Orange Turkey Brine

This orange turkey brine recipe adds something unexpected to your Thanksgiving turkey—it will “ooh” and “aah” your guests.

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 8 hrs 30 mins

Servings: Not available

Ingredients

• 1 ½ gallons water
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
• 1 cup kosher salt
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 lime, sliced
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 bay leaves

Steps

1. Combine water, orange juice concentrate, salt, orange slices, lemon slices, lime slices, thyme, black pepper, garlic, and bay leaves in a large stockpot; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; cool to room temperature.
2. Wash and pat turkey dry (make sure giblets are removed). Place turkey, breast-side down, into brine, making sure the cavity is filled. Place the stockpot in the refrigerator. Brine turkey for 8 to 48 hours.