Best 2 Smoked Turkey Legs Recipes
Indulge in the smoky, succulent delight of smoked turkey legs, a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes taste buds with its rich flavors and aromas. These delectable treats are not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to complement various cuisines and occasions. Whether you prefer a classic barbecue feast, a cozy family dinner, or an adventurous camping trip, smoked turkey legs emerge as the perfect choice. This comprehensive guide presents a collection of exceptional recipes, each offering unique variations on this beloved dish. From the traditional Southern-style smoked turkey legs, infused with a blend of herbs and spices, to the zesty Caribbean-inspired rendition featuring a vibrant marinade of tropical flavors, these recipes cater to diverse palates. For those seeking a touch of heat, the spicy chili-rubbed smoked turkey legs pack a flavorful punch, while the sweet and tangy honey-glazed smoked turkey legs offer a delectable balance of sweet and savory. No matter your preference, these recipes guarantee a culinary journey that will leave you craving for more.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
STATE FAIR SMOKED TURKEY LEGS
Who doesn't love those State Fair Smoked Turkey Legs? Admit it....you secretly love buying those! They wrap it in tin foil, and you walk around and munch on that obscenely huge, tender, smoky lean meat that could almost be mistaken for ham while looking at all the displays and entries. I wanted to replicate that for an upcoming...
Provided by Sherry Blizzard
Categories Turkey
Time 3h
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- 1. Bring all ingredients EXCEPT Turkey to a boil. Stir to dissolve salt and sugar. Let it sit to room temperature. Put the brine in the fridge to get cold.
- 2. Slide your fingers under the turkey leg skins to separate the turkey meat from the skin. Do not remove the skin, but slide it to the bottom of the leg.
- 3. ***Note You want to brine the meat. So leave the skin around the bottom of the leg.
- 4. Place the cold marinade into a food-safe bucket....they are cheap and easy to find. Add the turkey legs with the skin around the turkey's ankles. Let sit in the fridge overnight and up to 24 hours.
- 5. ******Note Be careful, the longer it sits in the brine the less your meat will remain in a solid state....I personally prefer overnight.
- 6. Rinse the turkey legs under cold water and return the skin to cover the legs. Pat dry with paper towels.
- 7. Preheat the smoker to 250. I used apple wood chips. Place the turkey legs on the smoker girll and allow to smoke for 1 1/2 hours....flip the legs over and continue for another 1 1/2 hours.
- 8. Remove and enjoy, or do like I am doing and zip seal them in vacuum pack bags to take hiking on your next adventure.
SMOKED TURKEY LEGS
Remember those smoked turkey legs at Disney? This is the closest recipe I have found.
Provided by jon grace
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Turkey Legs
Time 11h
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Combine water, kosher salt, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, pepper, cumin, and sage for brine in a large pot. Bring to boil, making sure salt is completely dissolved. Remove from heat, cover, and let cool to room temperature, 20 to 30 minutes. Pour into a container and refrigerate brine until cold, or to 35 to 40 degrees F (2 to 4 degrees C).
- Rinse turkey legs in cold water and pat dry. Place legs into cold brine, cover and refrigerate, 4 to 6 hours.
- Remove legs from the brine, rinse well in cold water, and dry with paper towels. Discard brine.
- Combine oil, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, cumin, and sage for spice rub in a small bowl; mix with a fork until well combined. Generously rub legs with spice rub until covered. Let legs sit on a cooling rack for about 1 hour.
- Preheat a smoker to 225 degrees F (110 degrees C).
- Place turkey legs, unstacked, onto wire racks. Place the racks into the preheated smoker. Smoke until meat is falling off of the bone, 4 to 6 hours. Remove from smoker and let rest, 20 to 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 475.9 calories, Carbohydrate 40.5 g, Cholesterol 89.1 mg, Fat 18.5 g, Fiber 4.3 g, Protein 39.2 g, SaturatedFat 3.8 g, Sodium 22933 mg, Sugar 29.6 g
Tips:
- Choose the right turkey legs: Look for legs that are plump and have a good amount of meat on them. Avoid legs that are too thin or have a lot of skin.
- Brine the turkey legs: Brining helps to season the turkey legs and make them more moist. You can use a simple brine made with water, salt, and sugar, or you can get more creative with your brine by adding herbs, spices, or even fruit juice.
- Smoke the turkey legs at a low temperature: Smoking is the best way to cook turkey legs because it gives them a delicious smoky flavor. Smoke the turkey legs at a temperature between 225°F and 250°F for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Baste the turkey legs with sauce: Basting the turkey legs with a sauce or marinade during the smoking process will help to keep them moist and flavorful. You can use a simple sauce made with barbecue sauce, honey, and mustard, or you can get more creative with your sauce by adding your own spices and herbs.
- Let the turkey legs rest before serving: Once the turkey legs are done smoking, let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will help the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making them even more tender and flavorful.
Conclusion:
Smoked turkey legs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking for a tasty weeknight meal, smoked turkey legs are sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you are looking for a new way to cook turkey, give smoked turkey legs a try. You won't be disappointed!
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