Why does nobody talk about the turkey debate at my cousin's place?

I visited my cousin's house for Thanksgiving last month in Des Moines and noticed this huge argument break out over whether to brine the turkey or just dry rub it. My aunt swore by a 24 hour brine with salt and sugar, but my uncle claimed it made the meat mushy. They went back and forth for 20 minutes while the gravy got cold. Has anyone else dealt with a family feud over something this specific?

3 comments

3 Comments

drew6901mo ago

Had a similar thing happen at my brother's place last year except it was over brining versus injecting the turkey. My brother in law swore the injection gave it way more flavor but my sister said it made the meat too salty and wet. They went back and forth for a solid ten minutes while the kids were asking why the food was taking so long. Families and turkey prep just seem to bring out strong opinions, that's for sure.

piperwhite1mo ago

Ah see I'm on the injection side all the way. A good brine just never gives that same deep flavor punch to me no matter how long you soak it.

julia_carter701mo ago

I mean, I gotta push back a little on the injection idea. Idk if you're talking about a wet brine or a dry brine, but a dry brine is a total game changer and doesnt make the meat wet or soggy at all. You just rub salt and maybe some herbs all over the bird and let it sit uncovered in the fridge for a day or two. It pulls moisture out of the skin and then the salt gets drawn back in, so the meat stays juicy but the skin gets really crispy. Injecting can definitely work, but it's easy to overdo it and end up with salty pools inside the bird. Maybe it's just me, but Ive had way better luck with a dry brine for that deep flavor without the weird texture issues.