Brine Calculator
Calculate the perfect salt-to-water ratio for brining meat and poultry based on water volume and salt type.
Brine Recipe
Brining uses a saltwater solution to add moisture and flavor to meat. The standard ratio is about 5–8% salt by weight of water.
Standard brine ratio: 1 cup (273g) table salt per 1 gallon (3.8L) water
Salt type equivalents for 1 gallon of water:
| Salt Type | Amount | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Table salt | 1 cup | 273g |
| Kosher salt (Morton) | 1.5 cups | 241g |
| Kosher salt (Diamond Crystal) | 2 cups | 160g |
| Sea salt (fine) | 1 cup | 273g |
| Sea salt (coarse) | 1.25 cups | 273g |
Brining times:
- Chicken pieces: 1–2 hours
- Whole chicken: 4–12 hours
- Pork chops: 1–4 hours
- Turkey (12–16 lbs): 12–24 hours
Tips:
- Always use cold brine and refrigerate while brining
- Add sugar (half the salt amount) for balanced flavor
- Pat dry after brining for better browning
- Do not brine pre-brined or kosher meats