Juicy Two-Stage Thanksgiving Turkey Marinade

11 Reviews

Prep: 25 min
Ready In: 2 day 25 min

“This recipe has two different marinades that are started on Tuesday morning. This is a marinade recipe only, and makes a pre-Thanksgiving marinade for a juicy turkey with lots of flavor.” - by jaclynfarr

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Metric US

Original recipe yields 1 marinated turkey

Directions

On the Tuesday morning before Thanksgiving, whisk together salt, orange juice, brown sugar, a cinnamon stick and water in a large nonreactive container with a cover, such as a large stainless steel stockpot. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve, about 5 minutes. Place the turkey into the brine, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, remove turkey from the first marinade, shake off excess, and pat the bird dry. Discard the brine. Clean the stockpot or brining container.
In the clean stockpot, make the marinade by stirring together together sliced oranges, sliced lemons, onion, green bell pepper, parsley, cloves, garlic powder, cinnamon sticks, paprika, olive oil, and pepper. Place the turkey into the stockpot and rub the marinade into the turkey. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
On Thanksgiving Day, remove turkey from the marinade and shake off the excess. Discard the remaining marinade. Roast the turkey using your favorite method.

Nutrition

Amount Per Serving (15 total)

Calories
814 cal
41%

Fat
35.7 g
55%

Carbs
27.1 g
9%

Based on a 2,000 calorie diet

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Reviews (11)

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Karizma

Nov. 27, 2008

"This turkey marinade is awesome the taste it gives is undeniably the best i have EVER EVER EVER had including in the restaurants!!..." See more"

dola

Nov. 30, 2009

"My turkey turned out so well. It had an awesome flavor to it. I was scared that the brine was going to make it salty, but it didn't. It was very moist and tender. This is going to be ther only way I m..." See moreake my turkeys for now on!"

Anna

Dec. 7, 2009

"This was really good! I had to double the recipe on the brine because I had a 27 pound turkey, but it was easy and it added a lot of flavor to the turkey. Family said that it was the best turkey tha..." See moret they ever had!"

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