The Basics for Brining Your Turkey
With Thanksgiving coming up soon, it’s a suitable time to revisit Chef Danial Orr’s turkey prep and cooking basics. Here’s his take on brining.
The Fundamentals
Defrost: Ideally, defrosting should start as early as one week in advance. It will take a day for each four pounds of frozen turkey to thaw in the fridge. While there are faster methods, defrosting it in the refrigerator is the best way to ensure that it is fully and uniformly defrosted.
Preheat Oven: Before turning on the oven, place one oven rack to the lowest position and remove the others to ensure the turkey will fit. When you're ready to start cooking a turkey, preheat the oven to 325ºF because it's a good idea to cook it gently. Remove the turkey from the refrigerator. Unwrap it and, if necessary, remove the neck and giblets. Roast the neck along with the turkey. It will provide a lovely flavor to the gravy. Let the turkey sit at room temperature for an hour while the oven preheats.
Let It Rest - Put the turkey on a large cutting board and cover it with a large piece of aluminum foil to allow it to rest. Give it 30 to 45 minutes to rest while you make the gravy. This may seem like a long time, but a 20-pound bird can retain a lot of heat and letting it rest allows the meat to relax and the juices to redistribute.
Brining Ingredients
salt
sugar
sorghum
orange
lemon
lime water
cloves
allspice
bay leaves
oregano
The Magic of Brining
Soaking the turkey in liquid, salt, and sugar is known as brining. The turkey is less likely to get overly dry after absorbing the liquid. Feel free to add as many items as you like to your brine because it's kind of a free-for-all.
Presentation!
To give your turkey a more sophisticated appearance, feel free to add a variety of fruits and vegetables. Berries, oranges, and lemons add the perfect splash of color to ensure a vibrant display. Don't forget to buy a locally farmed, free-range turkey as well. Happier birds have a greater flavor!
Looking for the perfect spot to host your next company holiday party or planning an unforgettable dining experience in Bloomington? Look no further than FARM Restaurant! Book your Thanksgiving dinner with FARM by visiting our website farm-bloomington.com, calling us directly at (812) 323-0002, or booking through your OpenTable App. Don’t wait—spaces fill up fast during the holiday season!