You may freeze the uncooked pie, but dont brush it with egg or dust it with sugar beforehand. Place the pie in the freezer for 30 minutes, to harden it slightly, and then double wrap it with plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 6 months. When ready to bake, unwrap the pie and brush it with egg and sprinkle with sugar. Bake, from the frozen state, until golden brown, about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
As Thanksgiving approaches, many home cooks look to trusted food experts like Alton Brown for tips on preparing the perfect holiday turkey. Alton Brown is well-known for his obsession with the science behind cooking techniques. One of his go-to methods for exceptionally moist, flavorful turkey is brining. But exactly how long does Alton Brown recommend brining a whole turkey? Let’s take a closer look at why brining makes turkey taste so good and how long you should brine for best results.
Why Brine a Turkey?
Brining is the process of soaking meat in a saltwater solution before cooking. While it adds some time to your prep, brining offers major benefits
- Infuses flavor deep into the meat
- Makes the turkey incredibly moist and juicy
- Enhances the texture, making it tender
- Allows for more even cooking
- Extends fridge life of raw turkey
The salt in the brine breaks down muscle fibers while allowing the turkey to absorb moisture. Sugar balances out saltiness while also adding flavor. Aromatic spices permeate the meat too. Overall, brining guarantees a super tasty turkey.
Alton Brown’s Turkey Brining Tips
Alton Brown is all about brining when it comes to holiday turkey Here are some of his key tips
- Use a lengthy brining time – at least 12 hours
- Chill brine completely before using
- Submerge turkey fully in an ice cold brine
- Turn turkey occasionally during brining
- Rinse turkey well after brining before roasting
How Long to Brine a Whole Turkey
For a whole turkey, Alton Brown typically recommends:
- 12 hours for a 14-16 lb turkey
- 24 hours for a turkey up to 24 lbs
The longer brining time allows the solution to fully penetrate and spread flavor throughout the thick meat. For turkeys smaller than 14 lbs, brine for a minimum of 8 hours.
Step-by-Step Brining
Follow these steps for brining success:
- Make brine 1-2 days ahead and chill completely
- Combine brine and ice water in large cooler
- Submerge thawed turkey in ice cold brine
- Brine for 12-24 hours depending on size
- Turn turkey occasionally during brining
- Rinse turkey, pat dry, let sit 1 hour before roasting
Brining Tips for Best Results
Here are some handy tips to ensure your brined turkey turns out just as moist and delicious as Alton Brown’s:
- Make brine at least 1-2 days in advance so it’s fully chilled
- Use a large cooler to keep turkey submerged
- Weigh down turkey if needed to keep under brine
- Allow at least 12 hours for a 14-16 lb turkey
- For birds up to 24 lbs, brine for full 24 hours
- Turn turkey every 6-8 hours while brining
- Rinse off brine, pat very dry before roasting
Get the Most from Your Brined Bird
While requiring some advanced planning, brining a turkey is simple and well worth the effort. Follow Alton Brown’s guidance allowing ample time – 12+ hours for smaller birds and up to 24 hours for larger turkeys. This gives the salt, sugar, and spices time to work their magic. The result is a super juicy, flavorful holiday centerpiece you and your guests will love!
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Alton Brown Shares Turkey Brining Secrets for Thanksgiving | Food Network
FAQ
How long should you brine a turkey?
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Size matters:Smaller turkeys can be brined for a shorter time, while larger turkeys require a longer brining period.
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Even brining:To ensure the turkey brines evenly, consider turning it over occasionally while submerged in the brine.
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Over-brining risk:Don’t brine for too long, as it can make the turkey overly salty and affect its texture.
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Refrigeration essential:Always keep the turkey refrigerated while brining.
How long to thaw a 20 lb turkey before brining?
To defrost a turkey in the refrigerator, plan on 24 hours of fridge time for every 5 pounds of turkey. For instance, if you have a 20-pound turkey, make sure you have enough time for 4 full days of thawing in the fridge. Store it on the bottom of your fridge, fully wrapped, in a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan.
Do I rinse turkey after brining?
- Why rinse: Rinsing helps prevent the turkey from becoming overly salty.
- How to rinse: Place the turkey in a clean sink and run cold water over it, making sure to rinse both the inside and outside of the bird.
- After rinsing: Pat the turkey dry with paper towels before proceeding with your recipe.
What is the downside of brining turkey?
- You need a large vessel to submerge the turkey in brine, like a cooler or a big bucket
- You need to keep the turkey and brine cold, which can take over a couple of days for an extra-large turkey