Maple Brine
Why I Love This Recipe
Originally posted to Recipezaar by Mean Chef. This makes enough brine for a 12 lb turkey. Halve the recipe for smaller birds.
Ingredients You'll Need
3 quarts water
1 1/2 cups soy sauce
1 cup maple syrup
2 cups brown sugar
3/4 cup kosher salt
5 sprigs fresh thyme
6 bay leaves
1 1/2 cups fresh ginger, chopped or sliced thin (no need to peel)
3 heads garlic, cloves separated (no need to peel these either)
2 teaspoons dried chili pepper flakes
Directions
Place all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. Place brine in a non-reactive container.
Wash poultry and place breast side down in the brine; add more water if necessary to cover the bird. Refrigerate for 2 to 4 days. (smaller birds such as chicken or Cornish game hens can be brined for 12 to 24 hours or up to 2 to 4 days).
Remove poultry from brine and rinse well in cold water; pat dry with paper towels. Brush skin with melted butter or olive oil; roast as usual. Makes 1 gallon
