Delicious cooked smoked turkey legs: a tender option

When it comes to turkey, the drumsticks are often overlooked in favor of the breast meat. However, cooked smoked turkey legs are a delicious and tender option that shouldn't be missed. Whether you're roasting, grilling, braising, or smoking them, these flavorful turkey drumsticks are sure to impress your guests.

How to Reheat Pre Cooked Smoked Turkey Legs

Reheating pre-cooked smoked turkey legs is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 325F.
2. Place the turkey legs on a baking sheet and cover them with foil.
3. Heat the turkey legs in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165F.
4. Once heated through, remove the foil and broil the turkey legs for an additional 2-3 minutes to crisp up the skin.
5. Let the turkey legs rest for a few minutes before serving.

By following these steps, you can enjoy the smoky and flavorful taste of pre-cooked smoked turkey legs without sacrificing their tenderness.

Why Are Smoked Turkey Legs Tough?

If your smoked turkey legs turn out tough, there could be a few reasons for this. The most important thing to keep in mind is that turkey drumsticks, especially those from pastured birds, need to be cooked long enough for the muscle fibers to relax and become tender.

When cooking drumsticks, you have several options for techniques, including roasting, grilling, braising, or smoking. Each method has its own unique benefits and can result in delicious and tender turkey legs.

Basic Roasted Turkey Drumsticks

• 2 turkey drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons shmaltz or olive oil
• Salt & pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Several sprigs fresh thyme, stemmed and chopped
• 1/2 cup white wine
• Paprika (optional)

To roast turkey drumsticks, start by bringing them to room temperature and patting them dry. Preheat your oven to 325F. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and ginger on all sides of the drumsticks, then rub them with shmaltz or olive oil. Sprinkle thyme leaves over the top and dust with paprika, if desired. Place the drumsticks into a roasting pan and add white wine. Roast until the internal temperature reaches 155F, which should take about 10-12 minutes per pound.

Grilled Turkey Drumsticks

For grilled turkey drumsticks, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 2 turkey drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt & pepper
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup vinegar

To grill the turkey drumsticks, start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Rub the drumsticks with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and vinegar to create a glaze. Sear the drumsticks on the grill for a few minutes on each side, then transfer them to the cooler side of the grill. Brush the glaze onto the drumsticks, and continue cooking until they reach an internal temperature of 165F.

Braised Turkey Drumsticks

Braising turkey drumsticks results in tender and flavorful meat. Here's a simple recipe to try:

• 2 turkey drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt & pepper

To braise the turkey drumsticks, start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the drumsticks on all sides, then remove them from the skillet. In the same skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, and carrot until they soften. Return the drumsticks to the skillet and add the chicken broth and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Cover the skillet and simmer for about 5 to 2 hours, or until the turkey drumsticks are tender and the internal temperature reaches 165F.

Smoked Turkey Drumsticks

Smoking turkey drumsticks infuses them with a rich smoky flavor. You can use your favorite dry rub or try the following recipe:

• 2 turkey drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

To smoke the turkey drumsticks, start by preheating your smoker to 200-220F. Rub the drumsticks with olive oil, then coat them with the dry rub mixture. Place the drumsticks in the smoker and cook for about 3-4 hours, or until they are tender and reach an internal temperature of 165F. Serve the smoked turkey drumsticks with your favorite BBQ sauce for a delicious and smoky meal.

Can I freeze cooked smoked turkey legs?

Yes, you can freeze cooked smoked turkey legs. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, simply transfer them to the refrigerator overnight.

How long do cooked smoked turkey legs last in the refrigerator?

Cooked smoked turkey legs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Can I use a different type of wood for smoking turkey legs?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of wood to add unique flavors to your smoked turkey legs. Popular options include hickory, applewood, and mesquite. Each wood imparts its own distinct taste, so feel free to get creative and find your favorite combination.

In Conclusion

When it comes to cooking turkey drumsticks, there are several techniques to choose from. Whether you prefer roasting, grilling, braising, or smoking, each method has its own advantages and can result in delicious and tender cooked smoked turkey legs. So, next time you're planning a meal, don't forget about the drumsticks - they might just become your new favorite part of the turkey!

If you want to know other articles similar to Delicious cooked smoked turkey legs: a tender option you can visit the Recipes category.