Savory Apple Cider Brined Holiday Turkey
Elevate your holiday feast with this Savory Apple Cider Brined Turkey, inspired by the culinary expertise of Diane Morgan from 'The Thanksgiving Table.' Say goodbye to dry turkey with this brining technique that infuses the meat with moisture, flavor, and a hint of sweetness. The combination of kosher salt, sugar, fresh ginger, and aromatic spices soaked in unsweetened apple cider creates a succulent and tender bird that will impress your guests. This simple yet effective process involves crafting a flavorful brine, cooling it, and letting the turkey soak for 12 to 24 hours. Prepare for a Thanksgiving feast that will leave everyone raving about your perfectly juicy turkey!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Kosher salt
2/3 cup
Sugar
2/3 cup
Fresh ginger
6 slices (quarter size)
Bay leaves
2
Whole cloves
6
Black peppercorns
1 teaspoon (crushed)
Allspice berries
2 teaspoons (crushed)
Unsweetened apple cider
8 cups
Brining bags
2 (turkey size)
Whole turkey
1 ((10-25 lb, fresh or thawed))
Oranges
2 (quartered)
Instructions
1
In a 3 to 4-quart saucepan, combine the kosher salt, sugar, fresh ginger, bay leaves, whole cloves, crushed black peppercorns, and crushed allspice berries. Pour in 8 cups of unsweetened apple cider and stir until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Allow it to boil for 3 minutes, then remove from heat and add 4 cups of ice-cold water to cool down the brine.
3
Prepare a heavy roasting pan that is large enough to hold the turkey. Place one brining bag inside the other for added durability, then position these bags, wide open, inside the roasting pan.
4
Carefully unwrap the turkey and remove the neck and giblets from both the main and neck cavities. Store these separately in the refrigerator for future gravy preparations. Stuff the turkey's main cavity with quartered oranges.
5
Fold back the top third of the brining bags to create a collar. With the turkey standing upright, place it into the double-layered bags. Gently unfold the bags, and pour the cooled Apple Cider Brine over the turkey. Add an additional 2 cups of cold water to ensure full coverage.
6
Seal the inner bag tightly, squeezing out as much air as possible before securing it with a twist tie. Repeat this process with the outer bag, sealing it tightly as well.
7
Position the turkey breast-side down in the roasting pan and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours. Remember to turn the turkey 3 to 4 times during brining to ensure even flavor absorption.
8
When ready to roast, take the turkey out of the brine, discarding the bags, leftover brine, and any herbs or spices. Remove the stuffed oranges and ginger, then rinse the turkey thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Your turkey is now primed for roasting according to your favorite recipe!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Apple Cider Brined Holiday Turkey?
It is a holiday turkey recipe that uses a brine made of apple cider, kosher salt, sugar, and various spices to ensure the meat is moist and flavorful.
Who inspired this turkey recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary expertise of Diane Morgan from her book 'The Thanksgiving Table.'
How long should I brine the turkey?
The turkey should soak in the brine for 12 to 24 hours.
What size turkey is suitable for this recipe?
You can use a fresh or thawed whole turkey weighing between 10 and 25 pounds.
How much kosher salt is required for the brine?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of kosher salt.
What type of apple cider should I use?
You should use 8 cups of unsweetened apple cider.
How do I prepare the fresh ginger for the brine?
The fresh ginger should be sliced into 6 quarter-size pieces.
What spices are included in the brine?
The brine includes bay leaves, whole cloves, crushed black peppercorns, and crushed allspice berries.
What is the first step in making the brine?
Combine salt, sugar, ginger, bay leaves, cloves, peppercorns, and allspice in a saucepan with 8 cups of cider.
How long should I boil the brine mixture?
Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 3 minutes to dissolve the salt and sugar.
How do I cool down the brine after boiling?
Remove the mixture from heat and add 4 cups of ice-cold water.
How should I set up the brining bags?
Place one brining bag inside another for durability and position them wide open inside a heavy roasting pan.
What should I do with the turkey neck and giblets?
Remove them from the cavities and store them in the refrigerator for future use in gravy.
What is stuffed into the turkey cavity?
The main cavity should be stuffed with 2 quartered oranges.
How do I place the turkey in the bags?
Stand the turkey upright inside the double-layered bags and then pour the cooled brine over it.
How much extra water is added to the bags?
Add an additional 2 cups of cold water to ensure the turkey is fully covered by the liquid.
How do I seal the brining bags?
Squeeze out as much air as possible and secure each bag tightly with a twist tie.
In what position should the turkey be refrigerated?
The turkey should be positioned breast-side down in the roasting pan.
Should I turn the turkey during the brining process?
Yes, you should turn the turkey 3 to 4 times to ensure even flavor absorption.
What do I do with the brine after the turkey is finished soaking?
Discard the bags, the leftover brine, and any herbs or spices used in the mixture.
Should I rinse the turkey before roasting?
Yes, remove the stuffed oranges and ginger, then rinse the turkey thoroughly under cold water.
Why should I pat the turkey dry after rinsing?
Patting the turkey dry with paper towels prepares the skin for roasting and helps achieve a better finish.
How many bay leaves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 bay leaves.
How many whole cloves are used?
The recipe calls for 6 whole cloves.
What amount of black peppercorns is used?
Use 1 teaspoon of crushed black peppercorns.
What amount of allspice berries is used?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of crushed allspice berries.
Can I use a frozen turkey for this recipe?
Yes, but it must be fully thawed before you begin the brining process.
How much sugar is needed?
The recipe requires 2/3 cup of sugar.
What is the main benefit of this brining technique?
It prevents the turkey from being dry by infusing it with moisture and sweetness.
What kind of container is recommended for brining?
A heavy roasting pan large enough to hold the turkey is recommended to support the brining bags.