Puerto Rican Turkey Brine Recipe

September 25, 2023 Post a Comment

Table of Contents [Show]

Pavochon (Puerto Rican Turkey Recipe) Latina Mom Meals from latinamommeals.com

Description

Thanksgiving dinner is a time-honored tradition in America, and the centerpiece of that tradition is the turkey. If you want to take your turkey to the next level, try this Puerto Rican turkey brine recipe. The combination of spices and citrus will infuse your turkey with bold flavors that will make your guests go back for seconds.

Prep Time

The prep time for this recipe is approximately 20 minutes.

Cook Time

The cook time for this recipe will depend on the size of your turkey. A general rule of thumb is to cook your turkey for 13-15 minutes per pound at 325°F.

Ingredients

1 turkey (12-14 pounds)
1 cup kosher salt
1 cup brown sugar
2 oranges, quartered
2 limes, quartered
2 lemons, quartered
1 onion, quartered
1 head of garlic, cut in half crosswise
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon coriander
1 tablespoon oregano
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 gallon water

Equipment

Large stockpot
Stirring spoon
Turkey brining bag or large cooler
Roasting pan
Meat thermometer

Method

In a large stockpot, combine the water, kosher salt, brown sugar, oranges, limes, lemons, onion, garlic, bay leaves, cumin, coriander, oregano, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the salt and sugar.
Remove the pot from heat and let the brine cool completely.
Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey and rinse it inside and out with cold water.
Place the turkey in a turkey brining bag or a large cooler. Pour the cooled brine over the turkey, making sure it is completely submerged. If necessary, add more water to cover the turkey.
Close the bag or cooler and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours.
Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse it well with cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels and let it come to room temperature.
Preheat the oven to 325°F.
Place the turkey on a roasting pan and roast it in the preheated oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This will take approximately 3-4 hours, depending on the size of your turkey.
Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Make sure to use a non-reactive stockpot, such as stainless steel or enamel-coated cast iron, when making the brine. Reactive materials, such as aluminum, copper, or non-enameled cast iron, can react with the acid in the citrus and affect the flavor of the brine.

Nutrition Info

One serving of this Puerto Rican turkey brine recipe contains approximately:

Calories: 375
Protein: 50g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 164mg
Sodium: 6231mg
Potassium: 677mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 28%
Calcium: 5%
Iron: 17%

Recipes FAQ

Can I use this brine recipe for a chicken instead of a turkey?

Yes, you can use this brine recipe for a chicken instead of a turkey. The cooking time will be shorter, so make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

Can I brine a frozen turkey?

No, you cannot brine a frozen turkey. Make sure to defrost the turkey completely before brining it.

Can I use this brine recipe for a deep-fried turkey?

Yes, you can use this brine recipe for a deep-fried turkey. Just make sure to pat the turkey dry before frying it to prevent any oil splatters.

Recipe Tips

Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done when the temperature reaches 165°F.
If you don't have a turkey brining bag, you can use a large cooler to brine the turkey. Just make sure to clean it thoroughly before and after use.
If you're short on time, you can brine the turkey for as little as 4 hours, but the longer you brine it, the more flavor it will absorb.
You can use the leftover brine to make a flavorful gravy or stock.