Revolutionary-Pea576 t1_irrwf4l wrote on October 10, 2022 at 3:59 PM

Reply to comment by lotusblossom60 in Thanksgiving questions from a foreigner by obcork

I also started brining my turkey several years ago and I definitely think it’s better.

A brine bag is the way to go. It’s a very thick plastic bag so it resists leaks. It’s easier to get in your fridge than trying to brine the turkey in a big pot (like a lobster pot) and trying to fit that in your fridge.

I didn’t have anybody to show me how to do it, I just figured it out from the internet. It’s not that hard, just read up on it now, so you can get everything you need ahead of time. Good luck!

Edit, I just realized that this redditor was talking about a dry brine, sorry. I’ve never done that, I’ve always done a wet brine. But I would agree that the dry brine is probably easier and maybe a good place to start.

The wet brine worked out fine for me but I had cooked a few turkeys before trying it out. The dry brine is probably easier for a first timer? Again, good luck.

lotusblossom60 t1_irrwvwu wrote on October 10, 2022 at 4:02 PM

My cousin brines hers in a cooler with ice! She’s smart.

obcork OP t1_irs2lkp wrote on October 10, 2022 at 4:40 PM

I may have to use the cooler option. My fridge and freezer aren’t very big

lotusblossom60 t1_irs4ulu wrote on October 10, 2022 at 4:55 PM

She puts lots of ice in it but the turkey is in the brining bag. It’s cool enough this time of year that’s it’s not a big issue. Don’t brine more than 24 hours, it gets gross.

wwj t1_irt721n wrote on October 10, 2022 at 9:14 PM

If the outside temp is cold enough <40F (but not too cold) you can put it outside in the cooler, so you don't have to change the ice. I've used a 5 gal bucket out on my porch before instead of a cooler.

Revolutionary-Pea576 t1_irrz1wo wrote on October 10, 2022 at 4:16 PM

Yes, that’s definitely an option, you just have to make sure you keep it cold enough that the turkey doesn’t spoil.