How To Brine and Cook the Perfect Turkey

There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of carving into a perfectly cooked turkey during the holidays. The moment of truth arrives: Will it be juicy and flavorful or disappointingly dry? At Sundance Resort, we understand that achieving turkey perfection is both an art and a science, which is why we’re thrilled to share our executive chef’s tips for how to brine and cook the perfect turkey.

Chef Alex Izatt has been perfecting our turkey preparation method for years, and now he’s sharing these coveted techniques with home cooks everywhere. In our video tutorial, Chef Alex reveals the professional secrets that have made Sundance Resort’s turkey a sought-after holiday tradition.

What sets our method apart? It all begins with the brine. This crucial step ensures your turkey remains succulent and flavorful throughout the cooking process. While many home cooks skip this step, brining is what separates a good turkey from an exceptional one.

Why Brining Makes All the Difference

Brining isn’t just about adding flavor – it’s about transforming the entire texture of your turkey. Through this process, the meat becomes:

• Remarkably tender and juicy
• Seasoned from the inside out
• More forgiving during cooking
• Less likely to dry out
• Full of complex, layered flavors

Learn How to Brine and Cook a Turkey from a Master Chef

In this comprehensive video guide, Chef Alex walks you through our signature brining process with the precision and attention to detail that only a professional chef can provide. You’ll discover why timing, temperature, and ingredient proportions matter, and how these elements come together to create the perfect turkey.

Ready to Try Brining Yourself?

While Chef Alex demonstrates the complete cooking process in the video above, we know you’ll want to reference our exact brine recipe while preparing your turkey. We’ve made it easy for you to access our step-by-step brining instructions below.

Brine Ingredients

• Yellow Onion Sliced – 14 oz. (when cut)
• Rosemary Sprigs – 3 or 4 each
• Thyme Sprigs – 10 to 15 each
• Whole Garlic Cloves – 2 oz
• Bay Leaf – 2 whole leaves
• Salt – 1 Cup
• White Sugar – ¾ Cup
• Lemon Peel – 1 lemon worth
• Water – 1.5 gallons

Brine Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a little oil. Add the onions and garlic, cooking for 6-8 minutes until the onions become translucent and lightly browned.

Step 2: Stir in the rosemary and thyme, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the water, bay leaf, salt, and sugar. Whisk to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil or simmer.

Step 4: Stir in the lemon peel.

Step 5: Remove the pot from heat and let the brine sit at room temperature for up to 60 minutes. Alternatively, refrigerate the brine overnight until fully cooled. Ensure the brine is no warmer than 40°F before using it with the turkey. Note: You don’t need to strain the brine. Leaving everything in while it cools enhances the flavor.

Step 6: Place the turkey in a large container that fits the whole bird. Pour the brine over the turkey, making sure it’s fully submerged, and cover the container.

Step 7: Refrigerate the turkey in the brine. For large birds (16-20 lbs), brine for 24 hours. For smaller birds, brine for 16-18 hours.

Step 8: After brining, remove the turkey from the solution and rinse it with cold water to wash off excess salt.

Step 9: Pat the turkey dry and place it on a cooking tray. 

Make Your Holiday Memorable

Whether you’re hosting your first Thanksgiving or looking to perfect your technique, this video tutorial and our detailed brining instructions will help you create a turkey worthy of a professional kitchen. Remember, great cooking is about confidence and having the right plan.

Share your results with us by tagging @SundanceResort in your social media posts. We love seeing how our cooking tips help create memorable family gatherings and holiday celebrations.