How to Grill Juicy, Delicious Turkey Legs
How to Grill Turkey Legs
Turkey legs are a delicious and impressive main course for any occasion. They’re also relatively easy to cook, as long as you follow a few simple steps. In this article, we’ll show you how to grill turkey legs so that they’re juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.
We’ll start by talking about the different types of turkey legs you can use, and then we’ll give you some tips on how to prepare them for grilling. We’ll also discuss the different grilling methods you can use, and we’ll provide you with a few recipes to get you started.
So whether you’re looking for a simple grilled turkey leg recipe or you want to try something more complex, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for all the information you need to know about grilling turkey legs!
| Step | Instructions | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your grill to medium heat. | If using a charcoal grill, build a medium-hot fire. If using a gas grill, set the heat to medium. |
| 2 | Rub the turkey legs with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. | Be generous with the olive oil, as it will help to keep the turkey legs from drying out. |
| 3 | Place the turkey legs on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. | Rotate the turkey legs every few minutes to ensure that they cook evenly. |
| 4 | Let the turkey legs rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. | This will allow the juices to redistribute and the turkey legs to become more tender. |
Choosing the Right Turkey Legs
When it comes to grilling turkey legs, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you want to choose legs that are about the same size so that they cook evenly. Second, you want to choose legs that are not too lean, as this can result in dry meat. Third, you want to choose legs that have a good amount of marbling, as this will help to keep the meat moist.
Here are a few specific things to look for when choosing turkey legs:
- Size: The ideal size for turkey legs is about 2 to 3 pounds each. Legs that are too small will be difficult to cook through, while legs that are too large will take a long time to cook.
- Type of meat: Turkey legs come in two types: dark meat and white meat. Dark meat is more flavorful, but it also tends to be drier than white meat. If you prefer a moister leg, choose one that is made up of mostly white meat.
- Marinades and seasonings: You can use any type of marinade or seasoning you like on turkey legs. However, keep in mind that some marinades and seasonings can impart a strong flavor, so you may want to use them sparingly.
Preparing the Turkey Legs for Grilling
Before you can grill turkey legs, you need to prepare them properly. This involves thawing, brining, and marinating the legs.
Thawing
If you are using frozen turkey legs, you will need to thaw them before grilling. The best way to do this is to place the legs in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Allow the legs to thaw for 24 to 48 hours, changing the water every 12 hours.
Brining
Brining is a process that helps to keep turkey legs moist and flavorful. To brine the legs, you will need to mix 1 gallon of water with 1 cup of salt and 1 cup of brown sugar. Place the legs in the brine and refrigerate for 6 to 12 hours.
Marinating
Marinating is another way to add flavor to turkey legs. To marinate the legs, you will need to mix 1 cup of olive oil with 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup of honey, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Place the legs in the marinade and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours.
Grilling the Turkey Legs
Once the turkey legs are prepared, you can grill them. Here are a few tips for grilling turkey legs:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Oil the grill grates to prevent the legs from sticking.
- Place the legs on the grill and cook for 30 to 40 minutes per side, or until the meat is cooked through.
- Basting the legs with marinade or butter will help to keep them moist.
- Let the legs rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Grilled turkey legs are a delicious and easy way to cook turkey. By following these tips, you can make sure that your turkey legs are perfectly cooked and flavorful.
Here are a few additional tips for grilling turkey legs:
- If you are grilling a large number of turkey legs, you may want to cook them in batches. This will help to prevent the grill from getting too crowded and the legs from overcooking.
- If you are grilling the legs over indirect heat, you may need to add some wood chips to the grill to create smoke. This will help to add flavor to the legs.
- Serve the turkey legs with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Grilling the Turkey Legs
Grilling turkey legs is a great way to cook them for a summer barbecue or cookout. The high heat of the grill helps to caramelize the skin and create a delicious, crispy crust. The meat inside will be juicy and flavorful, and the whole process is relatively simple.
To grill turkey legs, you will need:
- 2 turkey legs
- 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine the turkey legs, olive oil, barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat the legs evenly.
3. Place the turkey legs on the grill and cook for 20-25 minutes per side, or until the meat is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
4. Baste the turkey legs with barbecue sauce every few minutes while they are grilling.
5. Remove the turkey legs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for grilling turkey legs is between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to create a crispy skin and juicy meat. If the grill is too hot, the skin will burn before the meat is cooked through. If the grill is too cold, the meat will take longer to cook and may not be as juicy.
Time
The amount of time it takes to grill turkey legs will vary depending on the size of the legs and the temperature of the grill. For smaller legs, you will need to cook them for around 20-25 minutes per side. For larger legs, you may need to cook them for up to 30 minutes per side.
Maneuvering
When grilling turkey legs, it is important to maneuver them carefully so that they do not fall through the grates. You can use tongs or a spatula to flip the legs and baste them with barbecue sauce. Be sure to hold the legs by the bone, not the skin, to avoid tearing the skin.
Caring for Leftover Turkey Legs
Leftover turkey legs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat them, you can either bake them in the oven or microwave them.
To bake them in the oven, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey legs on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through.
To reheat them in the microwave, place the turkey legs on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for 1-2 minutes, or until they are heated through.
Storing
To store leftover turkey legs in the refrigerator, place them in an airtight container or bag. They will keep for up to 3 days.
Reheating
To reheat leftover turkey legs in the oven, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey legs on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through.
To reheat leftover turkey legs in the microwave, place the turkey legs on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for 1-2 minutes, or until they are heated through.
Eating
Leftover turkey legs can be eaten on their own or used in other dishes, such as sandwiches, salads, or soups. They can also be shredded and used as a filling for tacos or burritos.
Grilling turkey legs is a great way to cook them for a summer barbecue or cookout. The high heat of the grill helps to caramelize the skin and create a delicious, crispy crust. The meat inside will be juicy and flavorful, and the whole process is relatively simple.
By following these tips, you can grill perfect turkey legs every time. So fire up the grill and get cooking!
How long do I cook turkey legs on the grill?
Turkey legs should be grilled for about 1 hour per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
What temperature should I grill turkey legs?
The ideal temperature for grilling turkey legs is 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the best way to baste turkey legs while grilling?
The best way to baste turkey legs while grilling is to use a mixture of melted butter, olive oil, and herbs. Brush the legs with the baste every 15 minutes or so to keep them moist and flavorful.
What are some tips for grilling turkey legs?
Here are a few tips for grilling turkey legs:
- Marinate the legs in a flavorful marinade for several hours or overnight before grilling.
- Make sure to cook the legs until they are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Baste the legs with a flavorful baste every 15 minutes or so to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Serve the legs immediately after grilling.
What are some common mistakes people make when grilling turkey legs?
Here are a few common mistakes people make when grilling turkey legs:
- Not marinating the legs in a flavorful marinade.
- Not cooking the legs until they are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Not basting the legs with a flavorful baste.
- Serving the legs immediately after grilling.
Grilling turkey legs is a great way to cook a delicious and juicy meal. By following the steps in this guide, you can be sure to produce perfectly cooked turkey legs that everyone will enjoy.
Here are the key takeaways from this guide:
- Choose the right size turkey legs for your grill.
- Marinate the turkey legs in a flavorful marinade for several hours or overnight.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Grill the turkey legs for 30-40 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Baste the turkey legs with the marinade every few minutes while grilling.
- Let the turkey legs rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
With these tips, you can easily grill turkey legs that are moist, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. So next time you’re looking for a delicious and impressive meal, give grilled turkey legs a try!
Author Profile
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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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