Whether it’s your first go at cooking Thanksgiving dinner or you’re a seasoned pro, the turkey takes center stage on the table, so it must come out perfect!
The Complete Guide to Brining a Turkey in Oven Bags
As Thanksgiving approaches, thoughts turn to roasting the perfect turkey Brining is a great way to help ensure a tender, juicy bird. But the large buckets required can be cumbersome. A convenient hack is to brine the turkey right in the oven bag Read on for a complete guide to brining a turkey using oven bags.
What is Brining and Why Do it?
Brining is the process of soaking meat in a saltwater solution before cooking The salt in the brine helps the turkey retain moisture. The brine also allows the turkey to absorb extra flavor from aromatics like herbs, spices, citrus and more
Brining leads to a juicier, more seasoned Thanksgiving centerpiece. It helps counteract the drying effect of oven roasting. Many recipes call for submerging the raw turkey in a brine mixture for 8-24 hours.
But finding and cleaning a vessel large enough to brine a whole turkey poses logistical challenges. This is where oven bags provide an easy solution.
Why Use Oven Bags for Brining Turkey?
Oven bags create a sealed environment ideal for brining. The thick plastic contains the brine and all the drips and leaks. The bag allows the brine to fully surround and penetrate the turkey.
Benefits of brining turkey in oven bags:
- Containment – No spills, easer clean up
- Smaller space – Bags require less room than large buckets
- Submersion – Ensures complete coverage unlike dry brining
- Convenience – Simple, mess-free brining
Brining turkey in a lidded cooler is another tidy option but takes up more space. Oven bags provide maximum efficiency and ease when brining.
Choosing Oven Bags for Wet Brining
Look for extra-large oven bags marketed as suitable for turkeys to allow ample room. High-quality, leak-proof construction is key. The bag must be tightly sealable. Reynolds and other brands make oven bags designed specifically for poultry.
For a 12-16 lb turkey, look for size “Turkey Extra Large.” Go up a size for birds over 16 pounds. Buy fresh new oven bags rather than reusing old ones.
Make sure to double-check the oven bag packaging for any special instructions or heat tolerance information. Most standard brands can safely withstand the cold brining process.
Brining Turkey in an Oven Bag – Step-by-Step
Brining in oven bags follows the same basic principles as bucket brining. Here are the simple steps:
- Make the Brine
Mix together water, salt, sugar and any desired flavors like garlic, peppercorns, citrus peels, herbs, spices, or apple juice. Use 1 cup salt and 1 cup sugar per gallon of water. Cool fully before adding turkey.
- Prepare the Turkey
Thaw turkey completely if frozen. Remove giblets from cavities. Rinse turkey and pat dry. Trim any excess skin.
- Place Turkey in Oven Bag
Choose a suitably large oven bag. Unfold bag and place turkey inside. Make sure the bag is large enough for sealing.
- Pour in Brine and Seal Bag
Pour prepared brine into bag. Be sure turkey is fully submerged. Press out excess air and tightly seal bag.
- Refrigerate
Place sealed oven bag in a roasting pan or large container to contain any leaks. Refrigerate 8-24 hours depending on turkey size. Periodically rotate bag.
- Remove Turkey and Rinse
Once brined, remove turkey from bag and rinse thoroughly. Pat very dry inside and out. Discard used brine.
- Roast as Usual
The brined turkey is ready for roasting using your preferred method. Discard used oven bag.
Helpful Brining Tips
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An average 15 lb turkey needs 12-24 hours brining time. Reduce time for smaller birds.
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Avoid brining frozen turkey, as brine will not penetrate thoroughly. Always thaw first.
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Use freshly made brine chilled to at least 40° F to prevent bacteria growth.
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Adding a brining bag or weights helps keep turkey fully submerged.
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Flavor brine with citrus, herbs, spices, or apple juice/cider.
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Ensure raw turkey does not touch surfaces also used for cooked foods to avoid contamination.
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For food safety, do not reuse brine after brining raw poultry. Dispose of it.
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Rinsing after brining removes excess salt for better flavor. Pat very dry.
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Cook brined turkey immediately for food safety. Do not re-freeze a brined turkey.
Brining FAQs
Can I use a marinating bag instead of an oven bag?
Marinating bags are too thin and prone to leaking for adequate brine containment. Oven bags are thicker and more leakproof.
Should I rinse the turkey after removing from the brine?
Always rinse thoroughly to remove excess salt, then pat very dry. Skipping this can lead to overly salty flavor.
Can I brine a turkey too long?
Overbrining can make the meat mushy and too salty. Stick to recommended brining times for proper texture and seasoning.
Can I stuff the turkey after brining?
For food safety and even cooking, it’s best to cook stuffing separately rather than packing it in the cavity before roasting.
Can I reuse the oven bag for roasting?
Most oven bag packaging doesn’t recommend reusing bags. The integrity may be compromised after brining. Use a fresh new bag for roasting.
What should I do with leftover brine?
Never reuse brine after soaking raw poultry due to bacterial contamination. Safely dispose of it.
Brining Turkey Success Tips
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Use fresh, cold brine and fully thaw turkey for proper penetration
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Select an oven bag with a tight, reliable seal to prevent leaks
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Allow ample time for brining based on turkey weight
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Turn bag periodically for even brining
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Rinse turkey well after brining, and pat dry thoroughly
Achieve Simple Brining with Oven Bags
Brining a turkey in an oven bag makes the process cleaner and more convenient than traditional methods. With the right techniques and safety measures, you can enjoy the rewards of a plump, juicy, and flavorful holiday centerpiece with minimal hassle. Oven bag brining lets you focus on creating delicious sides and appetizers instead of struggling with large buckets. Simplify your Thanksgiving prep with this handy alternative for sensational brined turkey.
TURKEY OVEN BAG COOKING TIMES
Add 1 tablespoon of flour to coat the bag when preparing your turkey oven bag. Do not add any water (unless directed).
| OVEN BAG TURKEY COOKING TIMES Until internal temp reaches 165°F in the breast and thigh in several places, not touching the bone (If you prefer a well-done turkey with no pink juices, cook until 180°F in the thickest part of the thigh, not touching the bone) | |
| Turkey Weight | Cooking Time @ 350°F |
| Whole Turkey, unstuffed | |
| 10-12 pounds | 1 1/2 to 2 hours |
| 12-16 pounds | 2 to 2 1/4 hours |
| 16-20 pounds | 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 hours |
| 20-24 pounds | 2 1/2 to 3 hours |
| Whole Turkey, stuffed (stuffing temperature should be 165°F) | |
| 10-12 pounds | 2 to 2 1/2 hours |
| 12-16 pounds | 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 hours |
| 16-20 pounds | 2 3/4 to 3 hours |
| 20-24 pounds | 3 to 3 1/2 hours |
| Turkey Breast, bone-in | |
| 8-12 pounds | 1 3/4 to 2 1/4 hours |
| Turkey Breast, boneless | |
| 8-12 pounds | 2 1/2 to 3 hours |
| Wild Turkey | |
| Same as whole turkey, but if skinless, add 1/4 cup water and brush with extra oil or butter. | |
If you want all the juicy details about how to cook a turkey in an oven bag, and our oven bag cooking times, peek at our oven bag cooking charts for turkey, chicken, beef, pork, and more!
COOKING A TURKEY IN AN OVEN BAG
Cooking your Thanksgiving turkey in a Reynolds Kitchens® Turkey Oven Bag is a fantastic way to ensure that your turkey stays moist and succulent while also turning out a golden light brown. Plus, with an oven bag, you wont even have to worry about scrubbing the roasting pan. Just follow these easy steps to roast a turkey in an oven bag for your next dinner.
- Reynolds Kitchens® Turkey Oven Bag
- One 8 to 24-pound turkey
- 1 tablespoon flour (wheat, rice, potato, nut or gluten-free flour, corn starch, corn meal, or matzo meal can be used as a substitute for flour)
- Ties that come in the oven bag package
- Large oven-safe roasting pan or disposable aluminum roasting pan
- Seasonings
- Meat thermometer
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Place a turkey-size oven bag into a large roasting pan that is at least two inches deep. Sprinkle one tablespoon of flour into the bag and shake to distribute (you may use wheat, rice, potato, nut or gluten-free flour, corn starch, corn meal, or matzo meal instead of flour). Then, add sliced vegetables, depending on the recipe. Turn down the ends of the bag several times to help hold it open while you place the turkey inside.
Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey. If you like to stuff your turkey, place the stuffing into the cavity. Be careful not to overstuff. Pat the skin dry, brush the turkey with oil or melted butter, and season as desired. Not sure what to use for seasoning? Try this herb-roasted turkey recipe. Place turkey in the oven bag atop your sliced vegetables.
Close the bag with the nylon tie found in the turkey oven bag carton. It’s usually folded inside the cooking chart.
Make 6 half-inch slits in the top of the bag to allow steam to escape as the turkey cooks. Tuck the corners of the bag in the pan and trim or fold down the extra bag beyond the tie to ensure it doesn’t touch the oven or heating elements when cooking.
Place the turkey on the lowest rack of your oven to roast. There’s no need to baste or attend to the turkey. Look at the cooking chart included in the carton for the estimated time for cooking a turkey in an oven bag. To check if the turkey is done cooking, measure the temperature through one of the cut slits on the top of the bag. Place a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey thigh, not touching the bone.
Let the turkey stand in the bag for 15 minutes after removing it from the oven. Then, cut the top of the bag open with cooking shears or a paring knife.
To remove the turkey from the bag, insert serving forks in the neck and chest cavities of the turkey. Then, transfer your turkey to a serving dish for dinner. Use the juices to make flavorful gravy to pair with the moist turkey.
How to Cook Turkey in an Oven Bag
FAQ
Can you use oven bags for brining turkey?
Can I use Oven Bags as a container to brine my turkey in? No, you should not.
Can I use Reynolds oven bags for brining?
Reynolds Kitchens Oven Bags, Turkey Size, 2 Count
We do not recommend using this product as a brining bag.
How do you brine a turkey without a brining bag?
But you can also dry-brine your turkey. For this method, instead of submerging your turkey in a brine solution, you basically rub the outside with salt and let it sit for a day or so.
Can you put liquid in oven bags?
Liquid in the bag will equalize with the temperature of water outside the bag so it doesn’t impact the cook. I do curries and stew like things quite often. I use zip locks so I don’t have to deal with a vacuum sealer sucking in liquid. Otherwise having as much liquid as you want in the bag works just fine.
Can You brine a Turkey in an oven bag?
This helps to tenderize the meat and add flavor, resulting in a turkey that is moist and delicious. Brining a turkey in an oven bag is the easiest way to do it. Simply place the turkey in a large oven bag, add the brine solution, and seal the bag. Then, place the bag in a roasting pan and cook the turkey according to the package directions.
How do you brine a Turkey in the oven?
Place the turkey in the oven bag: Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Place the turkey in the oven bag. 3. Pour the brine over the turkey: Pour the brine over the turkey until it is completely covered. Seal the oven bag tightly. 4. Refrigerate the turkey: Refrigerate the turkey for 24-48 hours. 5.
How do you brine a frozen turkey?
1 fresh or thawed frozen turkey (12 to 20 pounds), prepared for brining as directed above Nest 1 plastic oven bag inside the other to create a double thickness (see Cook’s Note). Place the double bag, mouth open wide and facing up, in the roasting pan. Fold back the top one-third of the double bag to make a collar (this helps keep the bags open).
How do you brine a 20 pound turkey?
This recipe makes enough brine for one 18- to 20-pound turkey. One day before you roast your turkey, bring 1 quart water, the salt, bay leaves, and spices to a simmer, stirring until the salt has dissolved. Let cool for 5 minutes. Use a large brining or oven-roasting bag to line the container you will brine the turkey in.
How do you brine a Turkey a day before roasting?
One day before you roast your turkey, bring 1 quart water, the salt, bay leaves, and spices to a simmer, stirring until the salt has dissolved. Let cool for 5 minutes. Use a large brining or oven-roasting bag to line the container you will brine the turkey in. This will help to minimize cleanup.
How do you brine a Turkey in a crock pot?
Use a large brining or oven-roasting bag to line the container you will brine the turkey in. This will help to minimize cleanup. Line a 5-gallon container with a large brining or oven-roasting bag. Place the turkey in the bag. Add salt mixture, remaining 6 quarts (24 cups) water, and the other ingredients.