Hey! Got something to brine and have never done it before?
Ok, you will get plenty of recipes with clear instructions online these days, so no worries.
Oh, wait!
Selecting the right container is the first and foremost step before starting to brine.
You must use the right container as per the recipe requirements.
But are you confused about if you can use a metal pot for brining?
Can you really brine in a metal pot?
Well, a straight answer to this question is a “Yes”.
But with one condition, is that the container you use should be nonreactive and food safe.
This means there is no harm in using good quality stainless steel pot or enamel-coated stockpot.
No other metals, please.
However, the ideal containers for brine are made of glass, food-grade plastic or ceramic material.
These materials do not interact with the salt or acidic content in the brining solution even if you are using it for the long term.
There is anyways no harm in using a stainless-steel container or an enamel lined pot if you want to.
A stainless-steel pot or any other pots made of such non-reactive metals are fine to be used for brining.
Can You Brine Chicken in a Metal Bowl?
You might be spending quality family time by celebrating the extra special chicken dinner with your family or planning the the weekend BBQ party in your backyard.
Everyone wants that chicken to be grilled with an incredibly moist and excellent flavour!
What better way to do that than brine the chicken!
Yes, guys you heard it right, less chicken or more chicken, brine is some extra labor before the grill.
But it’s all worth the effort for that moist and delicious chicken that will make your dinner even more memorable.
You can brine chicken in a stainless steel bowl or an enamel coated container.
No containers or bowls made with any other metals should be used.
If possible, always try using a glass bowl or ceramic bowl.
Plastic containers are too in wide use these days though.
However, remember that using stainless steel for a long time brining is not recommended.
Because continuous exposure to saltwater can lead to rusting and corrosion.
This will in turn affect the flavour of your chicken.
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Can You Brine a Ham in Metal Pot?
To brine a ham again, the first step is to take a large food-safe plastic container to prepare your brine solution.
Here also depending on the size of your ham you can opt for a larger glass or ceramic container.
It is crucial to choose the right pot before you start to brine.
You need to choose a container that is nonreactive, large enough to hold your meat and yet small enough to fit into your refrigerator.
Clear up some space in the refrigerator before you start to brine.
As you will need to refrigerate brined ham for at least five to eight days, which ensures great taste!
You can try using a stainless-steel pot or an enamel-coated stockpot.
Alternatively, you can also use plastic sealable bags or a food safe plastic bucket.
Can You Brine a Turkey in a Metal Pot?
Now, let’s talk about some turkey folks.
Brine a whole turkey before roasting it, is a worthwhile step to ensure that you have an unforgettably delicious roast to serve.
Here too, please do not use a metal pot.
You cannot brine a turkey in a metal pot unless it is made of a non-reactive metal.
No pots or containers made of copper, cast iron and aluminium should be used to brine a turkey.
To brine a turkey, you will need a large container that is made of glass, plastic or stainless steel or you can also take a larger plastic sealable bag.
You will have to first prepare the brine with the required amount of water, salt, nitrate, sugar, herbs and other spices as per needed.
Then submerge the turkey into the solution and leave it to brine for up to four days depending on the size of your bird.
Do not use any other metal containers as there is a risk of the metal reacting with the brine solution and giving your turkey a metallic taste.
Is It Okay to Brine in an Aluminium Pot?
It is not at all recommended to use aluminium pot for brining purpose.
Aluminium is a reactive metal.
It will leach into the brine and affect your poultry or meat’s flavour.
So, let’s see what is to brine basically.
It’s simply soaking the meat in a saltwater solution that is flavoured with various spices, sugar and acidic flavouring ingredients such as lime, lemon, a dash of vinegar etc.
Thus, it is very important to use a container that is non-reactive for brine purposes.
Nonreactive material is that which does not chemically combine with the acids or salts in the solution over time.
As you already aware that aluminium is a reactive metal, and pots or containers made of this metal are not made for brine.
Thus, I highly suggest not to use an aluminium pot to brine.
Does Brine React with Stainless Steel Pot?
Stainless steel is a non-reactive metal.
It is a corrosion-resistant alloy of iron, chromium and other metals.
Hence, brine does not react with Stainless Steel pots.
You can confidently use stainless steel pots or containers to brine anything, your meats or poultry.
There’s no harm if you are using stainless steel containers for brine.
Just make sure that they are of good quality.
However, stainless steel can also actually rust and corrode if it is exposed to saltwater or a corrosive environment for a long period.
Therefore, stainless steel containers are not considered ideal for long term brining or pickling purposes.
What Containers are not suitable for Brining?
Metal containers that are made of aluminium, copper and cast iron are a big no for brine.
These metals are not suitable for brine as they are very reactive and can interfere with the flavour of your meat.
It is important to always use a container made of ‘nonreactive’ material that is also food safe.
A metal pot with enamel coating is good to be used for brine too.
The above-mentioned metals chemically react with the brine solution.
This will lead to a change of flavour and risks of food contamination.
Thus, do not use containers made of these metals for brine.
Final thoughts
The process of brine is a worthwhile step before grilling or roasting any of your meats be it poultry or ham, etc.
And the first and the most important step before you start your brine process is to choose the right container for the same.
Now, after reading through the above, surely you just know how to pick one that’s perfect!
The container should be made of a material that’s nonreactive, food-safe, large enough to hold your meat with brine and yet small enough to fit into your refrigerator.
Metal pots are not for brine unless they are made of stainless steel or are good quality enamel-coated ones.
Even then stainless-steel pots or containers are not recommended for a long time brining.
Ideally, glass containers, ceramic pots or food safe plastic containers are the ones for brine.
Simply remember these points and you are a pro!
Now, what are you waiting for?
Go pick that right container or a pot and start on your brine sessions now!
References:
https://rouxbe.com/tips-techniques/366-food-safe-containers-for-brining
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