Pork or Poultry Brine

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 gallon cold water
• 1 cup kosher salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup pickling spice mix
• 1/4 cup black peppercorns
• 1/4 cup mustard seeds
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced onion

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• N/A

Difficulty Level:

• 1 (Simple)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large stockpot or container, combine cold water, salt, and sugar. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve.
2. Add pickling spice mix, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, bay leaves, garlic, and onion. Stir to combine.
3. Submerge pork or poultry in the brine.
4. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or up to 24 hours.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 220 per 1/2 cup serving
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 2000mg

Dish Characteristics:

• Tenderizes and flavors pork or poultry
• Adds a savory, slightly sweet brine flavor
• Perfect for grilling, roasting, or smoking

User Comments:

• "This brine adds an incredible amount of flavor to our pork chops. Always a hit!"
• "I use this brine for my Thanksgiving turkey and it comes out perfectly moist and juicy."
• "The simplicity of this brine makes it a go-to for quick and easy marinating."
• "My family loves this brine for our whole chickens. It adds a delicious depth of flavor."
• "I recommend using a large container and letting the meat brine for at least 12 hours for maximum tenderness."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use a non-reactive container, such as glass, plastic, or stainless steel.
• Rinse the meat thoroughly before cooking to remove any excess salt.
• Brining for longer periods will result in more intense flavor.
• Adjust the amount of brine depending on the size and weight of the meat.