When it comes to preparing a delicious and moist turkey for your holiday feast, brining is a technique that can make all the difference. But have you ever considered using oolong tea to brine your turkey? Let's explore the unique process of oolong-brining and how it can elevate your turkey to a whole new level.
What is Oolong-Brined Turkey?
Oolong-brined turkey is a method of brining poultry using oolong tea, a traditional Chinese tea that falls between green and black tea in terms of oxidation. The tea leaves are steeped in a brine solution along with salt, sugar, and various herbs and spices to infuse the turkey with a delicate and complex flavor profile.
Oolong-Brined Turkey Recipe
Serves 8 to 12
Ingredients
- 2 quarts water
- ¼ cup/10 grams loose-leaf oolong tea leaves
- ½ cup/85 grams kosher salt
- ½ cup/100 grams (packed) light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon whole Szechuan peppercorns or black peppercorns
- 1 (2-inch/5-centimeter) piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 8 whole cloves
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon whole coriander seeds, lightly crushed
- ¼ cup/40 grams dried cranberries (optional)
- 1(4- to 6- pound/1.8- to 2.7-kilogram) boneless turkey breast
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
Directions
- In a large saucepan, heat water to steaming but not quite boiling. Add the tea, salt, and brown sugar and stir until the sugar and salt dissolve. Add the peppercorns, ginger, cloves, bay leaves, coriander seeds, and cranberries, if using. Let brine cool to room temperature.
- Rinse the turkey breast. Place a gallon-size (3.8 liters) oven-roasting bag inside a second bag to form a double thickness. Place the bags inside a large stockpot. Place the turkey inside the bag and pour in the tea mixture. Secure the bags with twist ties. The bag keeps the brine around the turkey breast so that it is fully "submerged" during the brining period. Refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
- When ready to roast the turkey, preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C/gas 4.
- Have ready a roasting pan with a rack. Remove the turkey from the brine and lightly rinse off any excess brine and spices. Pat the turkey breast dry. Discard the brine.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Place the breast, skin-side down, in the oil and sear until golden-brown on each side, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove the turkey from the pan and place it on the rack in the roasting pan. Bake at 350°F/180°C/gas 4 until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F/70°C on an instant-read thermometer. The time required for this will depend on the weight of the breast, roughly 15 minutes per pound/455 grams, or 60 to 90 minutes.
- Remove the turkey from the oven. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Notes
- The turkey needs to brine 12 to 24 hours, so plan accordingly.
- The same amount of brine can be used for a 4-pound/1.8-kilogram or a
6-pound/2.7-kilogram turkey breast.
Final Thoughts
Oolong-brined turkey is a unique and flavorful twist on the traditional holiday bird. By incorporating the subtle nuances of oolong tea into your brine, you can elevate the taste and texture of your turkey to impress your guests and create a memorable dining experience. Give oolong-brining a try this holiday season and savor the delicious results!