Welcome to the ultimate turkey-tastic adventure! If you want to impress your guests this holiday season with a succulent, flavorful turkey that’s juicier than ever, you’re in the right place.
We’re about to embark on a journey of dry-brining, a technique that’ll take your turkey from ho-hum to YUM!
So, grab your apron and your sense of culinary adventure, because we’re diving right into the world of dry-brining.
Have you tried out our recipe on How to Make a Wet Brine for Your Thanksgiving Turkey you should!
Why Dry Brine?
First things first, you might be wondering why we’re opting for a dry brine here instead of a traditional wet brine (check out my post on how to wet brine here).
The answer is simple: dry brining not only delivers juicy, flavorful meat, but it’s also much less messy. You won’t need a big bucket or a bathtub, just a bit of space in your fridge.
Most of the seasonings and spices used in this recipe are stuff you already have in your pantry or have easy access to in your neighborhood store.
For a spicy and aromatic dish, explore our guide on “How to Make Nigerian Fish Pepper Soup,” the perfect side dish!
HOW TO DRY-BRINE YOUR TURKEY
How to Dry-Brine Your Turkey
Ingredients
- 1 12-14 pound turkey adjust the recipe if your turkey is larger or smaller
- 1 stick of unsalted butter
- 2 Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp dried thyme
- 1 Tbsp dried rosemary
- 1 Tbsp paprika
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp onion powder
- 1 1/2 Tbsp chicken bouillon
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes adjust for spice preference
For Roasting
- 4-5 russet potatoes
- 2 lemons
- 2 apples
- 1 large onion
- Spring onions
Instructions
- Combine the salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chicken bouillon and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Unwrap your turkey and remove the giblets. Rinse it and pat it dry with paper towels. You want a dry turkey to ensure the brine sticks. Place the turkey on a clean, large baking sheet, board or tray.
- Coat the whole turkey with the unsalted butter as this will help the seasonings and spices stick.
- Sprinkle the dry brine mixture generously all over the turkey, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Be thorough – you want that flavor everywhere! Don’t forget to sprinkle some inside the turkey cavity as well.
- Place the dry-brined turkey in a large bowl or reusable plastic bag. Now, the hard part – patience! Place the turkey in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 24 hours (and up to 48 hours). This time allows the salt to work its magic, breaking down muscle proteins and making the meat juicy and tender.
- When you’re ready to roast, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). While the oven is warming up, take the turkey out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about an hour. This will ensure even cooking.
- Stuff the turkey with chunks of onions, garlic, lemon wedges, spring onions, fresh rosemary and thyme.
- Lay the turkey on a bed of cut-up potatoes, apple slices, more lemon wedges, white onion slices and spring onions.
- Roast your turkey according to the weight – typically, it's about 13-15 minutes per pound. I roasted mine for approximately 4 hours.
- Baste your turkey with some melted butter or turkey stock every 30 minutes to help it retain moisture and flavor.
- Once your turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), take it out of the oven, remove the foil and let it continue roasting for another 15 minutes for that gorgeous, golden-brown skin.
- Take out the turkey and let it rest for about 30 minutes before serving This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist turkey. Now, it’s time to carve and serve your masterpiece!
Notes
There you have it – the art of dry-brining your turkey. It might take a bit more time and effort, but the reward is a turkey that’s moist, flavorful, and sure to impress your guests.
So, this holiday season, be the star of the kitchen and treat your loved ones to a turkey they’ll be talking about for years to come. Happy cooking and happy Thanksgiving! ️
