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Alton Brown Thanksgiving Turkey

Alton Brown Thanksgiving Turkey: 7 Steps to Perfect Flavor


  • Author: basmer
  • Total Time: 3 days, 3 hours
  • Yield: 1 turkey (approximately 12-14 pounds) 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Alton Brown’s Thanksgiving Turkey recipe features a savory brine for a flavorful and juicy turkey.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 gallon Vegetable Stock
  • 1 gallon Iced Water
  • 1 ounce Ginger
  • 1 tablespoon Allspice Berries
  • 1 cup Kosher Salt
  • 1 tablespoon Peppercorns
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 1 cup Canola Oil
  • 1 gallon Water
  • 1 Apple, sliced
  • 1 bunch Rosemary
  • 1 Onion, chopped
  • 1 Cinnamon Stick
  • 1 bunch Sage

Instructions

  1. Refrigerate the turkey at 38 F, two to three days before roasting.
  2. In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, pour vegetable stock, add peppercorns, brown sugar, ginger, salt, and allspice berries.
  3. Stir occasionally and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool. Refrigerate until needed.
  4. The night before roasting, take the turkey out of the fridge. In a 5-gallon bucket, combine water with the brine and ice.
  5. Immerse the thawed turkey in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for about 8 hours, turning halfway through brining.
  6. Remove the turkey from the brine, rinse, and pat dry.
  7. In a microwave-safe bowl, add apple slices, onion, oil, a cup of water, and a cinnamon stick. Microwave for about 5 minutes.
  8. Transfer these aromatics into the turkey cavity along with rosemary and sage. Roast the turkey for about 30 minutes in a preheated oven at 300 F until brown.
  9. Reduce the temperature to 350 F and roast for another 2 to 2.5 hours. Let the turkey rest, wrapped in foil, for about 15 minutes before carving.

Notes

  • Ensure turkey is fully thawed before brining.
  • Use fresh herbs for better flavor.
  • Monitor the internal temperature for doneness.
  • Prep Time: 3 days
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Thanksgiving, Turkey, Alton Brown, Brine