Fish fillets soaking in a brine before smoking

Injections & Brines

Injections and brines season meat from the inside, where a rub can't reach. They keep chicken, turkey and pork juicy over a long cook and are the secret behind a lot of competition chicken.

We stock Meat Church Bird Baptism, a poultry brine, and Meat Church Chicken Injection, plus Misty Gully Chicken Brine and Fish Brine for smoked fish. Pair them with an injector and a lower-salt chicken rub so the bird isn't over-seasoned.

For a big Christmas turkey or a whole chook on the pellet grill, a brine is the easiest upgrade there is. See it in action in our beer brined brick chicken recipe. Curing salts for bacon and ham are in curing and sausage making. Free shipping over $149.

4 products

Brine or inject?

  • Wet brine: soak the meat in a salty, seasoned liquid for hours. Best for whole birds, chicken pieces and pork chops.
  • Injection: push seasoned liquid straight into the meat with an injector. Fast and targeted, best for big cuts like turkey breast, pork shoulder and brisket.
  • Dry brine: salt the surface and rest it uncovered in the fridge. Great for steak and crispy-skin chicken.

How long to brine

As a rough guide: chicken pieces 1 to 4 hours, a whole chicken 4 to 12 hours, a turkey 12 to 24 hours, fish fillets 30 minutes to a few hours. Follow the instructions on the pack, keep everything in the fridge, and rinse and pat dry before cooking.

How to inject

Mix the injection with liquid as directed, then inject in a grid pattern about 2 to 3cm apart, pushing the needle in at an angle and squeezing slowly as you pull out. Wipe off any that leaks, then apply your rub.

FAQs

Do I need to rinse after brining?
A quick rinse and a thorough pat dry stops the surface being too salty and helps the skin crisp.

Can I use a rub after brining?
Yes. Pick a lower-salt rub, as the meat is already seasoned.

What do I need to inject meat?
A meat injector with a wide needle for marinades with fine particles. Find them in BBQ tools.

Can I brine fish?
Yes. A short brine firms up fish and seasons it before smoking. Misty Gully Fish Brine is made for it.