Brining a turkey can help to ensure tender, juicy meat that is full of flavor. We put three types of turkey next to each other to see which was better: not brined, dry brined, and salt water brined. Read on for the results.
For years, I used a salt water brine to prepare my turkey for roasting. However, chefs and recipe developers are increasingly suggesting a dry brine in which the meat is rubbed with salt and left to rest so that the salt can flavor the meat. A lot of big food websites, like Serious Eats and the New York Times Cooking Section, say that dry brining is the best way to cook meat.
I set out to test three methods of roasting a turkey in my home kitchen. I bought three 14-pound organic turkeys and roasted them my Simple Roasted Turkey way, 1) without a brine, 2) with a dry brine, and 3) with a salt water brine. My recipes for dry brine and salt water brine can be found at the bottom of the post.
I rounded up some taste testers and did side-by-side comparison of the three turkeys. Results below!
As Thanksgiving and the holidays draw near, many home cooks start thinking about roasting a tasty turkey as the centerpiece of festive meals When shopping for your bird, you may come across the term “pre brined” on some turkey packaging. But what exactly does this mean?
I’ll explain everything you need to know about pre brined turkeys, including what it means, the benefits and drawbacks, and tips for cooking one perfectly. Let’s get into it!
An Overview of Brining
First, a quick refresher on brining. Brining is the process of soaking meat in a saltwater solution (aka a brine) before cooking. A typical brine contains water, salt, spices, herbs, and sometimes sugar.
The purpose of brining includes:
- Helping the meat retain moisture and stay juicy
- Enhancing flavor as seasonings in the brine permeate the meat
- Tenderizing the meat
Brining is commonly used for large cuts prone to drying out, like turkey or pork roast.
What is a Pre Brined Turkey?
When you see “pre brined” on a turkey package, it means the turkey has already been soaked in a brine solution prior to being packaged and sold. Manufacturers brine the turkeys in advance for convenience, allowing you to skip this step yourself at home.
Pre brined turkeys are extremely common, especially when buying frozen birds from the grocery store. It’s rare to find a frozen turkey that hasn’t been pre brined.
These turkeys typically have an ingredient statement like “Injected with up to 8% of a solution of Water, Salt, Spices and Natural Flavors” This confirms it’s been pre treated with a brine
Fresh turkeys are less likely to be pre brined, though some still are. Check the ingredients for any added water, salt or sodium to see if a fresh turkey is pre brined.
Benefits of Buying a Pre Brined Turkey
There are some nice advantages to buying a turkey that’s already brined
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Convenience – You can skip the lengthy at-home brining process, saving time and hassle.
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Tender and moist meat – Since it’s pre-treated, the turkey is pretty much guaranteed to come out of the oven juicy and tender.
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More flavor – Pre brined turkeys tend to have more seasoned flavor infused into the meat.
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Longer shelf life – The salt solution helps preserve the meat, giving pre brined turkeys a longer shelf life ideal for freezing.
Potential Drawbacks of Pre Brined Birds
However, there are a couple potential cons to keep in mind with pre brined turkeys:
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Higher sodium content – With all that salt injected into the meat, pre brined turkeys contain more sodium. This may be a concern for anyone limiting their salt intake.
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Not ideal for brining at home – Since the turkey is already brined, soaking it again in a homemade brine makes it far too salty.
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Diluted flavor – Some find pre brined birds have a more diluted, less intense turkey flavor compared to an unbrined fresh turkey. The brine increases moisture but washes out some natural turkey essence.
Tips for Cooking and Serving Pre Brined Turkey
Here are some useful tips to get the most out of a pre brined turkey:
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Cut back on any extra salt and sodium when seasoning, making gravy, etc. The meat itself will already be quite salty.
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Don’t brine it again at home! One brining is enough.
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Cook as normal, though you may want to monitor cooking time closely. Pre brined birds sometimes cook faster.
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Let guests know it’s pre brined in case anyone is watching sodium intake.
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Use fresh, flavorsome herbs, citrus, spices instead of a salty brine.
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Rinse out and dry the cavity well before roasting to remove excess brine pooling inside.
The Bottom Line on Pre Brined Turkeys
Pre brined turkeys provide a convenient shortcut to deliciously moist, well-seasoned turkey meat. Thanks to the built-in brining, you’re guaranteed tender results with great flavor. Just be mindful of the higher sodium content. With a good understanding of what “pre brined” means and helpful cooking tips, you’ll be well on your way to turkey success this holiday season!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pre Brined Turkeys
What does “pre brined” mean on a turkey package?
It means the turkey was soaked in a saltwater brine solution before packaging and sale to infuse flavor, moisture, and tenderness. This saves you from having to brine it yourself at home.
Should you buy a pre brined turkey?
Pre brined turkeys provide convenience along with guaranteed juicy, well-seasoned meat. Just be aware they contain more sodium. It’s a great shortcut if you don’t want to deal with home brining.
Are most frozen turkeys pre brined?
Yes, it’s very common for frozen turkeys, especially major brands, to be pre brined. Always check the ingredients. Unbrined frozen birds are harder to find.
Can you brine a pre brined turkey?
No, you should never brine a turkey that’s already pre brined. It will become unpalatably salty. Stick to seasonings like herbs and spices instead of doing a second brine.
How can you tell if a fresh turkey is pre brined?
Read the ingredient list for any indication of added water, salt, sodium, or flavorings/seasonings. This signals it was likely pre brined. Most fresh turkeys are not.
Should you cook a pre brined turkey differently?
Mostly cook as normal, but reduce any added salt and watch the cooking time closely. Pre brined birds sometimes cook faster. And never brine it again!
What about Butterball turkeys – are they pre brined?
Yes, Butterball frozen whole turkeys are pre brined before freezing for guaranteed moist, tender meat. Their fresh turkeys may also be pre brined – check the ingredients to confirm.
Sugar and other Sweeteners in Brine
When sugar is added to a brine, it can give it a slight sweetness and help the skin turn brown as the sugars caramelize. Even without the sugar, a roast turkey will get a nice brown color. But you can add brown sugar or maple syrup to any brine recipe. (Add about ¾ as much sugar as salt. ).
How Long to Roast a Turkey at 425°F
At 425°F / 218°C, estimate 8 to 12 minutes per pound of turkey. Keep in mind that this will vary based on the initial temperature of the turkey when it goes into the oven (try to bring it to room temperature before you start) and the variations in size / shape of the turkey. Use an instant read thermometer to start checking for doneness at the low end of the estimated time.
