Description
This Brined and Roasted Turkey Breast recipe delivers a moist, flavorful main course perfect for holiday meals or family dinners. The turkey breast is first brined in a well-seasoned solution to ensure juicy and tender meat, then roasted to golden perfection with a savory blend of spices and herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Brine
- 8 cups water
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
Turkey and Seasoning
- 1 bone-in turkey breast, about 4 to 5 pounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Brine: In a large pot, combine the water, kosher salt, brown sugar, smashed garlic, black peppercorns, rosemary, and thyme. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the salt and sugar have completely dissolved, creating a flavorful brine base.
- Brine the Turkey: Place the turkey breast into the brine, making sure it is fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate and the meat to retain moisture.
- Remove and Dry: After brining, carefully remove the turkey breast from the liquid and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step ensures better browning during roasting.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the turkey breast.
- Season the Turkey: Rub the turkey breast evenly with olive oil. Then season all over with paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder to add color and savory notes.
- Roast the Turkey: Place the seasoned turkey breast on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. Roast in the oven for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest, loosely tented with foil, for 10 to 15 minutes. Resting helps redistribute the juices and ensures tender, juicy slices.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the turkey breast against the grain and serve warm. Enjoy your flavorful and moist roasted turkey breast as a delicious main course.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add lemon slices or onion to the roasting pan to infuse subtle aromatics during cooking.
- If the skin begins to brown too quickly in the oven, loosely cover the turkey breast with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Leftover turkey breast can be repurposed in sandwiches, salads, or soups for tasty subsequent meals.
