Simple Brined Turkey Breast
My simple brined turkey breast is so easy and there are just a couple tricks to make it perfect.
Unless you have lots of $$ to spend to buy a fresh turkey, you’ll buy it frozen.
Please, pretty pretty please don’t try to defrost on your counter. It takes a little planning. Mine that I got at Mariano’s was 8.5 pounds and it took me three days to defrost. I also brined it for 24 hours, so start this process four days before Thanksgiving. These tips will help you get the perfect dish for your Thanksgiving table.
Should you butter or oil?
I prefer oil. I think it distributes better and still gets a delicious looking and crispy skin. I also do minimal seasoning on the turkey. Just some simple dried rosemary, salt and pepper.
How long should you brine a turkey breast?
The rule of thumb is to brine at least one hour for every pound of turkey. Whether you use a turkey breast or whole turkey. Even though I was cooking a turkey breast, I still brined mine for 24 hours.
Simple Brined Turkey Breast
A delicious simple brined turkey breast is so easy and delicious. Perfect for a small family for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 8 cups water
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper
- 2 tbsp whole peppercorns
- 4 sprigs rosemary
- 8-9 pound turkey breast
Right Before Roasting
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Put the water, salt, brown sugar in a large stock pot. Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Let cool completely. In a large container, put they turkey in the container, pour over the brine and add the crushed red pepper, peppercorns and rosemary. Brine for 24 hours.
- Heat oven to 325. Remove turkey from the brine. Pat completely dry with paper towels. Place in a roasting pan. Pour the oil over the bird, and using your hands cover all parts of the turkey. Salt and pepper the turkey and bake until it reaches 160 degrees. After resting it will reach the correct temperature. It took me just under two hours for my turkey to get to temperature.
- If you like, you can roast root vegetables with the turkey such as carrots, turnips and celery.
- Let rest at least 60 minutes if possible, to allow the juices to redistribute. You’ll have perfectly juicy turkey every time.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Please let it rest at least an hour before slicing. It will still be quite warm in the middle! And really, isn’t that what gravy is for?
You can add root vegetables in the pan while baking. If it seems to be getting too dark, you can tent after the first hour with foil – shiny side up. If you missed it, my butternut squash twice baked potatoes recipe can be found here. My scalloped zucchini will be posted soon!
Looking for more inspiration? Try out my thanksgiving meatballs – same taste without the fuss!
It took you 3 *days* to defrost?
Great catch! I just fixed it – thanks!
I love turkey breast, but I’m making a whole turkey this year since J and I are having it with friends who like dark meat.
I love a simple brined turkey breast! So great for Thanksgiving or just for meal prep!