove the Chix, rinse if desired and pat dry with paper towels.

Place in an open container in the refrigerator overnight or up to 24 hours for the Skin to dry.

This will give a crispier skin when Smokng or Roasting...
 
I'm doing the buttermilk brine this year.

I did the "Lots O Butter" Bird last year and it was a big hit.

When you steeped the brine before you put it into the fridge to cool overnight did you pour it through a strainer or just leave it in the "TEA"?
Thanks Mike
 
When you steeped the brine before you put it into the fridge to cool overnight did you pour it through a strainer or just leave it in the "TEA"?
Thanks Mike


I left everything in the tea.

Btw, I just did the buttermilk brine and that was some of the juicest turkey that I've ever consumed.
 
Been using this one 25 years and it is being used commercially with great success...JJ

Families Favorite Brine

1/2C Kosher Salt

2T Paprika

2T Gran. Garlic

2T Gran. Onion

2T Dry Thyme

2T Black Pepper

1C Vinegar (Any)

1-11/2Gal Cold Water to cover Chix

1/2C Brown Sugar, Optional

1T Red Pepper Flake Optional

Mix well and Soak the Bird over night or up to 24 Hours.

Remove the Chix, rinse if desired and pat dry with paper towels.

Place in an open container in the refrigerator overnight or up to 24 hours for the Skin to dry.

This will give a crispier skin when Smokng or Roasting...
 
Im brining my first turkey using this recipe. It already smells amazing. I cant wait to see how it turns out after i smoke it in my mes40. Im planning on using a combination of maple and apple wood.
20181219_194429.jpg
 
That wood will give a good flavor. Enjoy...JJ
 
Bring half gallon of water with vegetable stock (optional - but more flavorful if used) to a boil.

Add
  • 1 cup salt,
  • 1 tbsp Sage,
  • 1 tbsp Rosemary,
  • 1 tbsp Thyme
Once the "tea is made" - cool with ice to make about a gallon of brine.
  • Get a large Ziploc bag that'll hold the bird and the brine.
  • Dump the cooled brine on the bird.
  • Squeeze out the air.
  • Let it sit in the fridge for 12 to 24 hours
  • Pull bird - rinse thoroughly - pat dry (and pop in smoker or do "Optional")
Optional - but I do this every time
  • spray bird with PAM or brush with melted butter and...
  • Season the heck out of it. More than that! I use SPG. Smoke it to within 5 degrees of being done (160 F).
  • I finish mine in the oven at 425F for 10 minutes or so to crisp the skin (if I used SPG option).
  • Tent it for about 10-15 minutes rest before slicing.
 
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