Dry Brine Overnight

Salt the meat and rest it uncovered in the fridge overnight. The skin dries and crisps without deep frying.

Dry Brine Overnight
Difficulty: 2
Heat: none

Key Points

Use a rack so air reaches every side. Never cover it. Eight hours works, twenty four hours works better.

Common Failures

Covering the plate traps the moisture and nothing dries. Salting too heavily for a long rest makes the meat taste like ham.

Do this

Salt the meat all over. Put it on a rack over a plate. Leave it uncovered in the fridge for eight to twenty four hours.

Why it works

Salt draws water to the surface. Cold dry air in the fridge then takes that water away. A dry skin browns in half the usual time.

When to skip it

Skip it if you are cooking within the hour. A short salt and wipe gives most of the benefit with none of the wait.