BRINED, HERB GRILLED TURKEY

Brined, Herb Grilled Turkey image

I heard about brining from a couple of friends who like to cook and thought I'd try it out. I did some research on the web and came across this brining solution from Emeril. I have always grilled my turkeys with great results.

Provided by big daddy cook

Time P1DT3h

Yield 12-14 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 20

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups salt
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
4 oranges, quartered
4 lemons, quartered
9 sprigs fresh thyme
6 sprigs fresh rosemary
3 gallons cold water
1 (18 -24 lb) whole turkey
2 large oranges, cut into 1/8ths
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
salt and pepper
2 large yellow onions, cut into 1/8ths
2 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 large carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 bay leaves
4 sprigs fresh thyme
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
1/2 bunch fresh sage
6 sprigs fresh parsley
2 cups turkey stock, for basting

Steps:

To make the brining solution, dissolve the salt and sugar in 3 gallons of cold water in a large clean, heavy-duty, food grade plastic storage bag. Add the oranges, lemons, thyme, and rosemary.
Rinse the turkey inside and out under cold running water. Soak the turkey in the brine, covered and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse well under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels inside and out.
Place turkey, breast side up, in a large, foil roasting pan with a rack. Rub breast side with orange segments and rub on all sides with the butter, stuffing some underneath the skin.
Season lightly inside and out with salt and pepper.
Stuff the turkey with the onion, remaining orange, celery, carrot, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, sage and parsley.
Loosely tie the drumsticks together with kitchen string. Grill the turkey, uncovered, breast side down for 1 hour.
Remove from the grill turn, and baste with 1/2 cup stock. Cover with foil and continue grilling with the breast side up until a meat thermometer registers 165 degrees F when inserted into the largest section of thigh about 3 to 3 1/2 hours total cooking time. Baste the turkey once every hour with 1/2 to 3/4 cup chicken or turkey stock.
Remove from the grill and place on a platter. Tent with aluminum foil and let rest for 20 minutes before carving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1009, Fat 45.9, SaturatedFat 14.9, Cholesterol 353.9, Sodium 14522.5, Carbohydrate 41.2, Fiber 3.2, Sugar 35.9, Protein 103.2