Our Zesty Paleo Turkey Brine is a simple salt, herb, and citrus combination that will surely be a game changer at your next Thanksgiving celebration. Easily paired with any traditional side. Guaranteed to keep you coming back for more!
In this recipe, we took the typical Thanksgiving turkey flavor pallet and threw in a twist. If you enjoy poultry with a zest, you’ll enjoy this earthy citrus dry brine. Our Zesty Paleo Turkey Brine is a simple salt, herb, and citrus combination that will surely be a game changer at your next Thanksgiving celebration.
For readers who will be brining their first turkey, here are some basics:
A more traditional route for brining is wet brine. This is where you take a combination of sugar, salt, and whatever herbs you deemed fit and throw them in a large pot of water to merry. This allows your bird to absorb and retain water while baking, leaving you with a nice juicy entree. Wet brining can take as little as 12 hours and as long as 24 hours depending on preference before baking.
For our turkey, we decided to steer toward the less traditional by dry brining. It’s the same concept but without the water. Instead, you dry rub your bird and allow it to marinate for a longer time period. The added brine time gives the salt more time penetrate the meat of your bird. Creating the same amount of flavor and tenderness, without the water mess. ( Side-note: Be careful not to over-brine, this may result in an overly dry turkey. )
To our beloved Paleo readers, you’re in for a treat! This year we’re making our whole thanksgiving Paleo friendly. First off, who doesn’t love the flavor of butter? Ghee allows you to enjoy that taste you love while also enjoying the gut-friendliness of dairy free. For this post in particular, our turkey will be packed with a flavorful combination of Ghee and herbs to make for a well seasoned Paleo inspired punch!
We hope you enjoy this decadent zesty paleo turkey brine along with time spend with loved ones this time of year. And don’t forget to be thankful for your many blessings. We’re so grateful for your time and energy spent here with us on Vegiventurer. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Zesty Dry Turkey Brine
Ingredients
Herbs and Spices for Dry Brine:
- 3 Tbsp Kosher Salt
- 3 Tbsp Herbs of Providence
- 2 Tbsp Coconut Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Fennel Seeds
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 medium Orange zested
- 1 large lemon zested
Additional Flavor Components:
- 4 Tbsp Butter or Ghee (We used Ghee.)
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Thyme
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Rosemary
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Sage
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F
- Combine everything (salt, herbs of providence, coconut sugar, fennel seeds, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and zest of orange and lemon) in a small bowl.
- After defrosting your turkey remove it from store packaging, remove neck and organs (should be in small bag inside turkey's chest cavity), rinse bird with cold water and place in baking dish of choice. Once washed, pat dry with paper towels to get rid of excess moisture.
- Apply dry brine seasoning all over your bird, including under the skin and inside chest cavity.
- Allow your bird to rest in a refrigerator for a total of six days
- For more flavor, remove bird from refrigerator and combine fresh garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage, and parsley in your choice of butter or ghee and gently spread under the skin of your turkey directly on the meat.
- Bake in an oven at 325°F. (cooking time may vary)
Notes
