free printable brine calculator
Calculate perfect brine solutions for meat, poultry, and fish.
Brine Recipe
Water:
0 cups
Salt:
0 tbsp
Sugar:
0 tbsp
Brine Volume:
0 cups
Brine Time:
0 hours
Brine Basics
Brining is a technique that involves soaking meat in a saltwater solution to enhance flavor and moisture retention:
Brine Ratios:
- • Light Brine: 5% salt (1 tbsp per cup water)
- • Medium Brine: 8% salt (1.5 tbsp per cup water)
- • Strong Brine: 10% salt (2 tbsp per cup water)
- • Sugar: 50% of salt amount
Brine Times by Meat Type:
- Chicken: 2-4 hours (whole), 1-2 hours (parts)
- Turkey: 12-24 hours (whole), 4-6 hours (breast)
- Pork: 4-8 hours (chops), 8-12 hours (roast)
- Beef: 2-4 hours (steaks), 6-12 hours (roast)
- Fish: 30 minutes - 2 hours
- Duck: 4-8 hours
Brine Types:
- Basic: Salt and water only
- Sweet: Includes sugar or honey
- Herbed: Adds herbs like thyme, rosemary
- Spiced: Includes spices like peppercorns, bay leaves
Pro Tips
- • Always use cold water for brining
- • Ensure meat is completely submerged
- • Refrigerate during brining process
- • Rinse meat after brining and pat dry
- • Don't over-brine - it can make meat too salty