Smoked Turkey Brine is the key to a delicious, juicy turkey. This recipe is easy to follow and yields amazing results. Smoked Turkey Brine is the key to a delicious, juicy turkey. This recipe is easy to follow and yields amazing results. Whether it’s a Christmas or Thanksgiving turkey, or any other special occasion, a smoked turkey using this brine recipe is sure to impress your guests.
This smoked turkey brine recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to elevate their turkey game, and it’s suitable for both beginners and experienced grillers. All you need large pot to make the brine solution and a pellet smoker to smoke that bird to perfection.
The smoked turkey brine itself is simple to make and consists of water, salt, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper. Once the turkey is marinated in the brine, it’s ready to be smoked to perfection. This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to impress their guests with a flavorful and juicy turkey that’s packed with a smoky flavor.
Get ready to wow your family and friends with this delicious smoked turkey brine recipe for the smoked turkey brine. Whether you’re an experienced grill master or a beginner, this smoked turkey brine recipe is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. So, grab your pellet smoker, and let’s get started!
Why Brine a Turkey
When smoking a turkey, it can be difficult to keep it moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process. This is where a smoked turkey brine comes in handy. By brining your turkey before smoking it, you can enhance its flavor and keep it moist and juicy.
One of the main benefits of smoked turkey brine is that it helps to retain moisture. The salt and sugar in the brine create a chemical reaction that causes the turkey to retain moisture, resulting in a moist and tender finished product. Dry brine does not increase the moisture.
Additionally, the ingredients in the brine infuse the turkey with extra flavor, resulting in a more flavorful bird. You can experiment with different herbs, spices, and seasonings to create a unique and delicious flavor profile that will impress your guests.
When you brine the turkey, you also prevent the meat from drying out and becoming tough, which is a common problem when smoking leaner cuts of meat like turkey breast.
How To Make Smoked Turkey Brine
Heat Water
In a large pot, heat up 1 gallon of water over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. Heating up the water will help dissolve the salt, sugar, and other ingredients.
Add Ingredients
Add 1 1/2 cups of coarse canning salt or kosher salt, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce, 3 tablespoons of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of ground black pepper to the pot. Stir until everything is dissolved. Once the mixture has dissolved, let it cool to room temperature.
Add Brine To Container
Pour the brine mixture into a food-grade bucket or container large enough to hold your turkey. Make sure it is clean and free from any contaminants. We suggest using a stainless steel pot or a large stock pot. You can also use a brining bag or a food-grade plastic bucket.
Submerge Turkey
Carefully submerge the turkey in the brine, making sure it is completely covered. If necessary, add more room-temperature water to cover the turkey. The brine should completely cover the turkey to ensure that it gets fully seasoned and stays moist.
Refrigerate
Refrigerate the turkey in the brine for at least 12 hours, but no longer than 48 hours. The longer the turkey brines, the more flavorful it will be. However, brining it for too long can result in the meat becoming too salty.
Remove Turkey and Rinse
After the brining time is up, remove the turkey from the brine and rinse it with cold water. Rinse off any excess salt and sugar that may have clung to the skin. Pat it dry with paper towels before smoking.
Tips For Making A Brine Solution
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when making a brine solution for your turkey:
Use Coarse Salt
Coarse salt like kosher salt is a better choice for brining because it will not dissolve as quickly as fine-ground salt. Fine-grain salt like table salt will make the turkey too salty, so it’s important to use a coarse variety.
Experiment with Flavors
The basic turkey brine recipe is a great starting point, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and flavorings to customize your brine. You can add fresh herbs like bay leaves, fresh thyme, rosemary, or even citrus fruits, apple cider vinegar, or apple juice to add more complexity to the flavor profile.
Use Food-Grade Containers
Make sure you use a food-grade container when brining your turkey. This means the container should be free of any contaminants, so avoid using non-food-grade plastic containers or metal containers that can react with the acid in the brine.
Don’t Double Brine
If you have a frozen turkey, check to make sure it’s not a pre-brined turkey before beginning the brining process. If the turkey is brined already, adding more brine will make it too salty.
How To Get Crispy Skin When Smoking Turkey
Getting crispy skin on your smoked turkey is a common challenge, but it’s definitely achievable with a few tips and tricks. Here’s how to get crispy skin when smoking turkey.
Brine the Turkey
Brining your turkey can also help to create a crispy skin. The salt in the brine helps to break down the proteins in the skin, which can help it to crisp up during smoking.
Dry the Skin
Before smoking your turkey, pat the skin dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture on the skin, which can make it soggy instead of crispy.
Apply Butter or Oil
Brushing the skin with butter or oil before smoking can also help to create crispy skin. This is because the fat in the butter or oil helps to promote browning and crispiness.
Use a High-Heat Finish
About 30 minutes before the turkey is done, increase the temperature of your smoker to around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to crisp up the skin and create a nice golden brown color.
Best Beer To Pair With Smoked Turkey Brine
Brining your turkey before smoking it is like giving it a spa day in flavor paradise. The brine bathes your bird in juicy, savory goodness, but what’s a spa day without a great companion? We’ve got the lowdown on the top beer pairings that will elevate your smoked turkey to a whole new level of deliciousness!
Brown Ale
Brown ale is the wise, dependable friend of the beer world, and it’s the perfect match for your Smoked Turkey Brine. Its nutty and slightly roasted character adds a layer of complexity to the bird’s savory succulence, making every bite a taste adventure. The mild bitterness in brown ale balances the richness of the turkey, creating a flavorful harmony that’s simply delightful. It’s like a warm, comforting embrace for your taste buds.
Pilsner
Pilsner is the cool, crisp, and refreshing companion that knows how to keep things easy-breezy. The clean, light taste of a pilsner won’t overpower the turkey’s natural flavors, allowing the brine’s work to shine. Its effervescence cleanses your palate, preparing it for the next mouthful of turkey goodness. This pairing is like a brisk walk in a flavor garden, where every bite of turkey feels light and refreshing.
Stout
Stout, the dark and hearty adventurer of the beer world, is up for the challenge when it comes to your Smoked Turkey Brine. Its roasted malt and coffee notes enhance the smoky depth of the bird, creating a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. The creamy, full-bodied nature of stout coats your palate, making every bite of turkey feel like a warm, comforting hug. It’s a pairing that’s rich, satisfying, and a little bit smoky – the perfect match for your turkey’s flavor journey.
Related Recipes
Looking for the best Smoked Turkey recipes? We got you!
- Smoked Turkey Recipe
- Smoked Spatchcocked Turkey
- Butterball Smoked Turkey Recipe
- Smoked Boneless Turkey Breast Recipe
- Smoked Turkey Wings Recipe
Smoked Turkey Brine
Equipment
- Large Container with Lid
Ingredients
- 2 gallons water
- 1 1/2 cup canning salt (or kosher salt)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat up 1 gallon of water over medium heat until it comes to a simmer.
- Add coarse canning salt or kosher salt, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and ground black pepper to the pot. Stir until everything is dissolved.
- Once the mixture has cooled, add the remaining 1 gallon of cold water and stir.
- Add the turkey brine to a food-grade bucket or container large enough to hold your turkey.
- Carefully submerge the turkey in the brine, if necessary, add more water so the turkey is completely submerged
- Refrigerate the turkey in the brine for at least 12 hours, but no longer than 48 hours.
- After the brining time is up, remove the turkey from the brine and rinse it with cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels and get ready to start smoking turkey!
Nutrition
Smoked Turkey Brine FAQs
What is a smoked turkey brine?
A smoked turkey brine is a basic wet brine solution of water, salt, sugar, and other seasonings used to marinate a raw turkey before smoking it. Wet brining makes the best turkey because it will be extra juicy and flavorful.
How long should I brine my turkey before smoking it?
A thawed turkey should be brined for at least 12 hours, but no longer than 48 hours.
Can I use table salt instead of kosher salt for the brine?
It’s recommended to use kosher salt or coarse canning salt. Fine-grain salt can make the brined turkey too salty.
Do I need to rinse the turkey after brining it?
Yes, after the brining time is up, rinse the turkey with cold water to remove excess salt and pat it dry with paper towels.
Can I use the brine solution more than once?
No, it’s not recommended to reuse the brine solution, as it can harbor bacteria from the turkey.
Do I need to refrigerate the turkey while it’s brining?
Yes, the turkey should be refrigerated during the brining process to prevent bacterial growth.
How can I add extra flavor to my smoked turkey?
You can add extra flavor to the brine solution by using different seasonings, such as rosemary, thyme, or sage in the brine bag.
How can I tell when the turkey is done smoking?
The internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How can I get crispy skin on my smoked turkey?
Pat the skin dry before smoking, use a high-heat finish, apply butter or oil to the skin, and let the turkey rest before carving to achieve crispy skin.