For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice. Bottled juice can sometimes have a slightly bitter aftertaste. Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before starting the brining process. A partially frozen turkey will not brine evenly. If your container isn't large enough to fully submerge the turkey, use a food-safe weight (like a plate or a sealed bag of water) to keep it submerged. Don't over-brine the turkey, as it can become too salty. The recommended time is overnight, or around 12-15 hours. Consider adding other aromatics to the second-stage marinade, such as rosemary, thyme, or sage, to customize the flavor profile.
Juicy Two-Stage Thanksgiving Turkey Marinade
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PREP TIME25 mins
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COOK TIME0 mins
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TOTAL TIME48 hrs 25 mins
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SERVING15 People
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VIEWS85
Embark on a culinary journey that begins days before Thanksgiving. This two-stage marinade infuses your turkey with layers of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors, guaranteeing a moist and deeply flavorful centerpiece for your holiday feast.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate27 g
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Cholesterol268 mg
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Fiber4 g
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Protein93 g
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Saturated Fat10 g
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Sodium238 mg
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Sugar20 g
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Fat36 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
DIRECTIONS
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01 Step
Recipe View **Stage 1: The Brine (Tuesday Morning):** In a large, non-reactive container (stainless steel or food-grade plastic), whisk together the salt, orange juice, brown sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, and water until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved. (Approximately 5 minutes). Submerge the turkey in the brine, ensuring it is fully covered. Cover the container and refrigerate overnight. (Approximately 12-15 hours)
02 Step
Recipe View **Stage 2: Aromatic Infusion (Wednesday):** Remove the turkey from the brine, discarding the brine. Rinse the container and pat the turkey thoroughly dry with paper towels. In the now clean container, combine the sliced oranges, sliced lemons, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, parsley, cloves, garlic powder, 2 cinnamon sticks, paprika, olive oil, and black pepper. Mix well to create a vibrant marinade.
03 Step
Recipe View Place the turkey back into the container and generously rub the marinade all over the bird, ensuring it penetrates every nook and cranny. Cover and refrigerate overnight. (Approximately 12-15 hours)
04 Step
Recipe View **Thanksgiving Day: The Grand Finale:** Remove the turkey from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the marinade. Roast the turkey using your preferred method (oven-roasting, smoking, deep-frying). Be sure to adjust cooking times based on your chosen method and the weight of the turkey. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh should register 165°F (74°C).
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RECIPE REVIEWS
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Please Rate
Ladarius Orn
May 29, 2025The citrus and spices were a perfect balance. My family raved about the flavor.
Germaine Bahringer
Dec 8, 2024This was the juiciest turkey I've ever made! The two-stage marinade is a game-changer.
Derrick Feest
Nov 10, 2024Next time, I might add a little honey or maple syrup to the second marinade for a touch of sweetness.
Jeff Medhurst
Oct 22, 2024I followed this recipe exactly and the turkey was amazing! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Cecelia Nolan
Aug 23, 2024I was a little intimidated by the two-step process, but it was totally worth it. So much flavor!