How to Smoke Turkey Legs on the Grill: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Smoke Turkey Legs on the Grill
Turkey legs are a delicious and impressive main course for any occasion. They’re also relatively easy to smoke on the grill, making them a great option for beginner grillers. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of smoking turkey legs on the grill, from choosing the right wood to grilling them to perfection.
We’ll also provide tips on how to make your turkey legs extra flavorful and juicy. So whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue or a holiday feast, read on for all the information you need to smoke turkey legs like a pro!
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| Step | Instructions | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. | Use a wood that will impart a mild flavor to the turkey, such as apple or hickory. |
| 2 | Rub the turkey legs with a dry rub of your choice. | If you don’t have a dry rub, you can simply season the turkey with salt and pepper. |
| 3 | Place the turkey legs on the smoker and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. | Be sure to check the turkey periodically to make sure it is not overcooked. |
| 4 | Let the turkey legs rest for 10 minutes before serving. | The turkey legs will be even more delicious if you let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. |
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How to Smoke Turkey Legs on the Grill
Grilled turkey legs are a delicious and impressive way to cook a turkey for a special occasion. Smoking turkey legs on the grill adds a smoky flavor that is perfect for summertime cookouts. This guide will show you how to smoke turkey legs on the grill so that you can enjoy this delicious dish at your next gathering.
Preparing the Turkey Legs
The first step is to prepare the turkey legs. You will need to:
1. Choose the right turkey legs
2. Remove the skin from the turkey legs
3. Marinate the turkey legs
Choosing the right turkey legs
When choosing turkey legs for smoking, you want to look for legs that are:
- Fresh
- Not frozen
- About 2 pounds each
You can find turkey legs at most grocery stores. If you are unable to find fresh turkey legs, you can also use frozen turkey legs. However, you will need to thaw them completely before smoking them.
Removing the skin from the turkey legs
The skin on turkey legs can be tough and chewy, so it is best to remove it before smoking. To remove the skin, you will need to:
1. Using a sharp knife, cut around the edge of the skin, starting at the thigh.
2. Carefully peel the skin away from the meat.
3. Discard the skin.
Marinating the turkey legs
Marinating the turkey legs before smoking them will help to add flavor and moisture. You can use any marinade that you like, but some good options include:
- A simple brine made with salt, water, and sugar
- A marinade made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs
- A marinade made with barbecue sauce
Marinate the turkey legs for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight.
Setting up the Grill
The next step is to set up the grill for smoking. You will need to:
1. Choose the right wood chips
2. Set the temperature of the grill
3. Place the turkey legs on the grill
Choosing the right wood chips
The type of wood chips that you use will affect the flavor of the turkey legs. Some good options for smoking turkey legs include:
- Hickory
- Apple
- Cherry
- Pecan
You can use either wood chips or wood chunks for smoking turkey legs. Wood chips will produce more smoke, while wood chunks will produce less smoke.
Setting the temperature of the grill
The ideal temperature for smoking turkey legs is between 225F and 250F. If the temperature is too high, the turkey legs will cook too quickly and the meat will dry out. If the temperature is too low, the turkey legs will take too long to cook and the meat will become tough.
Placing the turkey legs on the grill
Once the grill is preheated to the desired temperature, you can place the turkey legs on the grill. You will need to:
1. Place the turkey legs on the indirect heat side of the grill.
2. Cover the grill and smoke the turkey legs for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is cooked through.
Cooking the Turkey Legs
The turkey legs are done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165F. You can check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer.
Once the turkey legs are cooked, you can remove them from the grill and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Serving the Turkey Legs
Serve the turkey legs warm with your favorite sides. Some good options include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Corn on the cob
- Green beans
- Coleslaw
Smoking turkey legs on the grill is a delicious and easy way to cook a turkey for a special occasion. This guide has shown you how to choose the right turkey legs, prepare them for smoking, set up the grill, and cook the turkey legs. With a little effort, you can enjoy this delicious dish at your next gathering.
Smoking the Turkey Legs
Smoking turkey legs is a great way to cook them because it imparts a delicious smoky flavor. It’s also a relatively easy process, as long as you have the right tools and ingredients.
To smoke turkey legs, you’ll need:
- A smoker or grill
- Wood chips or pellets
- Turkey legs
- Seasoning salt
- Cooking spray
- Aluminum foil
- A meat thermometer
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Soak your wood chips or pellets in water for at least 30 minutes.
3. Season the turkey legs with seasoning salt.
4. Spray the turkey legs with cooking spray.
5. Wrap the turkey legs in aluminum foil.
6. Place the turkey legs on the smoker or grill and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Remove the turkey legs from the smoker or grill and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Wrapping the Turkey Legs in Foil
Wrapping the turkey legs in foil helps to keep them moist and tender while they cook. It also helps to prevent the meat from drying out.
To wrap the turkey legs in foil, follow these steps:
1. Place the turkey legs on a sheet of aluminum foil.
2. Fold the foil over the turkey legs, leaving a small opening at the top.
3. Pour 1/2 cup of water into the opening.
4. Seal the foil tightly.
Spritzing the Turkey Legs with Liquid
Spritzing the turkey legs with liquid helps to keep them moist and flavorful while they cook. It also helps to prevent the meat from drying out.
To spritz the turkey legs with liquid, follow these steps:
1. Use a spray bottle filled with water, apple juice, or white wine.
2. Spritz the turkey legs every 30 minutes or so while they cook.
Serving the Turkey Legs
Carving the turkey legs is easy. Simply follow these steps:
1. Place the turkey legs on a cutting board.
2. Use a sharp knife to cut the legs in half lengthwise.
3. Remove the meat from the bones.
Serve the turkey legs with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and cornbread.
Smoking turkey legs is a delicious and easy way to cook them. By following these steps, you can create a flavorful and moist meal that your family will love.
How long does it take to smoke turkey legs on the grill?
It will take about 3-4 hours to smoke turkey legs on the grill, depending on the size of the legs and the temperature of the grill.
What temperature should I smoke turkey legs at?
You should smoke turkey legs at a temperature of 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit.
What wood should I use to smoke turkey legs?
You can use any type of wood to smoke turkey legs, but some of the best woods for smoking turkey include hickory, oak, and apple.
What is the best way to season turkey legs before smoking them?
The best way to season turkey legs before smoking them is to rub them with a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
How do I know when turkey legs are done smoking?
Turkey legs are done smoking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can check the internal temperature of the legs with a meat thermometer.
How do I reheat smoked turkey legs?
You can reheat smoked turkey legs in the oven, on the grill, or in the microwave. To reheat them in the oven, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the legs for about 20 minutes. To reheat them on the grill, heat the grill to medium heat and cook the legs for about 10 minutes per side. To reheat them in the microwave, place the legs on a microwave-safe plate and cook them on high for about 2 minutes per side.
What are some tips for smoking turkey legs on the grill?
Here are some tips for smoking turkey legs on the grill:
- Use a smoker or a grill with a smoke box to add smoke flavor to the legs.
- Marinate the legs in a flavorful liquid before smoking them.
- Inject the legs with a flavorful liquid before smoking them.
- Wrap the legs in aluminum foil after they have smoked for a few hours to help them retain moisture.
- Baste the legs with melted butter or oil during the smoking process to help them brown and become more flavorful.
- Let the legs rest for a few minutes before serving them to allow the juices to redistribute.
Smoking turkey legs on the grill is a delicious and easy way to cook a flavorful and juicy meal. By following these simple steps, you can create a dish that your family and friends will love.
Key Takeaways
- To smoke turkey legs, you will need a smoker, wood chips, and turkey legs.
- The best wood chips for smoking turkey legs are apple, cherry, or hickory.
- The ideal temperature for smoking turkey legs is between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Turkey legs should smoke for 3-4 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the turkey legs rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Tips for Smoking Turkey Legs
- To ensure that the turkey legs are evenly cooked, rotate them every hour or so.
- If the turkey legs are starting to dry out, baste them with some melted butter or apple juice.
- You can also add some additional flavor to the turkey legs by smoking them with a variety of herbs and spices.
Smoking turkey legs on the grill is a great way to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these simple steps, you can create a dish that your family and friends will love.
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.
Our European trained head chef develops beautiful and delicious foods to catch the eye and satisfy the palate. Lucks provides you with imaginative and affordable menu selections.
In 2024, we embarked on a new chapter in our journey as we expanded our horizons to share our wealth of knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. With a keen focus on event management and culinary arts, we launched an informative blog aimed at empowering individuals with the insights and inspiration they need to plan unforgettable events and elevate their culinary skills.
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