How to Make Delicious Turkey Legs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you tired of the same boring turkey dishes every holiday season? Do you want to try something new that will wow your family and friends at the dinner table? Well, look no further because we have the solution for you – turkey legs!

Turkey legs are a delicious and easy dish that will leave everyone satisfied. With just a few simple steps, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will have your guests asking for seconds. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Choosing the Right Turkey Legs

Turkey legs come in different sizes, lengths, and shapes. The trick to getting perfectly cooked turkey legs is by choosing the right type. When selecting turkey legs for your recipe, look for ones that are fresh and haven’t been frozen. Frozen turkey legs tend to be less flavorful and harder to work with. Choose turkey legs that are moist, plump, and have a good amount of meat on them. Look at the color of the skin, and make sure it’s not discolored or bruised.

Preparing the Turkey Legs

Before cooking the turkey legs, it’s essential to prepare them correctly. Start by washing the turkey legs thoroughly and patting them dry with a paper towel. After that, sprinkle the turkey legs with salt, pepper, and any other seasoning of your choice. Allow the turkey legs to sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour to let the seasoning penetrate the meat.

Braising the Turkey Legs

Braising is one of the best methods of cooking turkey legs. Braising involves searing the meat on a hot skillet and then transferring it to a pot to simmer in a flavorful liquid for an extended period. To braise turkey legs, heat some oil in a skillet and begin searing the turkey legs until they turn brown. This process usually takes around 5 minutes per side. After searing, transfer the turkey legs to a pot of hot water, chicken broth, or wine, and let them simmer until cooked through, usually around 45 minutes.

Roasting Turkey Legs

If you prefer your turkey legs crispy, then roasting is the best option. Start by coating the turkey legs with butter or olive oil, then sprinkle some salt, pepper, and other seasonings of your choice. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the seasoned turkey legs in a baking dish. Roast the turkey legs for about an hour and keep basting them with some butter every 15 minutes.

Grilling Turkey Legs

Grilling is another fantastic way of cooking turkey legs, especially during warm, sunny days. Start by marinating the turkey legs in your favorite seasoning for a few hours. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the turkey legs on the grates. Grill the turkey legs for about 30 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frying Turkey Legs

If you want your turkey legs crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, frying may be the perfect method for you. To fry the turkey legs, preheat some vegetable oil in a deep, heavy pot. Coat your turkey legs with a preseasoned flour mixture or a wet batter, then place them gently into the hot oil. Fry until they turn golden brown, usually between 6 to 8 minutes.

Serving Turkey Legs

Turkey legs go well with a wide range of side dishes, including mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, and salads. You can also serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as barbecue sauce or spicy mustard. Garnish platter with herbs and fresh fruits for an added aesthetic appeal. Make sure to store any leftovers promptly.

Common Mistakes when Making Turkey Legs

Making the perfect turkey legs may seem easy, but there are a few common mistakes you need to avoid. Overcooking or undercooking the turkey legs is one of the most common mistakes. Make sure to cook the turkey legs at the recommended temperature and time to avoid dry or raw meat. Another mistake people make is not seasoning the turkey legs correctly. Always season your turkey legs before cooking to ensure they are flavorful and delicious.

Alternative Recipes Using Turkey Legs

There are many alternative recipes you can make using turkey legs. For example, you can make turkey leg soup, turkey leg chili, turkey leg tacos, and turkey leg sandwiches. Experiment with different recipes and seasoning combinations to find your favorite.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make turkey legs, you can experiment with different cooking methods and flavor combinations to create a memorable meal for you and your loved ones. Remember to choose fresh turkey legs, prepare them correctly, and avoid common mistakes while cooking. Whether your preference is braising, roasting, grilling, frying, or an alternative recipe, you can’t go wrong with this classic and delicious dish.

10 Easy Steps to Cook Delicious Turkey Legs

Turkey legs are a crowd favorite, and they can be cooked in a variety of ways. If you’re looking for a juicy and succulent turkey leg, follow these ten easy steps to cook delicious turkey legs for your next party or gathering.

Step 1: Preparing the Turkey Legs

Before cooking the turkey legs, it’s important to rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Make sure to remove any excess fat or skin on the legs, as this can make them greasy and unappetizing.

Step 2: Brining the Turkey Legs

Brining the turkey legs in a mixture of water, salt, sugar, and any other seasonings you desire is an excellent way to add flavor and keep the meat moist while cooking. Soak the legs in the brine for at least 4 hours, or up to 12 hours for a more intense flavor.

Step 3: Preparing the Grill (or Oven)

Whether you’re grilling or baking your turkey legs, it’s important to preheat your grill or oven to the correct temperature. For grilling, preheat to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F), and for baking, preheat to 325°F.

Step 4: Seasoning the Turkey Legs

Before cooking, season the turkey legs with your favorite spices and herbs. Salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder are all excellent choices for turkey legs.

Step 5: Cooking the Turkey Legs on the Grill

To cook the turkey legs on the grill, place them directly on the grates over medium-high heat and cook for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 6: Cooking the Turkey Legs in the Oven

To cook the turkey legs in the oven, place them on a baking rack in a shallow roasting pan and bake for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, basting occasionally with melted butter.

Step 7: Resting the Turkey Legs

After cooking, let the turkey legs rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into them. This allows the juices to distribute evenly throughout the meat.

Step 8: Serving the Turkey Legs

Serve the turkey legs hot with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, or green beans.

Step 9: Storing the Leftover Turkey Legs

If you have any leftover turkey legs, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Step 10: Reheating Leftover Turkey Legs

To reheat leftover turkey legs, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can heat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes per leg, or until heated through.

5 Easy Steps to Make Delicious Turkey Legs

Making turkey legs can be a daunting task for some, but it is actually a straight-forward and relatively easy process. Here are five simple steps to create delicious and succulent turkey legs for your next family meal or gathering.

Step 1: Choose the Right Turkey Legs

When it comes to choosing the right turkey legs, it is essential to purchase fresh, high-quality meat. Look for turkey legs that are uniform in size and free from any discoloration or blemishes. You can choose to leave the skin on or remove it, depending on your preference. Leaving the skin on will help keep the meat moist and add extra flavor.

Step 2: Brine the Turkey Legs

Brining is a process that involves soaking the turkey legs in a solution of salt and water to enhance their flavor and moisture content. To make the brine, dissolve 1/2 cup of salt in 1 gallon of cold water, and add any desired herbs or spices for an extra flavor boost. Soak the turkey legs in the brine solution in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Season the Turkey Legs

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the turkey legs from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the turkey legs with your desired herbs and spices. For a classic flavor profile, try rubbing them with a mixture of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4: Roast the Turkey Legs

Place the seasoned turkey legs in a roasting pan, and roast them in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer. Baste the turkey legs with melted butter or olive oil every 30 minutes or so to keep them moist and flavorful.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the turkey legs are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish. Serve the turkey legs whole or thinly sliced with your favorite sides, such as roasted potatoes, green beans, or stuffing.

In conclusion, making delicious turkey legs is not as difficult as it may seem. By following these simple steps, you can create a flavorful and succulent dish that your friends and family will love. Remember to choose high-quality meat, brine the turkey legs, season them well, roast them to perfection, and let them rest before serving. Enjoy!

That’s All and Be Thankful for Turkey Legs

That’s it! A simple and savory recipe for turkey legs that you can serve with your friends and family. Thanks for reading, and I hope you’ve found this article helpful in making your dish more delicious and enjoyable. Don’t forget to visit us again later for more cooking tips and recipe ideas. Have a great day and happy cooking!