Salty and sweet cranberry citrus brine –As the holiday season approaches, one of the most delightful ways to enhance your turkey is by preparing a delicious brine. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe for a Salt and Sweet Cranberry Citrus Brine that will elevate your turkey to a whole new level of flavor. This unique combination of ingredients not only infuses your turkey with exquisite taste but also keeps it moist and tender during roasting. Let’s dive into the details!
Salty and Sweet Cranberry Citrus Brine
This brine is the perfect blend of tangy cranberries and zesty citrus, offering a delightful contrast between sweet and salty. It’s a great way to impress your guests with a succulent turkey that is bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon rosemary, chopped
- 1 turkey (12-14 pounds)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the cranberries, 2 cups of water, orange juice, kosher salt, and brown sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve completely.
- Once the mixture is boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and allow it to cool for about 30 minutes.
- After cooling, add the remaining 4 cups of cold water, black peppercorns, thyme, and rosemary to the brine.
- Place your turkey in a large brining bag or a container that can hold the entire turkey. Carefully pour the brine over the turkey, ensuring that it’s fully submerged. If necessary, add more cold water to cover the turkey.
- Seal the brining bag or cover the container and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, preferably 24 hours to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
- After the brining time is up, remove the turkey from the brine and rinse it under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat it dry with paper towels.
- Now your turkey is ready to roast! Follow your favorite roasting instructions, and prepare for a flavorful feast!
Brining your turkey is a great way to ensure it remains moist and flavorful, particularly when hosting family and friends for the holidays. This Salty and Sweet Cranberry Citrus Brine is a festive twist that will have everyone coming back for seconds—it’s a real crowd-pleaser!