When choosing a container for brining, keep in mind that it must be food safe.
Bowls (glass, stainless-steel or ceramic), stainless-steel stock pots, brining bags or plastic containers are all suitable. Many restaurant-supply stores sell larger food grade containers, which are often sold to the general public as well. Check your local listings.
Sealable plastic bags can be used, as long as they are intended for food use. Avoid using garbage bags, laundry buckets or other plastic containers not graded for food use as these all contain chemicals.
Remember that the food and brine needs to be stored at refrigerator temperatures (below 40º degrees Fahrenheit or 4º degrees Celsius). If you do not have the room in your refrigerator to brine larger items (such as turkeys), small, medium or large insulated coolers can be used. Just make sure to keep the brine cold. Sealed bags of ice can be added to the brine and replaced during the brining process to ensure it is very cold.
FAQs
Bowls (glass, stainless-steel or ceramic), stainless-steel stock pots, brining bags or plastic containers are all suitable.
What is a good container for brining? ›
Any food grade HDPE, PP, or polycarbonate container is appropriate for brining. These materials can withstand the salt, acids (e.g. orange juice, Coca-Cola), and alcohol (e.g. beer, booze) used in flavor brines.
What storage containers are food safe? ›
Glass, stainless steel, silicone, and ceramic containers are the safest for food storage. They have the most heat resistance and do not leak toxins into your food. Glass is microwave-safe, toxin-free, and dishwasher-safe.
What plastic is food grade? ›
The Definition of Food Grade Plastic
It is made from non-toxic, odorless materials and does not contain harmful chemicals or substances that can contaminate food products.
Which of the following containers are not suitable for brining? ›
Avoid using garbage bags, laundry buckets or other plastic containers not graded for food use as these all contain chemicals. Remember that the food and brine needs to be stored at refrigerator temperatures (below 40º degrees Fahrenheit or 4º degrees Celsius).
What is the easiest container to brine a turkey in? ›
A Cambro container is the best vessel for brining because it is food safe, protects your turkey and you can see through it to watch what's happening. Chef JT Walker, Executive Sous Chef at SoFi Stadium, shares his simple, easy brine recipe for a 14 to 16 lb.
How do you know if a container is food safe? ›
To identify food grade buckets, flip a bucket over and look for the recycling number on the bottom. If it's labeled "1," "2," "4," or "5," the bucket is safe to store food in. You can also check the bottom of the bucket to see if there's a cup and fork symbol, which means the bucket is safe for storing food.
What plastic food containers to avoid? ›
In general, the safest choices for food use are numbers 1, 2, 4 and 5. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding plastic containers with codes 3, 6 and 7. Plastic number 3 contains vinyl or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), 6 has polystyrene and 7 can contain various plastics, such as Bisphenol A (BPA).
What is not an acceptable food storage container? ›
containers manufactured especially to hold food, like Ziploc bags or Tupperware containers. Do not use non-food grade containers like plastic or paper shopping bags or plastic trash bags to store food. Chemicals or dyes from these bags can leach into the food and contaminate it.
What plastic is FDA approved for food? ›
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
While many plastics are only FDA compliant and food safe in their virgin (or unrecycled) state, recycled PET is an FDA approved plastic for food contact. It also repels microorganisms and doesn't corrode, making it an overall ideal material for food and beverage contact and storage.
Polypropylene, recycling number 5, is an FDA-approved food contact plastic that's generally used for single-serve items like yogurt cups, cream cheese containers, and syrup packets. Because of its high melting point, it can withstand the extreme temperatures of the microwave and dishwasher.
Is Grade 7 plastic food safe? ›
In food packaging, the #7 type of plastic is commonly used to make water cooler five-gallon jugs and some citrus juice and ketchup bottles as well as cups, coffee lids and clamshell containers. FDA Approved for food contact? Yes. Recyclable: Yes.
What kind of bag can I use to brine a turkey? ›
Opt for a bag that's specifically designed for brining. "Most stores carry brine bags during the holiday season, and depending on the size of your turkey, they should work fine," says Livingston.
Can you brine fish in plastic containers? ›
Pre-mix these ingredients in a stainless steel or plastic container and immerse your fillets into your brining solution. Keep in mind that almost any container will work for brining, but avoid aluminum containers as they can taint the taste of your fish.
What is the best brine method? ›
Step 1: Mix together liquid, salt, and sugar (if using) until salt and sugar are fully dissolved. Step 2: Add the protein to the brine, making sure that it is fully submerged. Step 3: Leave the protein in the brine for an hour per pound.
Do you pour brine hot or cold? ›
The temperature can bring out flavors, which leach into the brine. She recommends using hot brine to pickle opaque vegetables or spices such as root vegetables, kabocha squash and garlic. Cold brines are useful if you're looking to preserve the texture and crunch of a vegetable.
