Embark on a tantalizing culinary journey with our succulent barbecued turkey legs, expertly crafted to deliver an explosion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This comprehensive guide presents a diverse selection of recipes, each meticulously designed to suit your unique preferences, ensuring an unforgettable barbecue experience. From the traditional charcoal-grilled classic to the innovative oven-baked delight, we have curated a collection that caters to every taste and skill level. Whether you prefer a smoky, charred exterior or a tender, juicy interior, our recipes will effortlessly guide you towards barbecue perfection. Prepare to indulge in a symphony of flavors as you explore our delectable offerings, ranging from the classic barbecue sauce-slathered drumsticks to the tangy honey-glazed wonders. Discover the secrets to achieving that perfect balance of smoky and savory, with our carefully curated selection of marinades and rubs. Elevate your barbecue game with our expert tips and tricks, ensuring your turkey legs emerge as the stars of your next backyard gathering. Get ready to tantalize your senses and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.
Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!
BARBECUED TURKEY LEGS
Wishing you were at the game? Raise a giant drumstick -- in spirit -- with all the other Hawkeye football fans at the University of Iowa. These massive barbecued bird legs are a tailgating tradition at the black-and-gold school. Now you can make them at home with an easy dry brine that eliminates the need for submerging them in a big pot of salted water.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 11h40m
Yield 8 turkey legs
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- The day before, make a dry brine: Put 2 wire racks on 2 rimmed baking sheets. Mix together the sugar, chili powder, mustard powder, garlic powder, cayenne and 1/2 cup salt. Pat the turkey drumsticks dry. Put 2 drumsticks in a large shallow bowl and sprinkle generously with the dry brine, rubbing it into every nook and cranny. Transfer to one of the wire racks. Working in batches, sprinkle and rub the remaining drumsticks with the dry brine and transfer to the wire racks. Sprinkle the drumsticks on the racks with any remaining dry brine. Refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 8 hours and preferably up to 24 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake the drumsticks, rotating the baking sheets front to back and top to bottom halfway through cooking, until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer measures at least 200 degrees F, about 2 hours. Let cool to room temperature. Transfer the drumsticks to large re-sealable plastic bags. (The turkey can be made ahead up to this point and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.)
- Preheat a gas grill to medium-low or prepare a charcoal for medium-low indirect heat: bank one chimney starter-full of lit and ashed-over charcoal briquettes to one side of the grill. Set up a drip pan on the other side to avoid flare-ups. (Be sure to consult the grill manufacturer's guide for best results).
- Brush the grill grates with oil. Put the drumsticks on the grill (or indirect side if using charcoal) and cook, turning and basting with the barbecue sauce every 5 minutes, until the drumsticks are deep amber on the outside and heated through, about 15 minutes.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then wrap the exposed bone-end of each drumstick with foil and serve while warm.
ROASTED BARBECUED TURKEY LEGS
Tender roasted turkey legs just like the ones served at Renaissance Fairs. This one starts off in a pressure cooker, then the legs are broiled and coated with barbecue sauce as a finishing touch.
Provided by NCwriter
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Turkey Legs
Time 45m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Place the turkey legs into a 4 quart pressure cooker over medium-high heat. Pour in just enough water to cover them. Sprinkle chicken bouillon granules over the water, and stir to dissolve a little. Place the lid on the cooker, and bring up to full pressure. Cook for about 5 minutes.
- While the turkey is cooking, preheat your oven's broiler. After the time is up on the turkey, remove from the heat. Run cold water over the top of the cooker to help release the pressure, and open the lid. Place the turkey legs on a broiling pan or roasting pan.
- Broil the turkey legs for 10 to 15 minutes, until the skin is brown and crispy. Brush the legs with barbeque sauce towards the end of cooking. Serve with remaining sauce on the side.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 602 calories, Carbohydrate 56.3 g, Cholesterol 223.5 mg, Fat 14.5 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 57.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.2 g, Sodium 4764.1 mg, Sugar 36.9 g
Tips:
- Choose the Right Turkey Legs: Select fresh or thawed turkey legs that are plump and have a uniform color. Avoid legs with bruises or discoloration.
- Brine the Turkey Legs: Brining helps to keep the turkey legs moist and flavorful. Prepare a brine solution using water, salt, sugar, and spices. Submerge the turkey legs in the brine and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to overnight.
- Use a Flavorful Barbecue Sauce: Choose a barbecue sauce that you enjoy and that complements the turkey legs. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own. If using a store-bought sauce, look for one that is thick and has a smoky flavor.
- Barbecue the Turkey Legs Over Indirect Heat: This will help to prevent the turkey legs from drying out. Preheat your grill to medium-low heat and set up a two-zone cooking area. Place the turkey legs on the indirect heat side of the grill and cook for 1-1 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Baste the Turkey Legs Regularly: Basting the turkey legs with barbecue sauce helps to keep them moist and flavorful. Baste the turkey legs every 20-30 minutes during the cooking process.
Conclusion:
Barbecued turkey legs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. By following these tips, you can ensure that your turkey legs turn out moist, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. So fire up your grill and give this recipe a try today!
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