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Chef Jill and her dog next to a sliced turkey

Dry Brine Recipe for Turkey

By Chef Jill @faretheewellbychefjill
Published on November 19, 2024
This simple dry brine recipe brings out deep flavour and moisture in your turkey without the hassle of a wet brine. The combination of herbs and kosher salt works overnight to season the bird for a tender, juicy, and delicious centrepiece. A few easy steps lead to restaurant-quality results, ensuring a beautifully browned, flavourful turkey every time.
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Time and servings

3 hrsTotal time
8Servings
15 minsPrep time
2 hrs 45 minsCooking time

Ingredients

  • 3-5 kg whole turkey, thawed
  • ¼ cup kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp white sugar
  • 1 tbsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tbsp dried parsley
  • ½ tbsp dried thyme
  • ½ tbsp dried sage

Directions

  1. Step 1

    Cooking and preparation times will vary, depending on the size of the turkey. Based on a 3-5kg turkey.

  2. Step 2

    Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, both inside and out.

  3. Step 3

    In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, white sugar, dried rosemary, dried parsley, dried thyme, and dried sage.

  4. Step 4

    Rub the entire dry brine mixture evenly over the entire surface of the turkey.

  5. Step 5

    Place the turkey on a wire rack in a roasting pan, uncovered, in the fridge for a minimum of 24 hours, up to 48 hours.

  6. Step 6

    Before cooking, remove the turkey from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour..

  7. Step 7

    If stuffing the bird, do so at this stage, then proceed to roast the turkey as follows: A). Unstuffed: Roast for 10-12 minutes per pound. B). Stuffed: Roast for 15-17 minutes per pound.

  8. Step 8

    Check doneness by inserting a digital meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching the bone); the turkey is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

  9. Step 9

    Let the turkey rest for 25-30% of its total cooking time. Tent it with foil to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy result.

  10. Step 10

    Slice, serve, and enjoy your flavourful, brined turkey!