1 Video | Photo: Bay and Lemon Brined Turkey Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (12 to 15-pound) turkey
For the brine:
- 2 gallons water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 2 lemons, sliced in 1/2
- 4 bay leaves
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- Small handful cloves
Directions
Combine all brine ingredients in a container or pot large enough to hold the turkey. Make sure all the sugar and salt have been fully dissolved. Add the turkey and refrigerate about 6 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Remove turkey from brine and transfer to a roasting pan with a rack. Stuff turkey with the lemon halves, bay leaves, and cinnamon sticks used in the brine. Cook turkey for about 3 1/2 hours, basting every 40 minutes or so. If any part of the turkey gets too brown towards the end of cooking, shield with pieces of tin foil. When the turkey is done, juices should run clear from the breast and the legs should pull away from the bird easily. Remove from the heat and let rest for 15 to 20 minutes before carving.
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By hajluv2cheer
Bradenton, FL
on December 22, 2011
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I use this recipe every year when the family comes to my house. It turns out perfect every time. It's taken the worry out of the dried up turkey.
By jasmineb1024
Colorado
on November 24, 2011
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I LOVE this recipe. Dave has made a briner out of me. I used this recipe last year for the first time, and the turkey came out perfectly--moist and tender and we loved the hint of lemon in the turkey.
I brined again this year with a pack of spices I purchased from a local spice shop, but used the directions with this recipe and included the lemon and bay leaves. The turkey, again, came out perfectly.
I've actually recommended this recipe to a few friends. Thanks, Dave!
By raulny_8563190
Trinity, FL
on November 22, 2011
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I tried this recipe last year for a Thanksgiving gathering of 16 people (yes fearless and brave. I got quite a bit of recognition for my effort including the difficult to please children who enjoyed seconds. I have a lot less people this year but the ones that are having my turkey can't wait.
Read all 36 reviews