{"id":20533,"date":"2023-11-20T17:09:34","date_gmt":"2023-11-20T17:09:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/?p=20533"},"modified":"2023-11-22T11:44:07","modified_gmt":"2023-11-22T11:44:07","slug":"dry-brine-turkey-for-smoking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/dry-brine-turkey-for-smoking\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Dry Brine Turkey for Smoking?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Smoking whole turkey with my family has always been a Thanksgiving week and holiday season ritual. But the juicy, delicious, and smoky turkey never comes easy! I always start by getting my hands on a <strong>big tom turkey<\/strong>, <strong>sprinkle it with kosher salt, and then let it<\/strong> <strong>chill out<\/strong> in the fridge for <strong>up to three days<\/strong> just before the big feast.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The dry brine sucks out excess moisture and leaves the turkey&#8217;s natural flavors concentrated. This leaves the turkey begging to soak up whatever you apply during the cooking process. The result is succulent, tender meat infused with the perfect balance of seasonings and sauce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide, I&#8217;ll walk you through every step of this dry-brining process. I&#8217;ll also answer all your burning questions to ensure your <a href=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/turkey\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">smoked turkey<\/a> becomes the star of your Thanksgiving table. We&#8217;ll start with the dry-brining procedure and then move to the smoking process.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/dry-brine-turkey-for-smoking.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"dry brine turkey for smoking\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/dry-brine-turkey-for-smoking.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/dry-brine-turkey-for-smoking-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/dry-brine-turkey-for-smoking-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Steps for Dry Brine Turkey<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No need for a messy wet brine \u2013 the dry-brining method is efficient and delivers incredible results for your Thanksgiving turkey. Before we get started, here&#8217;s what you&#8217;ll need to dry-brine a turkey:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ingredients<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>1 whole turkey (size of your choice)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kosher salt (approximately 1 tablespoon per 4 pounds of turkey)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Freshly-ground black pepper (optional)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Additional herbs and spices (optional too)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Paper towels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plastic wrap<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Refrigerator space<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Raw-Turkey-Meat-with-Other-Cooking-Ingredients-1200x800.jpg\" alt=\"Raw Turkey Meat with Other Cooking Ingredients\" class=\"wp-image-20553\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Raw-Turkey-Meat-with-Other-Cooking-Ingredients.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Raw-Turkey-Meat-with-Other-Cooking-Ingredients-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Raw-Turkey-Meat-with-Other-Cooking-Ingredients-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Directions&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Prep the Turkey<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>First, give the turkey a good once-over for any leftover feathers or giblets. Remove them, if you find any.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, rinse the turkey thoroughly under cold running water. Pat the turkey dry inside and out with a paper towel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Place the turkey on a roast pan or a large food-safe airtight container with enough space to accommodate the bird comfortably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Apply the Dry Brine<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Generously sprinkle salt all over the turkey, ensuring it gets into every nook and cranny of the breast and thighs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aim for approximately <strong>one tablespoon of salt per four pounds of turkey<\/strong>. For an average-sized male turkey, also called a tom, which <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usda.gov\/media\/blog\/2019\/12\/11\/talking-turkey#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20main%20differences,pounds%2C%20then%20it&#039;s%20a%20hen.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">weighs 16 to 24 pounds<\/a>, that&#8217;s around <strong>four to six tablespoons of salt<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you wish, you can add herbs and spices such as dried thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder to the salt. Some freshly ground black pepper can also give it an extra kick of spice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gently rub the salt mix into the turkey skin and cavity, ensuring even coverage. Be mindful of over-salting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the turkey is coated with the dry brine mixture, place it in a big bowl or container. Now cover it with plastic wrap. Ensure the wrap doesn&#8217;t touch the turkey&#8217;s skin to allow air circulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Let the Turkey Dry-brine in the Fridge<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Place the brined bird in the refrigerator for<strong> 24 to 48 hours<\/strong> if you&#8217;re dealing with average-sized under 16-pound birds like hens. You&#8217;ll need <strong>up to three days for larger birds<\/strong> like the toms.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The longer the resting time, the more intense the flavors will be. Let the turkey dry-brine. As it penetrates the meat, the salt draws out excess moisture and infuses it with the seasoning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For optimal results, flip the turkey halfway through the brining period to ensure an even distribution of the flavors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Rinse and Dry<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>After the brining period, take the turkey out of the refrigerator and remove the wrap.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rinse off any excess salt from the turkey under cold running water. Pat the turkey once again with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5: Air Drying (Optional)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>For even crisper skin, you can allow the turkey to air-dry in the refrigerator, uncovered, for 12 to 24 hours after rinsing. This step helps to create that coveted golden, crispy skin when you roast or smoke it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Smoke a Dry-Brined Whole Turkey?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Okay now. Your turkey has sat in the fridge with the dry brine for days. So, what next? How do you make the perfect smoked turkey from here? Follow the recipe below:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Smoked-Whole-Turkey-with-Lemon-and-Rosemary-1200x800.jpg\" alt=\"Smoked Whole Turkey with Lemon and Rosemary\" class=\"wp-image-20555\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Smoked-Whole-Turkey-with-Lemon-and-Rosemary.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Smoked-Whole-Turkey-with-Lemon-and-Rosemary-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Smoked-Whole-Turkey-with-Lemon-and-Rosemary-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What You Need?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>1 dry-brined whole turkey<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 tablespoon black pepper<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 tablespoon dried thyme<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 tablespoon dried rosemary<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 tablespoon dried sage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 tablespoon smoked paprika<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 tablespoon garlic powder<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 tablespoon onion powder<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2-3 large sprigs of fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\/2 cup unsalted butter, melted<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 cups applewood or hickory wood chips, soaked in water for at least 1 hour<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 aluminum foil roast pan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 disposable aluminum drip pan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 instant-read meat thermometer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 basting brush<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 charcoal or gas grill\/smoker<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 chimney starter (if using a charcoal smoker)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 digital kitchen scale (optional, for precise measurements)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Directions&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Prepare the Smoker<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Every backyard and BBQ house master is either rocking a charcoal smoker or gas grill these days.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re like me and you&#8217;re fond of your charcoal smoker, start by lighting some charcoal lumps in the chimney starter until it&#8217;s ashed over. Spread the lit charcoal evenly in the smoker&#8217;s firebox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For gas smokers, you&#8217;ll need to <strong>preheat <\/strong>the unit<strong> to 225\u00b0F (107\u00b0C)<\/strong> according to how the manufacturer instructs you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Add soaked wood chips to the smoker box or directly onto the charcoal for that smoky flavor. <a class=\"aawp-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0044WVDMY?tag=bbqv3-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1\" title=\"Applewood chips\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\" data-aawp-product-asin=\"B0044WVDMY\" data-aawp-product-id=\"11179\" data-aawp-tracking-id=\"bbqv3-20\" data-aawp-product-title=\"Mr Bar-B-Q Apple Wood Smoker Chips | Smoky &amp; Fruity Flavor | Made from 100% Hardwood | All Natural Apple Wood Chips | 1.6 Pound Bag | 05012\">Applewood chips<\/a> are perfect for smoking turkey because of the smoky and fruity taste. But feel free to use any wood chips that tickle your fancy. Pecan and hickory wood chips are fine for smoking birds.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"aawp\">\n\n            \n            \n<div class=\"aawp-product aawp-product--widget-small aawp-product--style-light\"  data-aawp-product-asin=\"B0044WVDMY\" data-aawp-product-id=\"11179\" data-aawp-tracking-id=\"bbqv3-20\" data-aawp-product-title=\"Mr Bar-B-Q Apple Wood Smoker Chips | Smoky & Fruity Flavor | Made from 100% Hardwood | All Natural Apple Wood Chips | 1.6 Pound Bag | 05012\">\n\n    \n    <span class=\"aawp-product__inner\">\n        <a class=\"aawp-product__image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0044WVDMY?tag=bbqv3-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1\" title=\"Mr. Bar-B-Q Apple Wood Smoker Chips | Smoky &amp;...\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\" target=\"_blank\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aawp-product__image\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41jhLmwaqhL._SL160_.jpg\" alt=\"Mr. Bar-B-Q Apple Wood Smoker Chips | Smoky &...\"  \/>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"aawp-product__content\">\n            <a class=\"aawp-product__title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0044WVDMY?tag=bbqv3-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1\" title=\"Mr. Bar-B-Q Apple Wood Smoker Chips | Smoky &amp;...\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\" target=\"_blank\">Mr. Bar-B-Q Apple Wood Smoker Chips | Smoky &...<\/a>\n            <span class=\"aawp-product__meta\">\n                \n                            <\/span>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n\n    \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Place a <strong>disposable aluminum drip pan<\/strong> filled with water under the cooking grates of the smoker. This serves three purposes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>First, it will help <strong>catch drippings<\/strong> from the cooking grate so your smoker doesn&#8217;t become a mess.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Secondly, it helps to <strong>retain moisture<\/strong> in the smoker and ensures the meat has enough moisturizer during the smoking process. For added flavor, the liquid can be apple juice, apple cider vinegar, or wine.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Finally, the pan helps to <strong>prevent flare-ups<\/strong> that might occur when the meat fat or oil drips into the hot coal or burner.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Prepare the Dry-Brined Turkey for Smoking&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Remove the dry-brined bird from the refrigerator. If you&#8217;ve not done that before, rinse it under cold water to remove excess salt. Now pat the turkey dry with a paper towel, inside and out.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Combine all the seasoning and spice ingredients in a small bowl to create a dry spice rub mixture. I&#8217;m talking about all the black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, onion powder, dried rosemary, and dried sage.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rub the spice rub mixture all over the turkey. Make sure to get under the skin and in the cavity as well. This will enhance the flavors during smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Allow the brined turkey to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Place the Turkey in the Smoker&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Place the turkey directly on the cooking grates, breast-side up. If using a charcoal smoker, adjust the vents to maintain a steady temperature of 225\u00b0F (107\u00b0C).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme inside the turkey cavity to infuse it with aromatic flavors while it smokes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Smoke the Turkey<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>At 225\u00b0F<\/strong>, you&#8217;re smoking the turkey for <strong>about 5 to 6 hours<\/strong>. But I&#8217;d say, forget about your timer. Instead, get a <a class=\"aawp-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B00S93EQUK?tag=bbqv3-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1\" title=\"digital meat thermometer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\" data-aawp-product-asin=\"B00S93EQUK\" data-aawp-product-id=\"11287\" data-aawp-tracking-id=\"bbqv3-20\" data-aawp-product-title=\"Alpha Grillers Instant Read Meat Thermometer for Grill and Cooking Best Waterproof Ultra Fast Thermometer with Backlight &amp; Calibration Digital Food Probe for Kitchen Outdoor Grilling and BBQ!\">digital meat thermometer<\/a> and ensure the internal temp <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usda.gov\/media\/blog\/2020\/11\/12\/countdown-food-safe-thanksgiving-day-faqs#:~:text=When%20do%20I,cooking%20the%20turkey.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">reaches 165\u00b0F (74\u00b0C)<\/a> as the USDA recommends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"aawp\">\n\n            \n            \n<div class=\"aawp-product aawp-product--widget-small aawp-product--ribbon aawp-product--sale aawp-product--style-light\"  data-aawp-product-asin=\"B00S93EQUK\" data-aawp-product-id=\"11287\" data-aawp-tracking-id=\"bbqv3-20\" data-aawp-product-title=\"Alpha Grillers Instant Read Meat Thermometer for Grill and Cooking Best Waterproof Ultra Fast Thermometer with Backlight & Calibration Digital Food Probe for Kitchen Outdoor Grilling and BBQ!\">\n\n    <span class=\"aawp-product__ribbon aawp-product__ribbon--sale\">Sale<\/span>\n    <span class=\"aawp-product__inner\">\n        <a class=\"aawp-product__image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B00S93EQUK?tag=bbqv3-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1\" title=\"Alpha Grillers Instant Read Meat Thermometer...\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\" target=\"_blank\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aawp-product__image\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51zzmRGw9IL._SL160_.jpg\" alt=\"Alpha Grillers Instant Read Meat Thermometer...\"  \/>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"aawp-product__content\">\n            <a class=\"aawp-product__title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B00S93EQUK?tag=bbqv3-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1\" title=\"Alpha Grillers Instant Read Meat Thermometer...\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\" target=\"_blank\">Alpha Grillers Instant Read Meat Thermometer...<\/a>\n            <span class=\"aawp-product__meta\">\n                \n                            <\/span>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n\n    \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Where to insert the meat thermometer is in the thickest part of the bird \u2013 the thigh or breast meat. Make sure the thermometer doesn&#8217;t touch the bone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every hour, <strong>baste<\/strong> the turkey <strong>with melted butter <\/strong>using a basting brush. This will keep the turkey moist and add a rich, buttery flavor.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After 3 to 4 hours of smoking, you may need to add more soaked wood chips to maintain the smoky flavor. Keep an eye on the smoker&#8217;s temperature to ensure it stays steady.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5: Rest and Serve<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the turkey reaches 165\u00b0F internal temperature, carefully remove it from the smoker and transfer it to a carving board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wrap the turkey with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 30 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender bird.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Carve the turkey and serve it alongside your favorite sides and sauces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Congratulations! You&#8217;ve just created a show-stopping smoked turkey that&#8217;s moist and flavorful. Combining the dry brine and the slow smoking process results in a smoked turkey that&#8217;s nothing short of perfection.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Roast-Turkey-with-Herbs-and-Citrus-1200x800.jpg\" alt=\"Roast Turkey with Herbs and Citrus\" class=\"wp-image-21177\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Roast-Turkey-with-Herbs-and-Citrus.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Roast-Turkey-with-Herbs-and-Citrus-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Roast-Turkey-with-Herbs-and-Citrus-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Roast a Dry-Brined Turkey?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Okay, maybe what you have is an oven. You&#8217;re not looking to go over the odds for smoked turkey because you don&#8217;t have a smoker. It&#8217;s all okay! Here&#8217;s the procedure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Preheat your oven to <strong>350 degrees F,<\/strong> following the oven roasting instructions for your oven.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Next, place the turkey in a large roast pan. Not sure what that is? Well, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=large+oven+roasting+pan&amp;crid=193V3YR6KEGX9&amp;sprefix=large+oven+roasting+pan%2Caps%2C284&amp;ref=nb_sb_noss_1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">roast pan<\/a> is simply a big pan that comes with its rack. You roast the turkey inside the pan while at the same time, it catches all the fat drips. So, with this roasting utensil, you don&#8217;t need a drip pan or water tray in the oven.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stuff the turkey&#8217;s cavity with aromatic ingredients. These can be thyme, onions, garlic, halved citrus fruits like lemon, or herbs. They ensure added flavor during roasting. But this is <strong>entirely optional<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Roast the turkey in the oven following your favorite recipe or roasting instructions for the size and weight of your bird. But generally, the rule is <strong>15 minutes of roasting time per pound at 325 degrees<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Once the turkey is perfectly roasted, let it rest before carving it.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Carve the turkey and serve it with your favorite side dishes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tips<\/strong><em>: Remember that a dry-brine turkey cooks slightly faster than a non-brined one. Also, the turkey cooks faster in an oven than in a smoker. But keep a close eye on the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The same 165-degree rule applies here.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dry-Brine vs. Wet-Brine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To dry-brine or wet-brine? I bet you&#8217;ve asked yourself this question if you know why brining is vital for your bird.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, it&#8217;s all about amping up the flavors in our beloved bird, especially during Thanksgiving time! And here is what I think.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dry-Brining<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>First up, the dry brine \u2013 I&#8217;ve said pretty much all you need to know about this. This can be a mix of salt, herbs, and spices, or just salt. No liquids here! When done, give the salted bird a chill session in the fridge.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The salt works its way into the meat, pulling out moisture. The salt in the meat then turns to natural brine. The meat is able to soak in more liquid, seasonings, spices, smoke, and even the sauce you throw at it because it&#8217;s dry and thirsty at that point. The result? A turkey that&#8217;s juicier and intensely flavored.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wet-Brining<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a classic tradition for turkey lovers all around. You dunk that bird in a solution of water, salt, sugar, and aromatic spices. The difference here is the mix is made with a base of water and salt, and we&#8217;re dipping the bird in throughout the brining.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We let the turkey meat hang out in this bath for hours, sometimes even an all-nighter. But unlike dry-brining, we&#8217;re not crossing the 24-hour mark here. So this is a faster method, especially when this is Thanksgiving Eve already.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Verdict<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, which one reigns supreme? I&#8217;d say it&#8217;s the <strong>wet brine<\/strong> because this <strong>works best<\/strong> for lean and large meats like turkey or pork loin. Dry brining is best for fatty meats, though.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But it&#8217;s still a tough call and depends on your tastes and desires. If you&#8217;re all about easy peasy and avoiding the fuss of big containers and liquids, Dry brine is the way to roll. Plus, it tends to give you that satisfying, crispy skin \u2013 hello, turkey crackle!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But hey, if you&#8217;re all for big flavor and the juiciest turkey feast of your life, Wet brining is your ticket to flavor-town. That extra moisture makes the meat so tender it&#8217;ll practically melt in your mouth like butter!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Still, both methods bring their A-game. I&#8217;ll say, if you can, give both a try and see which one rules your turkey kingdom. But if you&#8217;re changing your mind about using the dry brine method and switching to the wet version, here&#8217;s how it&#8217;s done.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Roasted-Whole-Turkey-Meat-Placed-on-the-Wooden-Tray-1200x800.jpg\" alt=\"Roasted Whole Turkey Meat Placed on the Wooden Tray\" class=\"wp-image-20554\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Roasted-Whole-Turkey-Meat-Placed-on-the-Wooden-Tray.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Roasted-Whole-Turkey-Meat-Placed-on-the-Wooden-Tray-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Roasted-Whole-Turkey-Meat-Placed-on-the-Wooden-Tray-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wet-brining a Turkey: How to Do It?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What You Need?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>1 whole turkey&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 gallon of cold water<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 cup kosher salt<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\/2 cup granulated sugar<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 tablespoon black peppercorns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 bay leaves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4-6 sprigs of fresh thyme<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4-6 sprigs of fresh rosemary<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 head of garlic, halved<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Large stockpot or container (non-reactive material like plastic or stainless steel)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brining bag (optional)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Refrigerator space<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Roasting pan or oven-safe dish for cooking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Directions&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Get Things Prepped<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure your turkey is fully thawed if it is frozen. A cold water bath works best for this. We don&#8217;t want any icy surprises! Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat it dry with some paper towels. Prep is key!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Time to Brine It Up<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Toss in the cold water, sugar, peppercorns, kosher salt, fresh thyme, bay leaves, rosemary, and those garlicky halves in a big stock pot or container.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You&#8217;d need two cups of coarse or kosher salt for every two gallons of water you use. Stir things all up until the salt dissolves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Dive In, Turkey!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Gently plop that turkey into the brine, ensuring it&#8217;s fully submerged. If the brine doesn&#8217;t cover the turkey, add more cold water. And if you&#8217;re into brining bags, use one to save space.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But make sure it&#8217;s an extra large one and thick enough. This <a class=\"aawp-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0B982TVWR?tag=bbqv3-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1\" title=\"Venrothy brining bag\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\" data-aawp-product-asin=\"B0B982TVWR\" data-aawp-product-id=\"11628\" data-aawp-tracking-id=\"bbqv3-20\" data-aawp-product-title=\"Brining Bags for Turkey 3 Pack 26 \u00d722  Extra Large Turkey brine bag Holds up 35lb Thickened Brining Bag with 3 Cotton Strings Double Zip-lock Seal Brine Bags for Turkey Chicken Beef Pork Ham\">Venrothy brining bag<\/a> is perfect for turkeys. It can hold up to 35 pounds of bird and is extra-thick.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"aawp\">\n\n            \n            \n<div class=\"aawp-product aawp-product--widget-small aawp-product--ribbon aawp-product--sale aawp-product--style-light\"  data-aawp-product-asin=\"B0B982TVWR\" data-aawp-product-id=\"11628\" data-aawp-tracking-id=\"bbqv3-20\" data-aawp-product-title=\"Brining Bags for Turkey 3 Pack 26 \u00d722  Extra Large Turkey brine bag Holds up 35lb Thickened Brining Bag with 3 Cotton Strings Double Zip-lock Seal Brine Bags for Turkey Chicken Beef Pork Ham\">\n\n    <span class=\"aawp-product__ribbon aawp-product__ribbon--sale\">Sale<\/span>\n    <span class=\"aawp-product__inner\">\n        <a class=\"aawp-product__image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0B982TVWR?tag=bbqv3-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1\" title=\"Brining Bags for Turkey, 3 Pack, 26&#039;\u00d722&#039;,...\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\" target=\"_blank\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aawp-product__image\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51dY85YTsWL._SL160_.jpg\" alt=\"Brining Bags for Turkey, 3 Pack, 26'\u00d722',...\"  \/>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"aawp-product__content\">\n            <a class=\"aawp-product__title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0B982TVWR?tag=bbqv3-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1\" title=\"Brining Bags for Turkey, 3 Pack, 26&#039;\u00d722&#039;,...\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\" target=\"_blank\">Brining Bags for Turkey, 3 Pack, 26\"\u00d722\",...<\/a>\n            <span class=\"aawp-product__meta\">\n                \n                            <\/span>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n\n    \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Marinate<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Seal the bag, pop it in the fridge, and let the turkey soak up all that salty goodness for 8-24 hours.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5: Turkey Check-Up<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Time&#8217;s up! Take the turkey out of the brine and say goodbye to it (the brine, that is). Rinse the turkey under cold water to remove excess salt, and pat it dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 6: Chill Out, Turkey<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Let the turkey take a breather on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan or oven-safe dish. Give it about an hour at room temp before cooking \u2013 it&#8217;ll thank you later!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 7: Time to Cook<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Get that oven preheated to around 325\u00b0F\/160\u00b0C. Now, you&#8217;ve got options \u2013 roast, smoke, or fry that turkey!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;ve chosen to smoke or roast the turkey, check out the procedure, as shown earlier.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cook it up according to your turkey&#8217;s weight and your cooking method of choice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips and Tricks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Don&#8217;t over-brine \u2013 follow the time guidelines to avoid a salty disaster.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adjust the brine if you&#8217;ve got a bigger or smaller turkey \u2013 the key is to submerge it fully.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Get creative with the flavors \u2013 add your favorite herbs, spices, or citrus fruits to the brine mix.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If fridge space is tight, use a cooler with ice packs to keep things chill during the brining process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Roasted-Turkey-on-the-Platter-1200x800.jpg\" alt=\"Roasted Turkey on the Platter\" class=\"wp-image-21178\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Roasted-Turkey-on-the-Platter.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Roasted-Turkey-on-the-Platter-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Roasted-Turkey-on-the-Platter-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why We Brine Turkey?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Brining is the secret to juicy and flavorful meats \u2013 and I&#8217;m not just talking turkey here! Once you nail it, there&#8217;s no going back to tough, bland, un-brined smoked turkey again. Now here&#8217;s why I&#8217;m all about that brine life:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lighter and Tender Turkey<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Brining works some serious magic on those meat fibers. When we apply salt to the turkey, it loosens up those tough muscle fibers, making the meat more tender and easy to devour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Locked-in Moisture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you get your turkey brined, as it cooks, it holds onto all the moisture it can get. Thanks to the wet or dry brine, the meat retains water during cooking, ensuring you get a turkey that&#8217;s as juicy as a summer peach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Better Flavor Thanks to Osmosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Okay, so here&#8217;s the science-y part. What the salt does is make the meat muscles semi-permeable, causing the diffusion of salt, water, and other stuff that you add.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That&#8217;s why you get a higher concentration of flavor in brined meats. This is what we call <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fsis.usda.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/media_file\/2021-03\/fplic-5a-cured-meat-and-poultry-operations.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">osmosis<\/a>. Sorry for taking you back to biology class. By the way, the salt solution can also be introduced with an injector.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I Don&#8217;t Have Time\/Don&#8217;t Want To Brine My Turkey, Now What?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No big deal! One cool alternative I use to amp up poultry meat aside from the wet or dry brine is to spice it up with a dry rub. You may use your favorite spices or stuff it with citrus and herbs for a zesty kick.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Want some juiciness? You can also slather on some butter and baste it while it cooks. Broth lovers, I&#8217;ve got you covered too. You can cook it with some chicken or turkey broth for extra yum. You can inject flavors like broth, melted butter, whiskey, or other sauces into the meat.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dry-brining a whole turkey ensures perfectly seasoned, tender, and moist meat. Plus, the dry brine technique is way easier than wet brining. This straightforward technique helps elevate your Thanksgiving celebrations and deliver a show-stopping centerpiece for the holiday feast.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just sprinkle salt over the turkey and let it chill in the fridge for 24 to 72 hours, depending on the bird&#8217;s size. That&#8217;s how to dry-brine a turkey. Have a happy dry brining and, of course, a delicious smoked turkey worthy of Thanksgiving or a holiday dinner.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Smoking whole turkey with my family has always been a Thanksgiving week and holiday season ritual. But the juicy, delicious, and smoky turkey never comes easy! I always start by getting my hands on a big tom turkey, sprinkle it with kosher salt, and then let it chill out in the fridge for up to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":20549,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"table_tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20533"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20533"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20533\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21179,"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20533\/revisions\/21179"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20549"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20533"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20533"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20533"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=20533"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}