How to Cook Juicy, Perfectly Grilled Turkey Legs on Your Gas Grill
How to Cook Turkey Legs on a Gas Grill
Turkey legs are a delicious and festive main course for any occasion. They’re also relatively easy to cook, making them a great option for beginner grillers. With just a few simple steps, you can have perfectly cooked turkey legs that are juicy and flavorful.
In this article, we’ll show you how to cook turkey legs on a gas grill. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right turkey legs to grilling them to perfection. So whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just looking for a delicious and easy meal, read on for our tips on how to cook turkey legs on a gas grill!
| Step | Instructions | Image |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your gas grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. |  |
| 2 | Rub the turkey legs with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. |  |
| 3 | Place the turkey legs on the grill and cook for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. |  |
| 4 | Let the turkey legs rest for 10 minutes before serving. |  |
How to Cook Turkey Legs on Gas Grill
Turkey legs are a delicious and festive main course for any occasion. They are also relatively easy to cook, making them a great option for those who are short on time or experience.
This guide will show you how to cook turkey legs on a gas grill in a few simple steps.
Preparing the Turkey Legs
The first step is to prepare the turkey legs. This involves choosing the right turkey legs, marinating or seasoning them, and then preheating the grill.
Choosing the Right Turkey Legs
When choosing turkey legs, you want to look for legs that are plump and meaty. The legs should also be free of any blemishes or discoloration.
You can choose to buy bone-in or boneless turkey legs. Bone-in turkey legs will take longer to cook, but they will also be more flavorful. Boneless turkey legs will cook faster, but they may be a bit dry.
Marinating or Seasoning the Turkey Legs
Marinating or seasoning the turkey legs is optional, but it can help to add flavor and moisture to the meat. If you choose to marinate the turkey legs, you can use a variety of different marinades. Some popular marinades include:
- Teriyaki marinade: This marinade is made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and other spices.
- Lemon-herb marinade: This marinade is made with lemon juice, olive oil, fresh herbs, and garlic.
- Spicy marinade: This marinade is made with hot sauce, chili powder, cumin, and other spices.
If you choose to season the turkey legs, you can use a variety of different spices. Some popular spices include:
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder and onion powder
- Paprika and cumin
- Cayenne pepper and chili powder
Preheating the Grill
Once you have prepared the turkey legs, you need to preheat the grill. The temperature of the grill will depend on the type of marinade or seasoning you used. If you used a marinade, you will want to preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If you used seasoning, you can preheat the grill to high heat.
Cooking the Turkey Legs
Once the grill is preheated, you can cook the turkey legs. The cooking time will depend on the size of the turkey legs and the temperature of the grill.
To cook turkey legs on a gas grill, follow these steps:
1. Place the turkey legs on the grill.
2. Close the grill lid and cook the turkey legs for 10 minutes per side.
3. Baste the turkey legs with the marinade or seasoning every few minutes.
4. Continue to cook the turkey legs until they are cooked through.
5. Remove the turkey legs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Determining When the Turkey Legs Are Done
The best way to determine when the turkey legs are done is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the turkey legs should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can also check to see if the turkey legs are done by inserting a fork into the meat. The meat should be tender and juicy.
Cooking turkey legs on a gas grill is a great way to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these simple steps, you can cook perfect turkey legs every time.
Here are some additional tips for cooking turkey legs on a gas grill:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey legs are cooked through.
- Baste the turkey legs with the marinade or seasoning every few minutes to keep them moist.
- Let the turkey legs rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve the turkey legs with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and corn on the cob.
Serving the Turkey Legs
Once your turkey legs are cooked, you’ll need to serve them. Here are a few tips:
- Carving the turkey legs. To carve the turkey legs, first remove the wishbone. Then, cut the leg in half at the joint. Finally, slice the meat off the bone.
- Pairing the turkey legs with sides. Turkey legs are a versatile meat that can be paired with a variety of sides. Some popular options include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Cornbread
- Salad
Here are a few additional tips for serving turkey legs:
- Serve the turkey legs hot. Turkey legs are best when they are served hot, so make sure to remove them from the grill as soon as they are cooked through.
- Let the turkey legs rest before serving. After you remove the turkey legs from the grill, let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender.
- Serve the turkey legs with a dipping sauce. A dipping sauce can add flavor and moisture to your turkey legs. Some popular options include:
- BBQ sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard sauce
Storing Leftover Turkey Legs
If you have any leftover turkey legs, you can store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Here are a few tips for storing leftover turkey legs:
- Refrigerate leftover turkey legs within 2 hours of cooking. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria.
- Store leftover turkey legs in an airtight container. This will help to keep the meat fresh and prevent it from drying out.
- Freeze leftover turkey legs for up to 3 months. To freeze turkey legs, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
When you are ready to eat the leftover turkey legs, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat them in the oven or on the grill until they are heated through.
Turkey legs are a delicious and versatile meat that can be cooked on a gas grill. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily cook perfect turkey legs every time.
How long does it take to cook turkey legs on a gas grill?
It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to cook turkey legs on a gas grill at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
What temperature should I cook turkey legs on a gas grill?
You should cook turkey legs on a gas grill at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the best way to baste turkey legs on a gas grill?
The best way to baste turkey legs on a gas grill is to brush them with melted butter or olive oil every 15 minutes or so.
How do I know when turkey legs are done cooking on a gas grill?
Turkey legs are done cooking on a gas grill when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I cook frozen turkey legs on a gas grill?
Yes, you can cook frozen turkey legs on a gas grill. However, it will take longer to cook them than it would if they were thawed.
What are some tips for cooking turkey legs on a gas grill?
Here are some tips for cooking turkey legs on a gas grill:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey legs.
- Baste the turkey legs with melted butter or olive oil every 15 minutes or so.
- Cook the turkey legs over indirect heat for the first half of the cooking time, then move them over direct heat to brown them.
- Let the turkey legs rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
What are some common mistakes people make when cooking turkey legs on a gas grill?
Here are some common mistakes people make when cooking turkey legs on a gas grill:
- Not using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey legs.
- Not basting the turkey legs with melted butter or olive oil.
- Cooking the turkey legs over direct heat for the entire cooking time.
- Not letting the turkey legs rest before slicing and serving.
cooking turkey legs on a gas grill is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this festive dish. By following the tips in this guide, you can ensure that your turkey legs are cooked evenly and juicy, with a flavorful, caramelized crust. So fire up your grill and get ready to enjoy some delicious turkey legs!
Here are some key takeaways from this guide:
- Turkey legs should be grilled over indirect heat at a temperature of 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Marinating your turkey legs before grilling will help to add flavor and moisture.
- Baste your turkey legs with melted butter or oil every 15-20 minutes to prevent them from drying out.
- Cook your turkey legs until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let your turkey legs rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
With these tips, you can cook perfect turkey legs on your gas grill every time!
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With over 30 years experience, Lucks Caterers is a second generation family owned and operated business. We are committed to maintaining our family tradition of outstanding quality, excellence and reliability.
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