Dry Brine for Turkey

Dry Brine for Turkey
Dry Brine for Turkey
Cookbook author and culinary pro Molly Stevens created this recipe exclusively for Epicurious. Dry brining involves sprinkling salt over the entire surface of a turkey and letting it sit for at least 12 hours and up to 2 days. It may look like a lot of salt, but keep in mind that the salt won't remain on the outside of the turkey and there needs to be enough salt to penetrate the entire thickness of the bird. Keep in mind that it's best not to stuff a brined turkey, because the juices will concentrate in the cavity and overseason your stuffing. Instead, cook your stuffing in a baking dish alongside the turkey. See our Complete Guide to Brining for more on wet and dry brining.
  • Preparing Time: -
  • Total Time: -
  • Served Person: Brine for 1 (12- to 14- pound turkey)
turkey Thanksgiving Brine Advance Prep Required
  • 3 to 6 tablespoons diamond crystal kosher salt or 2 to 5 tablespoons morton's kosher salt
  • 1 (12- to 14- pound) turkey,* neck and giblets removed
  • *avoid brining a kosher turkey, which has already been salted.
  • equipment: 1 large rimmed baking sheet or large roasting pan

Preparation Arrange the turkey on a large rimmed baking sheet or in a large roasting pan. Sprinkle some salt in the cavity and then liberally all over the turkey, making sure to season the back, joints, legs, and thighs, as well as the breast. Loosely cover the turkey with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 12 hours and up to 2 days. (You can also place the salted turkey in a large plastic bag and seal with a twist tie.) If possible, leave the turkey uncovered for the last 6 hours, to dry out the skin (if not, just be sure to pat it dry before roasting). Remove the turkey from the refrigerator—don't rinse it—and let it sit at room temperature for an hour or so before roasting according to your favorite recipe.

Preparation Arrange the turkey on a large rimmed baking sheet or in a large roasting pan. Sprinkle some salt in the cavity and then liberally all over the turkey, making sure to season the back, joints, legs, and thighs, as well as the breast. Loosely cover the turkey with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 12 hours and up to 2 days. (You can also place the salted turkey in a large plastic bag and seal with a twist tie.) If possible, leave the turkey uncovered for the last 6 hours, to dry out the skin (if not, just be sure to pat it dry before roasting). Remove the turkey from the refrigerator—don't rinse it—and let it sit at room temperature for an hour or so before roasting according to your favorite recipe.