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–+ servings
A whole roasted turkey put on a black tray with brussel sprouts and carrot

Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey Using Wet Brine Method

The most easy and perfect roasted turkey recipe. Loaded with flavors, soft, moist are all you'll find in this recipe
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Marinating time: 1 day
Total Time: 1 day 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 1 turkey
Calories per serving: 759kcal
Author: Tu

Equipment

  • Roasting pan with rack
  • Aluminum foil (optional)
  • A deep hotel pan or a bucket
  • Basting brush

Ingredients 

  • 1 young turkey 12-15lb, giblets removed

Brine liquid

  • 2 gallon water
  • 1 c Kosher salt
  • ¼ c light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp black peppercorn
  • 2 medium carrot quartered
  • 2 medium white onion quartered
  • 4 sprig thyme
  • 2 sprig rosemary
  • 2 medium apples quartered

Stuffing

  • 1 medium carrot quartered
  • 1 medium white onion quartered
  • 1 medium apple quartered
  • 2 sprig thyme
  • 2 sprig rosemary

Instructions

  • Two days before Thanksgiving dinner, combine water, sugar, salt, and peppercorn in a large stock pot. Bring to a boil. Then, let it cool to room temperature and refrigerate.
    2 gallon water, 1 c Kosher salt, ¼ c light brown sugar, 2 tbsp black peppercorn
  • 1 day before Thanksgiving dinner: Add the rest of the brine ingredients to the chilled brine liquid. Then, submerge the turkey completely under the brine, breast side down. Let the turkey marinate for 1 day, a maximum of 2 days.
    2 medium carrot, 2 medium white onion, 4 sprig thyme, 2 sprig rosemary, 2 medium apples, 1 young turkey
  • A day of the dinner. Pre-heat oven to 400*F.
  • Take the turkey out of the brine and place it on the roasting pan with the rack included. Stuff the turkey loosely with the stuffing ingredients. Throw any leftovers on the pan. You can also put them under the turkey (if no rack is available) to prevent uneven cooking.
    1 medium carrot, 1 medium white onion, 1 medium apple, 2 sprig thyme, 2 sprig rosemary
  • Roast at 400*F for 30 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 325*F and continue cooking until the internal temperature of the thigh reaches 165*F, approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
  • Remember to baste with the pan's juice every 45 minutes. Also, lightly cover the turkey breast area with aluminum foil halfway through the cooking process.
  • When the turkey is done, remove it from the roasting pan and discard the stuffing. If desired, you can use leftover vegetables on the pan. Let the turkey rest for 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Carve the turkey following the procedure above.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 759kcalCarbohydrates: 192gProtein: 9gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 113718mgPotassium: 2057mgFiber: 30gSugar: 133gVitamin A: 31281IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 630mgIron: 6mg