Pork Free Easy Turkey Brine

Total time12 hr 25 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time10 min

4.6

(29)

A good brine is the secret weapon behind a truly juicy, flavorful roast turkey, and this one delivers every time. The combination of kosher salt, sugar, garlic, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon creates a fragrant, well-balanced soak that seasons the meat all the way through — not just on the surface. For anyone avoiding pork, this recipe is completely straightforward: every ingredient is clean and easy to verify, with no hidden animal fats, broths, or cured meat products to worry about. The aromatics — thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and cracked peppercorns — steep right into the brine, so the turkey picks up layers of savory, herby depth before it ever hits the oven. Cooling the brine with ice before adding the bird is a smart safety step that also makes the whole process more practical on a busy cooking day. After a 12-to-24-hour rest in the refrigerator, you'll pull out a turkey that roasts up golden, tender, and anything but dry. It's the kind of prep-day step that makes the whole holiday meal feel effortless.

About Fig

Fig 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!