Tara’s Famous Turkey Brine

Ingredients

  • 12 cups (3 quarts) water, divided
  • 3/4 cup kosher salt
  • 1 medium shallot, roughly chopped
  • 1 medium clove garlic, smashed
  • Zest of 1 lemon, removed in large strips with a vegetable peeler
  • 10 thyme sprigs
  • 8 sage leaves
  • 4 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon allspice berries

Instructions

  1. Place 4 cups (1 quart) water, salt, shallot, garlic, lemon zest, thyme, sage, bay leaves and allspice berries in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature, about 1 hour.
  2. Pour the brine into a large bowl or clean tub; add the remaining 8 cups (2 quarts) water. Set turkey in the brine and refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight.

Published on November 22, 2023