Brining a turkey

Margaret

I’m looking for a good brine recipe for a turkey I’m planning on smoking for Christmas. Anyone have a fabulous recipe they’d like to share?

fishlessman

this one works for me, 3 days covered, 1 day uncovered. 1 tblsp salt for every 5 pounds of bird

https://www.askchefdennis.com/dry-brine-roast-turkey/

Skiddymarker

I use about a 4% brine, 40ml salt for every liter of water or 2 and 1/2 tablespoons per quart for those metrically challenged. Accuracy not all that critical. We use at least 15ml or 1 Tbs sugar per liter/quart of water with some fresh thyme and rosemary. Have added cracked peppercorns which looks really nice, but I can’t tell any difference if not used. 
Depending on where you live, I usually brine for only 24 hours, sitting in the cooler outside. Add enough ice to keep it cool. If you have a big cambro and a fridge, it is much easier. 

Teefus

I used a simple Kosher Salt/Brown Sugar Brine at Thanksgiving and it was excellent. I used 1 cup of salt and two cups of sugar plus a few ounces of apple cider vinegar. It was at least a couple gallons of brine for a 22# bird. I used a 5 gallon pail and topped it off with ice before placing the lid and sitting it in the garage for 24 hours.

EggbertGreenII

Margaret, I've used this brine kit several times now, used it last this past Thanksgiving. It comes in several flavors and everything you need, except the turkey, is in the package including a large zip lock plastic bag. We like sage, so this is the one we use.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0068QHLCU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1