Do you want to add a non-sweet smokey flavor to your turkey with a brine using a recipe from scratch? This one will not disappoint!

Have you ever searched for a turkey brine recipe only to find that for some reason all the recipes out there seem to be packed with fruity ingredients? I may be strange, but I can't understand why you would want your turkey to taste like oranges, cloves and fruit juices? Just don't get it. So I came up with a brine that gives your turkey a smokey flavor instead. It's absolutely amazing and so easy to whip up!

What is brine?

Brine is a flavored salt water solution that you soak meat in to add flavor to it.

How much brine do I need for a 12 pound turkey?

Roughly a gallon. One of the things that makes this an easy brine recipe is that if you need a bit more you can easily and quickly make more.

How to make:

In a four cup measuring cup or something like it, mix 4 cups of water with the rest of the ingredients. Whisk together.
Place your turkey in a large stockpot.
Pour the 4 cups of brine over the turkey.
Pour the remaining 12 cups of water over the turkey.
Swish the turkey around a little to mix.
Place in the fridge and allow to brine for at least 2 days, 3 days if possible.
Remove the turkey from the brine, let the excessive brine run off and cook your turkey as desired.

How long should you brine a turkey?

I usually brine mine for at least 2 days but preferably three days.

Do you rinse a turkey after brining?

Nope, just remove the turkey from the brine, let the excessive run off and cook your turkey.

What to do with leftover turkey:

My favorite way to use up leftover turkey is to make this Turkey Pot Pie. It as well as this After Thanksgiving Casserole can be prepared while you are cleaning up Thanksgiving dinner and put in the fridge to be cooked the next day. If you want something a bit simpler try some Turkey Reubens! They are my husband's favorite leftover turkey recipe!

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Smokey Turkey Brine Recipe

★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews

Author: Mindee
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 Gallon Brine 1x
Category: Thanksgiving
Method: Brining
Cuisine: American

Description

Looking for the best turkey brine recipe that isn't fruity and is also super easy? My Smokey Turkey Brine is just what you need!

Scale

Ingredients

1 Gallon of Water
6 Tbs. Chicken Base
2 Tbs. Salt
½ Tbs. White Pepper
3 Tbs. Liquid Smoke
1 Tbs. Garlic Powder
1 Tbs. Onion Powder
1 Tbs. Smoked Paprika

Instructions

In a four cup measuring cup or something like it, mix 4 cups of water with the rest of the ingredients. Whisk together.
Place your turkey in a large stockpot.
Pour the 4 cups of brine over the turkey.
Pour the remaining 12 cups of water over the turkey.
Swish the turkey around a little to mix.
Place in the fridge and allow to brine for at least 2 days, 3 days if possible.
Remove the turkey from the brine, let the excessive brine run off and cook your turkey as desired.

Notes

This is enough brine for roughly a 12 pound turkey.

Keywords: turkey brine, thanksgiving

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