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Southern Sweet Tea Brined Turkey Breast Recipe

Turkey breast marinated in a delicious sweet tea and citrus brine. Perfect for feeding smaller Thanksgiving crowds!
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 1 day
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 day 1 hour
Southern Sweet Tea Brined Turkey Breast
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5 from 4 votes

Ingredients

  • 3-5 lb Boneless Turkey Breast
  • 1/2 - 1 gallon water
  • 6 Lipton Tea Bags
  • 1 Cup Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 Cup Salt
  • 1/2 Vidalia Onion (sliced thin)
  • 1 Lemon (sliced thin)
  • 1 Orange (sliced thin)
  • 1/2 Tbsp Peppercorns (I used Hawaiian Rainbow)
  • 4 Garlic Cloves (sliced thin)
  • Olive Oil
  • Salt & Pepper

Instructions

  • Bring the water to a boil in a large pot. Add tea bags, turn off and let steep 10 minutes.
  • Turn the heat back on medium-high. Add the salt and brown sugar. Stir until completely dissolved.
  • Add onion, lemon, orange, and garlic.
  • Remove from heat. Add peppercorns. Let cool.
  • Once brine has cooled completely, put your turkey breast in a turkey bag and cover with the sweet tea brine. If the brine does not completely cover the turkey, add some extra water.
  • Secure bag and refrigerate submersed in the brine for 12-24 hours.
  • Remove turkey from the sweet tea brine. Rinse, then pat dry. (It is important to pat dry so the skin gets a nice crispy skin when cooking!)
  • Place turkey in a baking dish (mine fit perfectly in a 9x9). It is optional, but you can place additional freshly sliced lemons and oranges around the turkey to help keep it juicy.
  • Drizzle some olive oil over the top of your turkey breast. Sprinkle a little salt and crack some fresh pepper over the top.
  • Roast at 450F for about 40-60 minutes, until the internal temperature reads 170F.
  • Let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 254kcal (13%)