The KingDude’s Wet Barbacoa Brine

This is Mike’s famous Barbacoa Brine that is good for almost any poultry brining application.

To Brine or Not To Brine!? That Is The Question!

There is no question at all, if you have time, brine. If you have LOTS of time, brine longer. It is true that brining begins the process of breaking down or tenderizing meat by the primary reason we brine, especially poultry and pork, is for moisture retention. A whole fryer chicken cut & trimmed into frying parts will weigh 3-5 pounds before brining, properly brined, will weigh nearly the same after frying or baking whereas the same cuts without brine will weigh 15-20% less. The following recipe is my everyday brine for any kind of fowl. You should plan your cook so your bird has at least 1 hour to brine but 3 hours or even overnight is preferred.

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Ingredients:

Adjust Servings
1/2 Cup Salt
3 Cups Filtered Water
1/4 Cup Black Peppercorns
1/2 Cup Lemon, Lime or Orange Juice The inclusion of citrus is VITAL to begin the tenderizing process!
SUGGESTED HERBS
1Handful Rosemary sprigs, Oregano sprigs, Thyme or Lemon Thyme spirgs Use any of these herbs in the brine by themselves or in combos.

Directions

1.
Cook The Brine
Bring the water, salt and black peppercorns to a boil. As soon as boil is reached remove from heat. Stir to make sure the salt is completely dissolved
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2.
Time To Chill Out
Let the brine stand so it can cool 20-30 minutes, you can speed this up by stirring regularly. Once its cooled enough so you could dip your finger in it, add the herbs and the citrus. Pour it over the fowl, add water to completely cover and then add ice so it can stand at room temp (no need to refrigerate unless you brining overnight.
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