Alton Brown’s Good Eats Turkey Brine: The Secret to Juicy, Flavorful Turkey

Good Eats Alton Brown Turkey Brine: A Thanksgiving Tradition

Every Thanksgiving, millions of Americans cook a turkey. But how do you make sure your turkey is moist and flavorful? Alton Brown, the host of the popular cooking show “Good Eats,” has a simple solution: brine it.

In this article, we’ll walk you through Alton Brown’s turkey brine recipe. We’ll also provide some tips on how to cook the perfect turkey. So whether you’re a seasoned cook or a Thanksgiving rookie, read on for all the information you need to make a delicious turkey this year.

Ingredient	Amount	Instructions
Kosher salt	1 gallon	Dissolve 1 gallon of kosher salt in 1 gallon of water.
Brown sugar	1 cup	Add 1 cup of brown sugar to the brine.
Whole cloves	10	Add 10 whole cloves to the brine.
Black peppercorns	1 tablespoon	Add 1 tablespoon of black peppercorns to the brine.
Bay leaves	2	Add 2 bay leaves to the brine.

Introduction

Turkey brine is a salt-water solution that is used to flavor and tenderize turkey before cooking. It is a simple and effective way to ensure that your turkey is moist and flavorful. Alton Brown’s Good Eats turkey brine is a classic recipe that is sure to please everyone.

Ingredients

* 1 gallon water
* 1 cup kosher salt
* 1 cup brown sugar
* 1 head garlic, cloves peeled and smashed
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 6 bay leaves
* 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried sage
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Steps

1. In a large container, combine the water, salt, brown sugar, garlic, onion, bay leaves, peppercorns, thyme, sage, and rosemary.
2. Stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved.
3. Place the turkey breast-side up in a large plastic bag.
4. Pour the brine over the turkey, making sure that it is completely submerged.
5. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or up to overnight.
6. Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse it under cold water.
7. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and cook according to your preferred method.

Alton Brown’s Good Eats turkey brine is a delicious and easy way to make a moist and flavorful turkey. This brine is perfect for Thanksgiving or any other special occasion.

Here are some tips for making the perfect turkey brine:

* Use a large container that is large enough to hold the turkey and the brine.
* Make sure that the turkey is completely submerged in the brine.
* Refrigerate the turkey for at least 8 hours, or up to overnight.
* Rinse the turkey under cold water before cooking.
* Pat the turkey dry with paper towels before cooking.

By following these tips, you can be sure that your turkey will be moist and flavorful.

3. Dissolve Salt and Sugar in Water

To make the brine, you will need to dissolve the salt and sugar in water. The amount of salt and sugar you use will depend on the size of your turkey. For a 12-pound turkey, you will need 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of kosher salt, and 1/2 cup of sugar.

To dissolve the salt and sugar, add them to a large pot or bucket and fill it with water. Bring the water to a boil, stirring constantly. Once the water is boiling, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely.

Once the brine has cooled, you can add it to your turkey. Place the turkey in a large container, such as a cooler or a roasting pan, and pour the brine over it. Make sure the turkey is completely submerged in the brine.

Cover the container and refrigerate the turkey for 24 hours. This will allow the salt and sugar to penetrate the turkey meat, making it moist and flavorful.

4. Add Remaining Ingredients to Brine

In addition to salt and sugar, you can also add other ingredients to your brine to give your turkey a more flavorful boost. Some common additions include:

* Garlic cloves
* Onions
* Fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, and sage
* Whole spices, such as black peppercorns, cloves, and allspice
* Beer or wine

To add these ingredients to your brine, simply add them to the pot or bucket along with the salt and sugar. Bring the water to a boil, stirring constantly. Once the water is boiling, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely.

Once the brine has cooled, you can add it to your turkey. Place the turkey in a large container, such as a cooler or a roasting pan, and pour the brine over it. Make sure the turkey is completely submerged in the brine.

Cover the container and refrigerate the turkey for 24 hours. This will allow the salt and sugar, as well as the other ingredients, to penetrate the turkey meat, making it moist and flavorful.

Q: What is the difference between a brine and a marinade?

A brine is a salt-water solution that is used to flavor and tenderize meat. A marinade is a flavorful liquid that is used to coat meat and infuse it with flavor. Brines are typically made with a higher concentration of salt than marinades, and they are typically used for longer periods of time. Marinades, on the other hand, are typically made with a lower concentration of salt and are used for shorter periods of time.

Q: Why should I brine my turkey?

There are several reasons why you should brine your turkey. Brining helps to:

* Tenderize the meat. The salt in the brine helps to break down the proteins in the meat, making it more tender.
* Moisten the meat. The brine helps to keep the meat moist during cooking.
* Add flavor to the meat. The brine can be flavored with a variety of herbs, spices, and other ingredients to create a flavorful turkey.

Q: How long should I brine my turkey?

The length of time you brine your turkey will depend on the size of the turkey and your personal preference. A general rule of thumb is to brine the turkey for 1 hour per pound of turkey. However, you can brine the turkey for longer if you prefer a more flavorful turkey.

Q: What type of brine should I use?

There are many different types of brines that you can use for turkey. Some popular brines include:

* Water-based brines: These brines are made with water, salt, and sugar. You can add any other flavorings you like to the brine, such as herbs, spices, or citrus fruits.
* Milk-based brines: These brines are made with milk, salt, and sugar. Milk helps to tenderize the meat and add flavor.
* Beer-based brines: These brines are made with beer, salt, and sugar. Beer helps to add flavor and moisture to the meat.

Q: How do I brine my turkey?

To brine your turkey, you will need:

* A large container that is large enough to hold the turkey.
* A brine solution.
* The turkey.

To make the brine solution, mix together the following ingredients in a large container:

* 1 gallon of water
* 1 cup of salt
* 1/2 cup of sugar

If you are using a water-based brine, you can add any other flavorings you like to the brine, such as herbs, spices, or citrus fruits.

Once the brine solution is made, place the turkey in the container and cover it with the brine solution. Make sure that the turkey is completely submerged in the brine solution.

Refrigerate the turkey for the desired amount of time.

When the turkey is finished brining, rinse it off with cold water and pat it dry.

Q: How do I cook a brined turkey?

To cook a brined turkey, you will need:

* The brined turkey.
* A roasting pan.
* A roasting rack.
* Aluminum foil.
* Cooking oil.
* Thermometer.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.

Rub the turkey with cooking oil.

Cover the turkey with aluminum foil.

Roast the turkey for the desired amount of time.

To check if the turkey is done cooking, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The turkey is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Alton Brown’s turkey brine recipe is a simple and effective way to ensure a juicy, flavorful turkey for your next holiday meal. By following the steps in this recipe, you can be confident that your turkey will be a hit with your guests.

Here are the key takeaways from this article:

* Brining a turkey helps to keep it moist and flavorful.
* The best brines are made with a mixture of salt, sugar, and water.
* You can add other ingredients to the brine, such as herbs, spices, or citrus fruits.
* The turkey should be brined for at least 24 hours, but longer is better.
* Be sure to rinse the turkey thoroughly before cooking it.

With a little planning, you can easily brine your turkey and enjoy a delicious and memorable holiday meal.