Q&A for How to Brine Meat

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  • Question
    Should I brine a country ham?
    Community Answer
    No, a country ham contains a great deal of salt, brining would not be a good idea.
  • Question
    Can I use some of the brine to cook with?
    Community Answer
    Never cook with the brine solution -- only use it soak the meat. The brine must then be must be discarded for food safety.
  • Question
    The salt locks the water moisture into the protein in the meat and the sugar is there to balance the flavor out so that it doesn't become overwhelmingly salty. Is this accurate?
    Community Answer
    Yes. The salt locks the moisture of the meat and the sugar tones down the salt when you cook it.
  • Question
    Can I brine a frozen steak and cook it in a crock pot?
    Community Answer
    I have tried that a few times with different meats, even birds. It works, and at the same time helps with defrosting and imparts flavor. It just takes a bit more time.
  • Question
    Is it safe to brine a turkey in an oil can?
    Community Answer
    Probably not. The oil can could be filled with toxins.
  • Question
    Do I have to cook it first?
    Community Answer
    No, the salt and sugar will be absorbed less effectively by cooked meat. Brining is intended for raw meat; it is not like a sauce.
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