Turkey legs can be a delicious alternative to cooking a whole turkey. They can be cooked in the oven, on the grill, or in a smoker, and should be cooked slowly. Salting them ahead of time helps keep them juicy and flavorful, and there are many marinade options available.
When the turkey craving strikes, one way to satisfy the craving without the hassle of making a whole turkey is by cooking turkey legs. Turkey legs are relatively inexpensive and can be prepared in a number of delicious ways. Some chefs choose to cook them in the oven, while others prefer the grill or smoker. This versatile poultry can also be made in a slow cooker. Whichever method you choose to cook turkey legs, the key is to cook them long and slow.
The oven is a good alternative for cooking turkey legs, especially for chefs who have other things to do when the meal is cooking. Generally, the oven is set to a low temperature of about 325 to 350°F (about 163 to 177°C). Cooks coat the legs in any preferred seasoning, such as pepper, garlic, or other herbs or spices, then cook it for about two to three hours, depending on the size of the legs. In addition to spices, other sauces, such as barbecue or lemon garlic, work well. Some chefs choose to coat turkey legs in a light flour mixture before baking to give them a baked flavor.
Grilling is another popular option for cooking turkey legs. Many chefs coat turkey legs with a desired seasoning blend and grill them over very low heat for about two to three hours. Barbecue sauce can also give the legs extra kick and flavor. Using this method, cooks turn the turkey legs every 20 minutes to ensure even cooking, so it’s important to be in close proximity during the entire process.
Cooks can also smoke turkey legs. Usually, a commercial smoker works best for this process, but there are ways to smoke turkey legs using a regular gas or charcoal grill. Either way, smoking generally takes the longest of all cooking methods, often up to 4-5 hours, so meals should be planned accordingly.
Regardless of the method you choose to cook turkey legs, salting them ahead of time tends to give them the best flavor and texture. Due to the fact that turkey legs have to be cooked for a long time, they can dry out in the process. Frosting them first helps keep them juicy and flavorful, especially when grilling or smoking. Cooks can make a simple salt solution by mixing kosher salt and sugar with water or chicken broth. This process requires a bit of planning ahead because the brine typically takes 8 to 10 hours.
Other marinades aside from brine and sugar are also tasty. Grocery stores sell a variety of prepackaged marinades, but some cooks prefer to make their own. Numerous marinade recipes are online, along with a number of ideas for dressings and sauces that are perfectly suited to cooking turkey legs. Whatever the cooking method, turkey legs can be a delicious and nutritious addition to any family’s menu.
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