Description
This apple cider brined turkey pastrami is packed with mouthwatering flavors and is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for holidays or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–5 lbs turkey breast, bone-in or boneless
- 4 cups fresh apple cider, preferably unfiltered
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup Kosher salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the brine: In a large stockpot, combine apple cider, water, Kosher salt, brown sugar, black peppercorns, smashed garlic cloves, and bay leaves. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve.
- Cool the brine: Let the mixture cool to room temperature or refrigerate for an hour to speed up cooling.
- Brine the turkey: Place the turkey breast in a resealable bag or food-safe container and pour the brine over it. Seal tightly, ensuring the turkey is fully submerged. Refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
- Make the spice rub: In a small bowl, mix ground coriander, paprika, ground mustard, and smoked salt.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Season the turkey: Remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry. Brush with olive oil, then generously coat with the spice rub, ensuring an even layer.
- Roast the turkey: Place the turkey breast on a wire rack set inside a roasting pan. Roast for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the turkey: Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before slicing to retain juices and enhance flavor.
Notes
[‘Brining is essential for tender, juicy turkey. If short on time, brine for at least 6 hours.’, ‘Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is perfectly cooked without drying out.’, ‘Pat the turkey dry before seasoning to help the spice rub stick and create a nice crust.’, ‘Tent the turkey with foil if it starts to brown too quickly during roasting.’, ‘Let the turkey rest after cooking to retain flavorful juices.’]
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice of turkey pa
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Protein: 35
Keywords: apple cider, turkey pastrami, holiday recipe, brined turkey, Thanksgiving recipe