Easy, Foolproof Turkey Dry Brining & Roasting Method
Dry brining is a simple yet effective technique that involves seasoning your turkey with salt and letting it sit in the refrigerator for a period of time before cooking. Unlike wet brining, which submerges the turkey in a liquid brine, dry brining relies on the salt to draw moisture out of the meat and then reabsorb it, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird.
The salt also helps to tenderize the meat and enhance its flavor. By dry brining your turkey, you’ll be rewarded with a more flavorful and moist bird that’s perfect for your Thanksgiving feast.
If you’re like most people, the holiday season means one thing: turkey. It’s a staple for Thanksgiving and Christmas and a great dish to serve any other time if you’re craving our Turkey in Creole Sauce or Dinde a l’Haitienne. But how do you get a juicy, flavorful turkey every time?
What is Dry Brining?
Dry brining is a simple yet effective technique that involves seasoning your turkey with salt and letting it sit in the refrigerator for a period of time before cooking. Unlike wet brining, which submerges the turkey in a liquid brine, dry brining relies on the salt to draw moisture out of the meat and then reabsorb it, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird.
The salt also helps to tenderize the meat and enhance its flavor. By dry brining your turkey, you’ll be rewarded with a more flavorful and moist bird that’s perfect for your Thanksgiving feast.
Elevate Your Thanksgiving Turkey with Dry Brining
Are you wondering how to create the most flavorful and moist turkey this Thanksgiving? Dry brine is the answer. Try Noubess seasonings as a dry rub to add a burst of flavor to your turkey.
Let’s go over a few essential steps before using Noubess seasonings and spices to dry brine your turkey:
- Choose a High-Quality Turkey: Opt for a fresh, free-range turkey for the best flavor and texture.
- Prepare the Turkey: Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Create the Dry Brine: Combine Noubess seasonings and spices, such as salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary, to create a flavorful dry brine.
- Season the Turkey: Liberally sprinkle the dry brine all over the turkey, making sure to get it into the cavity as well.
- Brining Process: Place the turkey on a roasting rack set inside a roasting pan. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 days.
Roasting Your Dry-Brined Turkey
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Roast the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Place the turkey in the preheated oven, breast side up.
- Basting: Every 30 minutes, baste the turkey with the pan juices.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done when the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Resting: Once the turkey reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
By following these simple steps and using Noubess seasonings, you’ll create a Thanksgiving turkey that’s both impressive and delicious.
Choosing the Perfect Turkey for Dry Brining
Not all turkeys are created equal. A well-chosen turkey is the foundation for a delicious Thanksgiving feast. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect bird for dry brining:
- Fresh, Free-Range, or Cage-Free: Opt for a fresh turkey labeled as “free-range,” “free-roaming,” or “cage-free.” These birds typically have better flavor and texture.
- All-Natural: Look for a turkey labeled “all-natural,” indicating minimal processing and additives.
- Check the Ingredients: Review the ingredient list to ensure it aligns with your dietary preferences and avoid unwanted additives.
- Well-Rounded Breast: A turkey with a well-rounded breast will cook more evenly and have a more appealing presentation.
- Consider the Size: Choose a turkey that fits your roasting pan. Refer to the packaging or consult with your butcher to determine the appropriate size.
- Plan Ahead: Purchase your turkey well in advance to allow ample time for defrosting and brining.
By following these guidelines, you can select a high-quality turkey that will elevate your Thanksgiving dinner.
Noubess Seasonings: Elevate Your Dry Brine with Flavor
Dry brining is a fantastic way to achieve a juicy and flavorful Thanksgiving turkey. While salt is the key ingredient, Noubess seasonings offer a variety of options to elevate your dry brine beyond the basic.
Single Seasoning or Create Your Own Blend?
Noubess allows you to customize your turkey’s flavor profile. You can choose a single seasoning bag or get creative and combine them to create a unique blend. Here are some of Noubess’ exciting dry-brine options:
- Classic Combinations:
- Poultry Seasoning, Salt-Free: This all-purpose option adds a savory base to your dry brine.
- Salt-Free with Garlic and Herbs Seasoning: This blend infuses your turkey with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs.
- Bold & Spicy Adventures:
- Cajun Seasoning, Salt-Free with Poultry Seasoning, Salt-Free: This combination brings a kick of Cajun spice without overpowering the natural turkey flavor. (Note: Cajun seasoning typically has a moderate spice level. Adjust according to your preference.)
- Adobo Seasoning, Salt-Free with Berbere Seasoning (Hot & Spicy): This fiery blend is for those who love heat. Berbere seasoning packs a punch, so use it sparingly or in smaller proportions compared to Adobo seasoning.
Remember: Since Noubess seasonings are salt-free, be sure to include kosher salt in your dry brine recipe.
Pro Tip: Explore Noubess’ website for a wider selection of seasonings and inspiration for creating your own unique dry brine blends!
Essential Ingredients for a Flavorful Dry Brine
While Noubess seasonings are the stars of your dry brine, a few additional ingredients can elevate your turkey to new heights:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil helps the seasoning adhere to the turkey and enhances its flavor.
- Citrus: Lemon wedges placed inside the cavity infuse the turkey with a bright, citrusy note.
- Fresh Herbs: Sprigs of fresh parsley and thyme, tucked under the skin of the breast, add a delightful herbaceous flavor.
- Aromatic Vegetables: A quartered onion placed inside the cavity imparts a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Salt: Kosher salt is essential for a balanced dry brine. Adjust the amount to your taste or dietary needs.
A Note on Salt and Sauces:
While salt is crucial for a flavorful dry brine, it’s important to consider your dietary needs. If you’re on a low-sodium diet, you can reduce the amount of salt in your dry brine. However, you might want to consider adding a flavorful sauce, such as a Creole sauce, made from the pan drippings to enhance the flavor of your turkey.
By combining these ingredients with Noubess seasonings, you’ll create a truly unforgettable Thanksgiving turkey.
Roasting Your Dry-Brined Turkey to Perfection
Timing Your Roast:
The roasting time for your turkey will vary depending on its weight. Here’s a general guideline:
- 10 pounds: 2 hours 15 minutes
- 12 pounds: 2 hours 35-45 minutes
- 14 pounds: 3 hours
- 16 pounds: 3 hours 15-20 minutes
- 18 pounds: 3 hours 45-55 minutes
- 20 pounds: 4 hours 15-20 minutes
Remember: These are approximate times. For the most accurate cooking time, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Here’s a recipe idea for your next Turkey Dry Brining & Roasting Method
Dry-Brined Turkey with Noubess Seasonings
Ingredients
- 10-12 pound whole turkey
- 2 lemons quartered
- 1 onion quartered
- 2 tablespoons Noubess Adobo Seasoning Salt-Free
- 2 tablespoons Noubess Steak Seasoning, Salt-Free Salt-Free
- 2 tablespoons Noubess Beau Monde Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
Create the Brine:
- In a small bowl, combine the Adobo seasoning, steak seasoning, Beau Monde seasoning, kosher salt, sugar, olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Prepare the Turkey:
- Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity.
- Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Season the Turkey:
- Liberally coat the turkey, both inside and out, with the seasoning mixture.
- Stuff the cavity with the quartered lemon and onion.
Brining Process:
- Place the seasoned turkey on a roasting rack set inside a roasting pan.
- Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24-72 hours.
Roasting the Turkey:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Place the turkey in the preheated oven, breast side up.
- Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil.
- Roast for 45 minutes.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and continue roasting, basting every 30-45 minutes with the pan juices.
- Roasting time will vary based on the size of the turkey. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The turkey is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Resting:
- Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist bird.
Notes
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.
Corn Allergy:
Always choose ingredients without corn or corn derivatives.
Make the best dinner for your family and friends with a perfectly roasted turkey.
Originally published November 16, 2022. Revised updated.
