Last year for Thanksgiving I was lucky enough to be chosen to host a Kikkoman sponsored Houseparty called Brine A Juicy Bird! They sent me lots of goodies included their soy sauce, which I have grown up using, along with recipes for delicious Thanksgiving creations. We decided “what the heck let’s try it!” and made a Soy Sauce Brined Turkey for our Thanksgiving meal. And guess what?! It was AMAZING! Tender, juicy, flavorful, and delicious! I love cooking my turkey this way now and it is so easy- who knew?!

Print Recipe

Soy Sauce Brined Turkey

Yield: Makes 12-16 servings

Ingredients

12-16 pound turkey thawed

For the brine:

2 gallons cold water
10 ounces Kikkoman® Soy Sauce
1/2 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup sugar

For the roast:

1 stick butter softened
2 tablespoons dried sage
1 tablespoon dried thyme or poultry seasoning
1 large sweet onion peeled and quartered
4 cloves garlic peeled

Instructions

Remove giblets and turkey neck; rinse turkey inside and out.
In a large stock pot or 5 gallon container, mix water with remaining brining ingredients.
Stir well until all salt dissolves.
Place turkey in the pot, cover with a lid and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight.
The next day...preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Remove turkey from brine, rinsing well.
Pat dry then rub butter in thick layers all over and under the skin.
Rub on seasonings then stuff with onion and garlic.
Place on a roasting rack inside a large baking pan.
Follow cooking instructions according your turkey {I baked a 12lb turkey for 3 1/2hrs}.
Tent with foil 1/2 way through.
Remove from oven, carve, and serve.