Brining – the secret ingredient that elevates your meals from ordinary to extraordinary. With a simple bath of salty water and flavorful ingredients, you can transform even the most basic dishes into mouth-watering masterpieces. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast or a casual backyard BBQ, brines are the perfect way to add depth, complexity, and moisture to your creations.
In this article, we’ll share 18 delicious and diverse brine recipes that will inspire your cooking and impress your guests. From classic turkey to spicy shrimp, honey-glazed pork chops to savory lamb, our brine collection has something for every taste and occasion. So why not give brining a try? Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
Classic Turkey Brine for Thanksgiving
Elevate your holiday turkey with a classic brine that adds flavor and moisture. This recipe is simple to make and requires only basic pantry ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon water
– 1 cup kosher salt
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp black peppercorns
– 2 tbsp coriander seeds
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine water, kosher salt, brown sugar, black peppercorns, coriander seeds, parsley, and thyme.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Place your turkey in a large container or brining bag, breast side up. Pour the cooled brine over the turkey, making sure it’s fully submerged.
5. Refrigerate for 12-24 hours before roasting.
Cooking Time:
– Total time: 12-24 hours
– Preparation time: 10 minutes
– Cooking time: N/A (brining)
Spicy Cajun Shrimp Brine
Elevate your shrimp game with this bold and flavorful brine, perfect for marinating before grilling or sautéing. A hint of heat from the cayenne pepper adds depth to these succulent crustaceans.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon water
– 1 cup kosher salt
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (such as Tony Chachere’s)
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine water, kosher salt, brown sugar, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve.
2. Add the garlic, lemon slices, and shrimp to the brine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (up to 24 hours).
3. Remove the shrimp from the brine, pat dry with paper towels, and cook according to your preferred method.
Cooking Time: Marinating time: 2-24 hours; Cooking time: varies depending on cooking method
Honey Garlic Pork Chop Brine
Elevate your pork chops with a sweet and savory brine that balances the richness of honey and garlic. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon water
– 1/2 cup kosher salt
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine water, kosher salt, and brown sugar. Stir until dissolved.
2. Add honey, garlic, and apple cider vinegar to the brine mixture. Whisk until well combined.
3. Place pork chops in a large zip-top plastic bag or non-reactive container with lid. Pour brine over the pork chops, making sure they are completely covered.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
5. Remove pork chops from brine, pat dry with paper towels. Cook as desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes per pound at 400°F (200°C).
Citrus Herb Chicken Brine
Citrus Herb Chicken Brine: A Refreshing Twist on Traditional Chicken Marinades
Elevate your chicken dishes with this zesty and aromatic brine, perfect for grilling or baking. This citrus herb infused liquid will tenderize and flavor your chicken to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon water
– 1 cup kosher salt
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine water and kosher salt. Heat until the salt dissolves.
2. Add orange juice, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, and garlic to the pot. Stir well.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
4. Submerge your chicken (whole or cut) in the brine for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Preheat grill or oven as desired. Remove chicken from brine and cook until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-45 minutes
Smoky Maple Bacon Brine
Elevate your bacon game with this sweet and smoky brine, perfect for slow-cooking to tender perfection.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup maple syrup
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 2 tsp kosher salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 gallon water
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Add the water to the mixture and stir until dissolved.
3. Place 1-2 pounds of bacon in a large ziplock bag or airtight container. Pour the brine over the bacon, making sure it’s fully covered.
4. Seal the bag or container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to 48 hours.
5. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Remove the bacon from the brine and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until crispy.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Asian-Inspired Soy Sauce Brine
Elevate your cooking with this savory and aromatic soy sauce brine, perfect for marinating meats, seafood, or vegetables. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the umami taste of soy sauce with Asian-inspired aromatics.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup soy sauce
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons grated ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, garlic, and sesame oil until well combined.
2. Add the black pepper and whisk until smooth.
3. Use immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: None required; this brine is ready to use!
Herb-Infused Salmon Brine
Elevate your salmon dishes with a flavorful brine that combines the brightness of citrus and herbs. This recipe is perfect for marinating fish before grilling, baking, or pan-frying.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup kosher salt
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together water, kosher salt, brown sugar, and lemon juice until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
2. Add rosemary, thyme, and black peppercorns to the brine mixture. Stir well to combine.
3. Place salmon fillets or steaks in a large zip-top plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the herb-infused brine over the fish, making sure it’s fully submerged.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (up to 12 hours).
5. Remove the salmon from the brine and pat dry with paper towels before cooking.
Cooking Time: Cooking time will vary depending on the method you choose: grilling (4-6 minutes per side), baking (8-10 minutes), or pan-frying (3-5 minutes per side).
Sweet and Tangy Pickle Brine
Elevate your pickle game with this sweet and tangy brine, perfect for adding depth and complexity to your favorite pickling recipes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (250ml) water
– 1/2 cup (125ml) white vinegar
– 1/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (60g) brown sugar
– 2 tbsp (30g) kosher salt
– 1 tsp (5g) ground mustard
– 1 tsp (5g) dried dill weed
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine water, white vinegar, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes or until the sugars have dissolved.
4. Remove from heat and stir in kosher salt, ground mustard, and dried dill weed.
5. Let the brine cool to room temperature before using.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Jerk-Style Chicken Brine
Elevate your chicken dishes with the bold flavors of Jamaica’s jerk seasoning! This brine is perfect for marinating chicken before grilling, roasting, or baking.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine water, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, jerk seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add chicken pieces (such as legs, thighs, wings, or breasts) to the brine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
4. Preheat your grill, oven, or cooking surface according to your desired method of cooking.
5. Remove the chicken from the brine, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. Cook the chicken as desired, adjusting cooking time based on the specific cut and method.
Cooking Time: 30-45 minutes (depending on cooking method and chicken pieces)
Garlic Butter Steak Brine
Elevate your steak game with this simple yet flavorful brine recipe that combines the richness of garlic and butter with the tenderness of a perfectly cooked steak.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon water
– 1/2 cup kosher salt
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine water, kosher salt, and brown sugar. Stir until dissolved.
2. Add the minced garlic, melted butter, thyme, and rosemary to the brine mixture. Stir to combine.
3. Place the steak of your choice ( ribeye or strip loin work well) in the brine, making sure it’s fully submerged.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
5. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
6. Remove steak from brine and pat dry with paper towels.
7. Grill steak to desired level of doneness (medium-rare recommended).
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (includes brining time)
Apple Cider Turkey Brine
Elevate your holiday turkey with this unique and delicious Apple Cider Turkey Brine recipe. The sweet and tangy flavors of apple cider, combined with aromatics like onion and thyme, will leave your turkey juicy and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon water
– 1 cup kosher salt
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider
– 2 tablespoons black peppercorns
– 2 tablespoons fresh thyme sprigs
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine water, salt, and brown sugar. Heat until the sugar and salt dissolve.
2. Remove from heat and stir in apple cider, black peppercorns, thyme sprigs, onion slices, and garlic.
3. Chill brine to room temperature (about 1 hour).
4. Place turkey in a large container or bag that can fit in the refrigerator. Pour cooled brine over turkey, making sure it’s fully submerged.
5. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours or overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove turkey from brine and pat dry with paper towels before roasting.
Cooking Time: About 4-4 1/2 hours, depending on turkey size.
Lemon Pepper Fish Brine
Elevate your fish dishes with this zesty and aromatic lemon pepper brine, perfect for adding flavor to your favorite seafood recipes. This simple marinade combines the brightness of citrus with the warmth of black pepper.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons kosher salt
– 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
– 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together water, lemon juice, and kosher salt until dissolved.
2. Add black peppercorns and garlic (if using). Stir to combine.
3. Place fish fillets or other seafood in a large zip-top bag or non-reactive container. Pour brine over the top, making sure that the fish is fully coated.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Remove fish from brine and pat dry with paper towels before cooking.
Cooking Time: None (brining only), adjust cooking time according to your chosen recipe.
BBQ Rib Brine with Brown Sugar
This classic Southern-style rib brine combines the richness of brown sugar, the tanginess of apple cider vinegar, and the savory flavor of smoked paprika to create a finger-lickin’ good marinade for your next barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup kosher salt
– 1/4 cup smoked paprika
– 2 tablespoons black pepper
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 cups water
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, kosher salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
2. Add the apple cider vinegar and water to the mixture. Stir until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
3. Place the ribs in a large container or zip-top bag that can fit in your refrigerator. Pour the brine over the ribs, making sure they are completely covered.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the ribs from the brine and pat dry with paper towels before grilling.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Rosemary and Thyme Lamb Brine
Elevate your lamb dishes with this aromatic brine, infused with the earthy flavors of rosemary and thyme. Perfect for legs, racks, or even ground lamb, this simple recipe will leave you with tender, juicy results.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup kosher salt
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
– 1 lemon, sliced
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine kosher salt, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and water to create the brine.
2. Add chopped rosemary and thyme leaves to the brine; stir well.
3. Submerge lamb in the brine, making sure it is fully covered.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove lamb from brine and pat dry with paper towels.
6. Roast lamb according to your preferred cooking method.
Cooking Time: 1-3 hours, depending on the cut of lamb and desired level of doneness.
Spicy Beer Brine for Chicken Wings
Take your chicken wings to the next level with this spicy beer brine recipe! This flavorful marinade combines the richness of beer with the boldness of spices, resulting in tender and juicy wings with a kick.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup beer (any type, but darker beers like stout or porter work best)
– 1/2 cup water
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together beer, water, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add chicken wings to the brine, making sure they are fully submerged.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove wings from brine, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Bake wings for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sweet Tea Brine for Fried Chicken
Sweet Tea Brine for Fried Chicken: A Southern Twist
Elevate your fried chicken game with a sweet tea-infused brine that adds depth and complexity to this classic dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart (4 cups) water
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened black tea, brewed strong
– 2 tablespoons kosher salt
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika (optional)
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl or container, combine water, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and brewed tea. Stir until dissolved.
2. Add kosher salt, smoked paprika (if using), and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
3. Submerge chicken pieces in the brine, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F.
5. Remove chicken from brine, pat dry with paper towels, and fry until golden brown and crispy.
6. Cook time: 8-12 minutes per pound, depending on size.
Savory Mushroom and Herb Brine
This rich and aromatic brine is perfect for marinating meats, vegetables, or even cheese before grilling or roasting. With a deep umami flavor profile and subtle herbal notes, it’s sure to elevate your next cookout.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup white vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 teaspoon dried porcini mushroom powder (or 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
2. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the brine has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and stir in porcini mushroom powder (or sliced mushrooms).
5. Let cool to room temperature before using.
Cooking Time: None
Pineapple Teriyaki Pork Brine
Elevate your pork dishes with this sweet and savory pineapple teriyaki brine. Perfect for grilling, roasting, or slow cooking, this marinade adds a tangy twist to traditional teriyaki flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine water, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Whisk until dissolved.
2. Add chopped pineapple to the marinade and whisk until well combined.
3. Submerge pork (such as pork chops or tenderloin) in the brine for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours in the refrigerator.
4. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove pork from brine, pat dry with paper towels, and cook according to your preferred method.
Cooking Time: Varies depending on cooking method and pork thickness.
Summary
Get ready to elevate your cooking with these 18 flavorful brine recipes! Whether you’re looking for a classic turkey brine for Thanksgiving or something more adventurous like spicy Cajun shrimp, we’ve got you covered. From honey garlic pork chops to citrus herb chicken and smoky maple bacon, our collection of brines is perfect for any occasion. With options ranging from savory mushroom and herb to sweet tea and pineapple teriyaki, there’s a brine recipe to suit every taste and dietary need. So why not give one a try today and discover the incredible flavors that a good brine can bring?!
