Recipe Rating: 4.9 (based on 50 reviews)
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Smoking Time: 3-4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
If you like your meat smoky and tender and easily pulled from the bones, then our smoked turkey leg recipe is perfect for you! Smoked turkey legs make an aromatic and scrumptious dish they can be prepared in advance for a festive dinner or Christmas party, or you just decide to pamper your family with a tasty dish on the weekend. So here is how you can cook your own smoked turkey leg in the comfort of your home!
A brief history of smoked turkey leg
- Rooted in Southern Barbecue: Smoked meats are popular in formal barbecue regulations of the Southern part of the United States, with smoked turkey legs being particularly preferred at festivals and fairs.
- Popularity in Theme Parks: Most people identify smoked turkey legs with theme parks as they are normally appreciated as juicy and tasty.
- Symbol of Thanksgiving Feast: Smoked turkey legs are another added kicker to the traditional whole turkey that changes the Thanksgiving favorites.
Read more: The Ultimate Smoked Pulled Ham Recipe: Tender, Juicy, and Full of Flavour
Ingredients for Smoked Turkey Leg Recipe
Here’s what you need to make the perfect smoked turkey leg:
- 4 turkey legs
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Fresh rosemary and thyme (for extra aroma)
How to Make Smoked Turkey Leg
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Legs
- Pat Dry: First, for example, rub the turkey legs with a paper towel. Seasoning adheres well to the surface of the food after any form of excess moisture is wiped off.
- Apply Olive Oil: Massage olive oil on each leg to cover the skin layer uniformly to facilitate crispy skin.
Step 2: Season the Turkey Legs
- Mix the Spices: In a small bowl prepare your seasoning which includes salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and if you prefer spicy, cayenne pepper.
- Rub Generously: This should then be spread all over the turkey legs with emphasis between the skin and the meat and areas that may be hidden from plain sight. This however will help in enhancing maximum flavor.
Step 3: Prep Your Smoker
- Choose the Wood: Check your local store for alternatives, but the best ones to use are apple, hickory, or pecan chips to achieve the choicest smoky aroma.
- Set the Temperature: It is recommended for smokers to heat at around 250 °F ( 121 °C).
- Add Fresh Herbs: Add rosemary and thyme sprigs onto the smoker since they will contribute to the fresh smell and flavor of the turkey.
Step 4: Smoke the Turkey Legs
- Place the Turkey Legs in the Smoker: Space them properly on the smoker grates so that they are well baked or roasted to the required standard.
- Monitor the Temperature: Grill for 3 to 4 hrs until internal temp of 165°F then move to the smoker to impart the smoke. It will be best to use a meat thermometer in order to avoid any mistakes.
- Rotate for Even Smoking: Every hour, turn the turkey legs so that all of them are facing up in order to make them cook well and to catch as much smoke flavor as possible.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
- Remove from the Smoker: When your turkey legs are tender and the internal temperature of the meat is good enough for smoking, take it out of the smoker.
- Rest for 10 Minutes: Let the meat aside to stand aside for 10 minutes to help the juices redistribute themselves.
- Serve Warm: Try having smoked turkey leg with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 50g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
- Sodium: 1200mg
Tips for Perfectly Smoked Turkey Legs
- Choose Quality Turkey Legs: Legs of fresh turkey should be used when making this test. If using frozen, the appropriate time to do so should be before preparation to ensure good thawing.
- Brine for Extra Juiciness: To make your meat even tenderer, why not place your turkey legs in a saltwater bath overnight?
- Experiment with Wood Flavors: Some wood chips will give food a particular taste. Applewood is much more subtle, hickory is stronger and more intense.
There are very easy-to-follow instructions on how to make the best smoked turkey leg in the comfort of your own home. Here then are the key things you need to know to get the perfect combination of spices and become patient for that fantastic meal that is Smoked till is smoky, juicy, tender and delicious. Enjoy this smoked turkey leg recipe now as a great way of entertaining family and friends and ideal for holidays, backyard BBQ, or any special event you can think of.
Well then, light the charcoal, have all your materials ready and get ready for that mouth watering delicious smoked turkey leg.
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