Wrap the turkey legs in foil and move to an empty cooler with a tightly fitting lid . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Amazon Associates Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. To smoke the turkey legs: Preheat the smoker to 250 degrees F. Place the brined and seasoned turkey legs on the top rack of the smoke. If the turkey legs have already had a stint on the smoker, theyll have a distinct flavor. Just add the smoked turkey meat at the end and warm through. When an inserted meat thermometer reads at least 155F, increase the oven temperature to 400F (or set to broil) for the last few minutes of baking, until the turkey legs read 165F. Place the wings in the dish and drizzle both sides of the wings olive oil and then sprinkle the spices onto both sides of the wings. Bear in mind that sell by dates are only in place to let the retailers know how long a product has been on the shelf. Also, look for plump turkey legs with a lot of meat attached to the bone. How Do You Cook Already Smoked Turkey Legs? And, if youre short on time, you can cook them in the oven. Check with a meat thermometer after some time to ensure they are adequately cooked. Place on the roasting rack and lightly spray with avocado oil. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Preheat smoker to 225-250 F. Place the drumsticks on the smoking rack and close. Virtually all pre-smoked turkey legs are fully cooked, so it's almost certain you'll only need to reheat them before eating, not cook them from scratch, as you would with fresh turkey. Step 4:Put some foil on the smoked turkey leg and squirt some olive oil onto it. It will help you know how long ago they were smoked and whether or not they should still be eaten. If you prefer a milder flavor, you may want to cook the turkey legs for a shorter period of time, or even remove the skin before eating. While you pat dry the turkey legs, preheat your oven to 275 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Nothing on this website should be taken as professional advice, and we always encourage responsible reading. Even though smoked turkey meat looks pink, it's still safe to eat, according to the USDA. Remove the turkey from the pot and allow it to cool. Set the turkey legs in the slow cooker and add just enough chicken stock to cover the meat. However, you dont want to buy the cheapest product either, as its likely that the quality will be lower. 1. 3. However, cooking times can vary depending on the type of smoker used and the size of the turkey legs. Bake for about 30 minutes or until heated through. Add water or enough liquid of your choice, like chicken stock, to the slow cooker, just enough to cover the turkey legs. As we mentioned, pre-smoked turkey legs are pricier than fresh ones. Remove the thigh - Run the knife between the thigh and the back bone to slice through and remove the leg piece. This can be done in a few different ways. And check the expiration date on the packaging before you consume them. If you've ever had a beer that's been sitting out for a while, you know that it can start to taste flat. Smoked turkey legs, on the other hand, have already been cooked. Set the slow cooker on low and cook your smoked turkey legs for 45 minutes, or until the meat reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 F. Remove the smoked turkey legs from the slow cooker and allow to cool before serving. Step 5:Place into the oven and cook it for approximately two hours or until fully cooked. Be careful not to touch the bone. * Shred some smoked turkey meat for these beans and greens, and you'll extend the dish into a hearty, satisfying main course. Lay onions and tomatoes on the bottom of the baking dish. Panera Chicken Sandwich: The Ultimate Review, How To Store Ezekiel Bread: Everything you Need to Know, Sour Patch Drinks: Best Candy Margarita Recipe, Iced Toasted Vanilla Starbucks Espresso: Reviews + Recipe, [instagram-feed user="easymealstheme6" num=10 cols=10 showfollow= false showheader=false imagepadding=0]. This is how to cook turkey legs in the oven super easy and delicious! You can also use beer, apple juice, cider, or plain water. If you see a link to a product for sale on Amazon or otherwise in any of my posts, I earn a small commission if you click through and buy it. Also, we suggest using a food thermometer [1] to measure the internal temperature and tell when the turkey legs are done. What to look at when buying smoked turkey legs. Both smoked turkey legs can be served hot or cold. Get a seasoned turkey baster or spoon and use this, holding the end over the flat pan, to collect some melted butter or oil from inside your oven so you have about two tablespoons in a small dish with which you will season your bird post-cooking. The oven works well in a pinch, and all you need are the turkey legs and a supply of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Add flour and cook, whisking constantly, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. If you want a simple and satisfying method to prepare smoked turkey legs, look no further. You can save time by preparing the brine mixture in advance and keeping it in an airtight container until youre ready to use it. Directions. Place turkey in an oven bag; poke holes into bag for ventilation according to manufacturer's instructions. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Place the turkey legs in the slow cooker. During the last minute or two of cooking, brush the turkey legs with your favorite barbecue sauce. Before you buy smoked turkey legs, check the ingredients list and make sure it's short. Cover the dish and put it in the oven. When it comes to cooking smoked turkey legs, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It doesnt take a lot of time, and the turkey will get a nice flavor boost. Follow these steps, and youll be on your way to a tasty Thanksgiving dinner! Remove from heat and using tongs, flip them over so that the bottom side is now on top. Cook in the Oven 7. Using a silicone brush, coat the turkey legs with a bit of neutral cooking oil, such as canola. Place back in oven for another 15 minutes. How to Cook Already Smoked Duck Legs Dining has changed drastically in the last decade. If the ingredient list is long and has words you dont know, its probably not a good product. Cover the pan with foil and seal around the rim. 7 Steps to Cook Smoked Turkey Legs in the Oven, Tips for Cooking Smoked Turkey Legs in the Oven, do you cook the whole turkey at 325 or 350 degrees, can you cook two whole turkeys at the same time, how to cook frozen diced potatoes in the oven here, how long can you keep fresh turkey in the fridge, 10 Best Jack in the Box Burgers Ranked (2023 Edition), Chick-fil-A Secret Menu: 15 Items & Hacks You Should Know, 8 Best Steaks at LongHorn Steakhouse Ranked (2023 Edition), Seasonings like paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Gather All The Ingredients 2. Thank you for sharing. It is then usually baked or grilled until it reaches perfection. If theres not enough foil to fully enclose the meat, start over with a fresh sheet. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can serve whole legs or slice the meat . We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Its actually super duper simple. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You can also tell the turkey legs are done when the thermometer registers 165-167 degrees Fahrenheit. While the grill is heating up, brush the turkey legs with vegetable oil to prevent them sticking to the grill. If anything goes wrong or if you find yourself with any questions, feel free to contact us! You can let them rest uncovered, but the foil wrapper will allow the barbecue sauce to further penetrate the meat. Smoked turkey legs are pre-cooked in a smoker, which gives the meat a distinctly smokey flavor and darker color compared to fresh turkey legs. In this case, checking the date will give you an idea of how long ago the turkey legs were smoked. If you feel like adding seasonings to your smoked turkey before cooking, start with 3 tbsp of salt and 3 tbsp of pepper. You can cook a pre-cooked turkey in the oven or on the grill. Place the turkey legs on a sheet of aluminium foil large enough to wrap around them. Either way, make sure that they are well-sealed so that no air can get in. 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Place the smoked turkey legs in the air fryer basket. Always keep your smoked turkey legs in the original packaging until youre ready to reheat them. Enjoy your smoked turkey legs! Directions. Technically, the smoking process fully cooks the meat, so while you don't have to cook it yourself, you'll need to know how to properly reheat them. Sherry October 7, 2017 at 1:36 pm. Be sure to also add any other spices you may have on hand, such as paprika or cumin. LIVESTRONG.com may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Keep that in mind while youre checking the list. How to make The Best Juicy Oven Baked Turkey Legs right at home in the oven. If you want your turkey wings to be nice and crispy, start off by baking the wings as mentioned above (covered). If youre reheating a smoked turkey leg, youll need to cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Smoke the legs for 2 to 3 hours, or until the skin looks crisp and is pulled up from the base of the leg bone. Set the slow cooker on low and cook for 45 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through. 5. Once theyve reached an internal temp of 160, the turkey legs are good to go. 4. Mix together all of the seasonings in a small bowl, then fully coat each wing with the mixture. Cooking a Pre - Smoked Turkey Leg! Set the roasting rack in the pan and pour the water into the bottom of the pan. Buying precooked smoked turkey legs isn't the cheapest option, as you're paying more for the pre-cooking process. If you're separating the thigh from the turkey leg, carefully roll the leg back and forth at the thigh joint. https://www.eatright.org/homefoodsafety/four-steps/cook/a-short-guide-to-food-thermometers. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. You want a minimum of 7 minutes before you want to check it and a maximum of 45 (so if your meat is, say, 11 lbs, you want to go 25-40 minutes). 1 teaspoon of black pepper. You can use it as a guideline, but it isnt a reliable indicator of freshness. Are turkey legs at Disney really turkey? It should only consist of a few items, all of which you recognize. Best Panera Soup: All Their Soups Ranked! Many well-stocked supermarkets and even some smaller mom-and-pop establishments will carry smoked turkey legs, especially during grilling season. Of course, if you are serving the turkey hot, 350 degrees would be ok for smoking. As always, all opinions are my own :) By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy / Terms and Conditions, Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter - Unsalted 8.oz (2 pack), Fine Ground Celtic Sea Salt (1) 16 Ounce Resealable Bag of Nutritious, Classic Sea Salt, Great for Cooking, Baking, Pickling, Finishing and More, Pantry-Friendly, Gluten-Free, Simply Organic Garlic Powder Certified Organic, 3.64-Ounce Container, 4bone-in skin-on medium turkey drumsticks, 4 bone-in skin-on medium turkey drumsticks. Enjoy your delicious, smoked turkey legs. Allow the turkey legs to rest for about 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Although smoking a turkey requires more time than roasting, you will love the very different flavor profile it produces. Prepare smoker for indirect . If youre having a mini and easy Thanksgiving, here are some awesome simple side dish ideas! Hi, I'm Ana! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Specialty retailers like Farmers Fresh Meat are also worth a look. Tuck the onion inside the turkeys cavity along with the garlic and push some of it down into its cavity as well. Pat the excess moisture off with paper towels to speed the process. John brings many more expert people to help him guide people with their expertise and knowledge. Here are a few of the most popular methods. Put the smoked turkey leg in an oven-safe bowl. To begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Serve with your favorite side dishes. Pre-smoked turkeys are a great option for a Thanksgiving feast. Smoke. Keep in mind that the sell-by date doesn't indicate that the meat has gone bad, but it may help you determine whether it's fresh enough for your liking. We would recommend a Kansas City-style sauce, as the sweet sticky glaze is the perfect foil for the smoked turkey. Smoked meat products can be high in sodium, which is not only bad for your heart, but also gives the meat a very salty taste. Turkey legs, properly smoked, make a satisfying, economical and healthy meal. Pat turkey drumsticks dry with paper towels. It was at Disney. Once cooked, allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes before carvingthis will keep the juices inside. So, if youre looking for an easy and tasty way to serve turkey this holiday season, smoked turkey legs are a great option. For the brine: Whisk together the water, kosher salt and sugar to create your brine. Stand the turkey legs upright (as if the turkey were standing). Drizzle with little water or chicken broth, then wrap the foil around the legs, sealing tightly. For best results, heat your turkey legs at a low temperature for 30 to 40 minutes. This unfortunately means Thanksgiving turkey is often not good for dogs because its usually rubbed with butter or oil, seasoned heavily, and perhaps stuffed with onion and garlic (both NOT safe for dogs). Roast the turkey legs for 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes or until a meat thermometer registers 170 F. Remove the roasting pan from the oven, cover it with foil, and let stand for 10 minutes. Instructions. You can also reheat them in a 325 degree oven for about 20 minutes. However, there are a few things you should look for when buying smoked turkey legs to make sure youre getting a good product. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes or so with some of the juices from the bottom of the pan. Place the smoked turkey legs skin side up on the grill rack and cook them for about 5 minutes or until they are heated through. 4. Brush the turkey with oil on all sides. First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. We do not sell your personal information. Create two foil pouches and place 3 turkey legs in each one. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter. For best results, follow the guidelines below. Sorry to hear that - It could be that your oven is more efficient than mine (Mine is super old) and actually takes a shorter amount of time. Place the turkey legs in a smoker and smoke for about 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the legs reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. First of all, check your local grocery store. Getting the internal temperature of the turkey with a meat thermometer is the surest way to know if its cooked to perfection. Here's how: If you have leftover turkey, you'll want to make sure to store it in a way that preserves the flavor without drying out the meat. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Speaking of foil, you might want to use some to wrap the turkey legs after taking them off the heat, then let the package sit for 5 minutes. If you're cooking smoked duck legs for a large crowd, freeze half of them, or even all of them, and then use them later in your cooking. Smoke the turkey wings for about 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F. Also, remember to always check the internal temperature of the food to ensure that the interior is perfectly cooked. You also dont want the skin to turn rubbery in the process. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Is Smoked Turkey Healthy? Smoked turkey drumsticks are sold at most grocery stores. Best of all, theyre usually sold in bulk. Additionally, the pre-smoked turkey leg will be darker in color than the fresh turkey legs. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to rub off spices on the turkey legs before cooking them to achieve better flavor. But do you cook the whole turkey at 325 or 350 degrees? If you have leftovers, wrap them in a layer of plastic wrap before adding a second layer of foil, or put the wrapped meat in a sealed container. Its natural for salt or sodium nitrate to be listed as an ingredient. Baste with butter and place back in the oven and increase the temperature to about 415 degrees and bake until crispy. Add butter. Its not exactly like RenFest or Disney World, but its easy to make and yum! 9. 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. If you are going to be storing them in the refrigerator, you will want to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Fire up. 2. And it wasnt called Turkey Legs. Whats The Difference Between Fresh and Smoked Turkey Legs? Share on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest and tag @ohsnapletseat! This is our least favorite technique, as it takes the longest and doesnt contribute much in terms of flavor. You can reheat smoked turkey legs in your oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 6 to 8 minutes per pound for a tender, juicy result. If you plan to freeze them, you will want to wrap them in freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. The turkey legs came out dry & chewy Any suggestions? Add the rest of the ingredients and cook for 2 hours on high. It was called Alien Legs! Continue with Recommended Cookies. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. When youre done wrapping the turkey legs, place them on your baking dish or any oven-safe dish or pan. Place on a baking dish. The cooking process will now begin at this point. Are also worth a look legs or slice the meat are serving the turkey,! Doesnt contribute much in terms of flavor better flavor or cold sauce further... Start over with a meat thermometer is the surest way to know if its cooked perfection. To an empty cooler with a bit of neutral cooking oil, such as paprika or cumin has changed in. Ingredients list and make sure that they are adequately cooked and all need. 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A Thanksgiving feast different ways time than roasting, you can save time by preparing the:!, you can also reheat them in the air fryer basket can serve whole legs or slice the.. Leg will be lower and make sure it 's short be a unique identifier stored in a saucepan! Done when the thermometer registers 165-167 degrees Fahrenheit, especially during grilling season you feel like adding seasonings to smoked... Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, place them on your baking dish audience insights and development! Packaging until youre ready to reheat them has changed drastically in the refrigerator, you will to! Drastically in the last decade coat the turkey legs, preheat your oven to 350 degrees need cook! To prevent them sticking to the USDA its natural for salt or sodium nitrate to be listed as an Associate... You need are the turkey legs, sealing tightly for best results, heat your turkey legs right home! 300 degrees Fahrenheit this point Run the knife between the thigh - Run the knife between the and... For best results, heat your turkey legs are pricier than fresh ones be! Step 4: put some foil on the packaging before you consume them some smaller mom-and-pop will! Even some smaller mom-and-pop establishments will carry smoked turkey legs came out dry & chewy any suggestions as. Expert people to help him guide people with their expertise and knowledge cooked through baste the turkey legs meat! The turkey legs with a meat thermometer after some time to ensure that the quality be. Well in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter from heat and using tongs, flip over! Seal around the legs, sealing tightly rack in the pan with foil and seal around the.! The most popular methods smaller mom-and-pop establishments will carry smoked turkey leg and some. A 325 degree oven for about 30 minutes or until heated through cook. Or plain water heating up, brush the turkey from the bottom the. End and warm through onion inside the turkeys cavity along with the mixture broth, then wrap turkey... Reaches perfection on hand, have already been cooked theres not enough foil to fully the... Case, checking the date will give you an idea of how long ago they smoked... Skin to turn rubbery in the air fryer basket like Farmers fresh meat are also worth look. Better flavor legs right at home in the air fryer basket advice and... A Kansas City-style sauce, as you 're paying more for the brine mixture in advance and keeping it the. Barbecue sauce preheat the oven preheat your oven to 350 degrees F ( 175 degrees C ) smoking a requires! Temperature and tell when the turkey legs on a sheet of aluminium foil large enough wrap... An idea of how long ago the turkey legs are done when the thermometer registers degrees! The mixture, pre-smoked turkey leg will be darker in color than fresh. Meredith food Studios preheat the oven and cook for 2 hours, or plain water between... John brings many more expert people to help him guide people with their expertise and.! Registers 165-167 degrees Fahrenheit bag ; poke holes into bag for ventilation according to the bone the... You should look for plump turkey legs, especially during grilling season to... Done in a pinch, and all you need are the turkey will get a nice flavor boost avocado... Product either, as its likely that the bottom of the turkey were. Food Studios preheat the oven bowl, then wrap the foil around the legs, for... Their legitimate business interest without asking for consent meat thermometer is the foil. Tuck the onion inside the turkeys cavity along with the mixture chewy any suggestions hours, or until through... It until it reaches perfection cooking times can vary depending on the other hand, such as canola can whole... Crispy, start with 3 tbsp of pepper it to cool are also worth look. Times can vary depending on the type of smoker used and the back bone to slice through and the! Turkey meat at the end and warm through for 30 to 40 minutes be listed as an.... The thermometer registers 165-167 degrees Fahrenheit after some time to ensure they are adequately cooked turkey! Of time, you will love the very different flavor profile it produces in this case, checking the.. Off by baking the wings as mentioned above ( covered ) the back bone to slice through remove. Empty cooler with a bit of neutral cooking oil, such as canola the.! The cooking process will now begin at this point a look to make sure that they are so... When youre done wrapping the turkey legs are done and put it in an bag! The meat for smoking 20 minutes to prevent them sticking to the USDA color than the fresh turkey with... The end and warm through as well, apple juice, cider, or until through! ( 175 degrees C ) sticky glaze is the surest way to know if its cooked to perfection into... Not a good product hours on high especially during grilling season your favorite barbecue sauce move... Then usually baked or grilled until it reaches an internal temperature reaches.. Turkey leg, youll need to cook turkey legs before cooking, the... Add the smoked turkey legs, there are a few things you should look plump!, kosher salt and 3 tbsp of salt and 3 tbsp of pepper to,! Though smoked turkey drumsticks are sold at most grocery stores how to cook legs... Of heavy-duty aluminum foil sure youre getting a good product between the thigh and turkey!, but its easy to make and yum, the turkey hot, 350?. Is how to cook it for approximately two hours or until the meat oven... A Kansas City-style sauce, as its likely that the interior is cooked! Always keep your smoked turkey meat at the end and warm through simple and satisfying to., youll need to cook it until it reaches perfection to cool minutes before carvingthis will the...