Basic Brine for Smoking Meat
Unlock the secrets to succulent, smoke-infused meats with this foundational brine. A simple yet transformative blend of sweet and savory, this brine ensures your meat is incredibly moist and deeply flavorful before it even hits the smoker. Consider this your blank canvas – ready to be personalized with your favorite herbs, spices, and liquids to create a truly bespoke smoking experience.
DIRECTIONS
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01 Step
Recipe View
5 mins
Gather all ingredients. (Prep time: 5 minutes)
02 Step
Recipe View
2 mins
In a medium bowl, combine the water, brown sugar, and kosher salt. (Prep time: 2 minutes)
03 Step
Recipe View
3 mins
Whisk the mixture vigorously until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. Ensure no granules remain for the smoothest brine. (Prep time: 3 minutes)
For optimal flavor penetration, submerge your meat in the brine for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator.
Don't be afraid to experiment! Additions like peppercorns, bay leaves, garlic cloves, citrus zest, or even a splash of your favorite bourbon can elevate the brine to new heights.
Ensure your brine is completely cool before adding the meat to prevent any unwanted cooking or changes in texture.
If you're short on time, you can heat a cup of the water and dissolve the salt and sugar in that, then add the remaining cold water to quickly cool the brine.
RECIPE REVIEWS
Avarage Rating:
4.7/ 5 ( 81 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (4)
Nathanael Champlin
Jun 29, 2025This brine was a game-changer for my smoked chicken! It was so juicy and flavorful, even my picky eaters loved it.
Joey Tillman
Apr 7, 2025Simple and effective. I used it on a pork shoulder and it was the most tender pulled pork I've ever made.
Marley Wintheiser
Jul 27, 2024I've always been intimidated by brining, but this recipe made it so easy. I'll definitely be using this again!
Ryder Nader
Jun 23, 2024I added some rosemary and thyme from my garden, and it turned out amazing! Thanks for the basic recipe, it's a great starting point.