Mustard Free Easy Turkey Brine
A beautifully brined turkey is the secret behind that impossibly juicy, flavorful roast that has everyone asking what you did differently. Pre-made brines and seasoning blends sold at the store often sneak in mustard seed or mustard flour as a flavor booster, making them a real minefield if you need to avoid it. This version keeps things clean and aromatic, relying on kosher salt, sugar, garlic, onion, fresh herbs, peppercorns, and lemon to do all the heavy lifting. The result is a bird that's deeply seasoned all the way through, with a subtle brightness from the lemon and a savory herbal backbone from the thyme and rosemary. The process is straightforward — dissolve, steep, cool, and submerge — and the hands-on time is minimal even though the payoff is enormous. Rinsing and patting the turkey dry before roasting ensures the skin crisps up beautifully, so you get the best of both worlds: tender, moist meat and a golden, crackling exterior.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
1 serving
- 1 gallon cold water, divided
- 1 cup kosher salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp whole black peppercorns
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 cups ice cubes
Instructions
- 1
Combine 4 cups of the water, the kosher salt, and sugar in a large stockpot over medium heat, stirring until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat.
- 2
Add the garlic, onion, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, peppercorns, and lemon halves to the hot brine. Let the mixture steep for 5 minutes, until fragrant.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!