This Thanksgiving, you can give your family and friends a tropical surprise that they'll never forget! Treat your guests to an out-of-this-world Hawaiian-Style Beer-Brined Turkey! It's brined in beer and seasoned with amazing ingredients like pineapple, ginger, and coconut. It's then cooked to perfection with modern hops, ensuring an unforgettable flavorful meal. So, get ready to indulge in an amazing tropical Thanksgiving feast that will have everyone asking for seconds!
'Tis the season for giving thanks and showing appreciation for family and friends. And when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, what better way to show your appreciation than with some delightful tropical flavours! As a spin on the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, why not try out a recipe for Hawaiian-style Beer-brined Turkey? This island-inspired variant features ingredients like pineapple, ginger, and coconut, as well as new-school hops, to create a delicious holiday dinner that is sure to leave everyone amazed.
Preparing Your Hawaiian-Style Beer-Brined Turkey
Thanksgiving dinner doesn't have to take weeks to create, but it should not be rushed either. A bit of patience and a steady hand is best for preparing an incredible traditional dinner. Here's how to get your Hawaiian-style Beer-brined Turkey ready for Thanksgiving dinner.
Planning Ahead: What You Need to Do Beforehand
- Make sure you have the ingredients for your Beer-brined Turkey. This includes:
- 1 (14 to 16 lb) whole turkey
- 2 cups of coarse sea salt
- 2 cups of brown sugar
- 1 cup of freshly-squeezed pineapple juice
- 1/3 cup of freshly-grated ginger
- 1/2 cup of freshly-grated coconut
- 3 to 4 cans of beer of your choice (IPA or lighter ales work best)
- Calculate the amount of time you will need to brine the turkey. A rough guide is that you will need between 8 to 10 hours for every 4 lbs. of turkey.
Time to Brine the Turkey
- Thoroughly rinse the turkey with cold water and then pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, mix together the sea salt and brown sugar until well blended.
- Next, mix in the pineapple juice, ginger, and coconut until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
- Add in 4 cups of beer, or as much as is necessary to cover the turkey. Make sure you cover the entire surface of the turkey with liquid.
- Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator or a cool spot in the kitchen.
- Let the turkey brine for 8 to 10 hours, flipping the turkey every 2 to 3 hours.
Cooking the Perfect Hawaiian-Style Beer-Brined Turkey
After you have brined your turkey, it's time to begin cooking it. Here are the steps to follow for the perfect Hawaiian-style Beer-brined Turkey.
What You Need to Prepare for Cooking
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 to 3 cans of beer of your choice (IPA or lighter ales work best)
- 2 lemons, halved
- 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, sliced
- 1 cup of chicken stock
- 1 can of pineapple chunks
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: Preparing and Cooking the Hawaiian-Style Beer-Brined Turkey
- Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Next, heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add in the garlic and onion and cook, stirring often, until the onions start to brown.
- Add in 2 cans of your chosen beer and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and add in the turkey, making sure that it is submerged in the liquid.
- Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the preheated oven.
- Cook the turkey for 1 1/2
