Alton Brown’s Thanksgiving turkey is my comfort food. You won’t believe I made it every week for four weeks straight after I first tried this recipe at my relative’s dinner. Every bite of this Turkey will provide you with the pleasure and satisfaction of eating a full, wholesome, and nutritious food.
Moreover, Alton Brown’s Turkey is delicious and unique because it combines aromatic flavours and textures. Every bite is filled with the wholesome goodness of flavours. Roasted to caramelised perfection, crisp, crisp turkey is like an exceptionally well-made dish when served at lunch or dinner.
Additionally, the rich fragrance fills my place every time I cook it. Alton Brown has a special way of making every recipe special with some fine touches that, when added, take the dish to a whole new level.
Today, I am sharing a piece of my heart in the form of this delicious recipe with you all. I hope you all love it as much as my family loves it.
Equipment Required
- Stockpot: Combine vegetable broth, brown sugar, and peppercorns, then bring to a boil.
- Spatula: To stir the ingredients for a better taste.
- Large Bowl: Use a large bowl to marinate the turkey.
- Paper Towel: It is an effective way to pat dry the turkey for better results.
Alton Brown’s Thanksgiving Turkey Brine Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: This recipe is big enough to serve 10 portions of Turkey Brine. If you want to make more or less, you must adjust the recipe accordingly.
- 1 Frozen Turkey
- 1 Gallon Vegetable Broth: You can replace it with chicken broth or mushroom broth for a similar taste.
- 1 Cup Kosher Salt: If kosher salt is not available, then Sea salt can also be sprinkled.
- ½ Cup Light Brown Sugar: You can add honey or maple syrup for a sweet taste in the recipe.
- 1 Tablespoon Black Peppercorns: If you have crushed black pepper, that will also do.
- 1 ½ Teaspoons Allspice Berries: You can add cinnamon or nutmeg powder to achieve a similar taste.
- 1 ½ Teaspoons Chopped Candied Ginger: Ginger paste would be a great option, too, which can be added to the recipe.
- Iced Water
Preparation And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Minutes | 8 Hours | 8 Hours 15 Minutes |
How To Make Alton Brown’s Thanksgiving Turkey Brine At Home
Step 1
Take a saucepan, add stock and water.
Step 2
Further, add salt, brown sugar, black peppercorns, allspice berries, and candied ginger. Simmer for 10 minutes until you see bubbles forming.
Step 3
Place the turkey in the brine-filled bowl.
Step 4
If necessary, weigh down the bird to ensure it is fully immersed, then set it in a cool area for 8 to 16 hours.
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- Before you add sugar or salt in ice, completely dissolve it, as it can make some parts too salty and leave some plain.
- Keep the temperature in check; if it gets too warm, it may affect the protein elements in the dish.
- If you want a strong herbal presence, add butter and herbs under the skin during the time you roast it.
- Removes excess salt after brining as it tightens the skin and evaporates surface moisture.
- Avoid stuffing the brined turkey, as it will release juices more quickly during roasting.
FAQs About Alton Brown’s Thanksgiving Turkey Brine
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Like many other versatile comfort foods, Alton Brown’s Thanksgiving Turkey Brine is not particularly “healthy,” as it is high in fat and calories. However, it has a high content of butter and sodium, so it is advised to consume in moderation and with consideration.
| Calories | 170 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g |
| Protein | 16 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.3 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 77 mg |
| Potassium | 738 mg |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Vitamin A | 595 IU |
| Vitamin C | 26 mg |
| Calcium | 220 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Additionally, it is not suitable for individuals following a vegan or keto-friendly diet. To make it appropriate to your dietary preference, have a look at the next section.
Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Keto Friendly: You can swap sugar with fruit sweeteners or skip sugar completely. Switch to chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.
- Low Calorie: Replace brown sugar with stevia, and switch to low-sodium vegetable broth to control sodium intake.
Storing This Recipe
- Refrigeration: One of the best ways to store Alton Brown’s Thanksgiving Turkey recipe for a shorter time is to refrigerate. You can store your dish safely for a maximum of four to five days.
What To Serve With This Recipe
You can pair this delectable Alton Brown’s Thanksgiving Turkey with a variety of side dishes. I love to serve it with Breakfast Casserole or Chicken Salad. You can also pair it with some delicious Scalloped Potatoes, as they will provide a wholesome load of flavours and textures.
Printable Version
Alton Brown’s Thanksgiving Turkey Brine Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Frozen Turkey
- 1 Gallon Vegetable Broth
- 1 Cup Kosher Salt
- ½ Cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Black Peppercorns
- 1 ½ Teaspoons Allspice Berries
- 1 ½ Teaspoons Chopped Candied Ginger
Equipment
- Stockpot
- Spatula
- Large Bowl
- Paper Towel
Instructions
- Take a saucepan, add stock and water.
- Further, add salt, brown sugar, black peppercorns, allspice berries, and candied ginger. Simmer for 10 minutes until you see bubbles forming.
- Place the turkey in the brine-filled bowl.
- If necessary, weigh down the bird to ensure it is fully immersed, then set it in a cool area for 8 to 16 hours.
Notes
- Before you add sugar or salt in ice, completely dissolve it, as it can make some parts too salty and leave some plain.
- Keep the temperature in check; if it gets too warm, it may affect the protein elements in the dish.
- If you want a strong herbal presence, add butter and herbs under the skin during the time you roast it.
- Removes excess salt after brining as it tightens the skin and evaporates surface moisture.
- Avoid stuffing the brined turkey, as it will release juices more quickly during roasting.
Nutrition
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Conclusion
Alton Brown’s Thanksgiving Turkey yields great results, thanks to smart techniques and great cooking. The signature dish locks in moisture, ensuring juicy, flavourful meat. This holiday turkey may take a long time to cook, but it will surely be the most delicious turkey you can ever have.
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