Turkey legs are a delicious and impressive main course, perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas or anytime you want to serve up something special. While turkey legs have great flavor on their own, marinating them takes them to the next level. A good marinade will make the turkey legs incredibly moist, tender and infused with lots of extra flavor.
Follow this simple guide to learn how to marinate turkey legs perfectly every time. With just a few basic ingredients and steps you’ll have juicy, flavorful turkey legs that are sure to be a hit.
Why Marinate Turkey Legs?
Marinating serves a few important purposes when it comes to preparing turkey legs
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Moisture: Marinades help keep turkey legs juicy and prevent them from drying out during cooking. The acidic ingredients in the marinade break down tough collagen fibers.
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Flavor: Marinades allow you to add lots of extra flavor to the turkey from spices, herbs, citrus and more. This adds flavor beyond just the turkey’s natural taste.
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Tenderize: Marinades make the turkey legs more tender by partially breaking down the proteins. This makes them deliciously soft and easy to bite into.
How Long to Marinate Turkey Legs
For best results, turkey legs should marinate overnight or for at least 6-8 hours. This gives enough time for the marinade to fully penetrate and tenderize the meat.
You can get away with marinating for just 1-2 hours if you’re short on time, but it won’t be quite as effective. Overnight is ideal, but anytime from 6-24 hours will work well.
What You Need to Marinate Turkey Legs
Marinating turkey legs requires just a few basic components:
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Meat – Turkey drumsticks or thighs work best.
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Acid – Something acidic like citrus juice, vinegar, yogurt or wine. This tenderizes and adds flavor.
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Oil – Adds moisture and allows marinade to penetrate. Canola, olive or other neutral oil.
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Seasonings – Herbs, spices, garlic, etc to add lots of flavor.
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Vessel – Large resealable plastic bag, baking dish or container.
How to Make a Turkey Leg Marinade
There are endless options when it comes to flavor profiles for marinades. Here are some easy go-to combinations:
Citrus Herb: Orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic. Bright and fresh!
Greek-Style: Lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, garlic, parsley. Classic Mediterranean flavors.
Tex-Mex: Lime juice, oil, cumin, chili powder, cilantro, garlic. Southwestern kick.
Asian: Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, brown sugar. Sweet and salty.
Jamaican Jerk: Rum, lime juice, brown sugar, thyme, habanero, allspice. Spicy and tangy.
Moroccan: Lemon juice, oil, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne. Exotic and bold.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfectly marinated turkey legs every time:
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Make marinade: Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl or blender. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
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Prepare turkey legs: Pat turkey legs dry with paper towels. Use a fork to prick them all over. This helps marinade penetrate.
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Pour marinade over turkey: Place turkey legs in a large resealable plastic bag or baking dish. Pour marinade over to cover completely.
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Marinate turkey: Seal bag or cover dish and refrigerate for minimum 6-8 hours, preferably overnight. Turn bag or toss legs occasionally.
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Cook turkey: Roast, grill or bake legs as desired until fully cooked. Use leftover marinade as a baste.
Cooking Your Marinated Turkey Legs
There are several great cooking methods to choose from for your marinated turkey legs:
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Oven roasted – Roast at 375°F for about 1 hour until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Grilled – Grill over medium heat for 25-35 minutes, turning occasionally until 165°F.
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Broiled – Broil 4-5 inches from heat for 18-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Smoked – Smoke at 225-250°F for 2-3 hours until internal temp of 165°F.
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Slow cooker – Cook on low for 4-6 hours until turkey is very tender.
No matter which cooking method you use, the marinade will ensure turkey legs that are super juicy, flavorful and delicious. Enjoy!
Choosing the Right Marinade
Marinades are a combination of liquids, acids, and seasonings that help to tenderize and flavor the meat. When marinating turkey legs, it’s important to choose a marinade that complements the natural flavors of the meat. Here are a few popular options:
- Citrus-based marinade: A mixture of citrus juice, olive oil, and herbs can add a bright and zesty flavor to the turkey legs.
- Herb-infused marinade: A blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil can create a savory and aromatic marinade for the turkey legs.
- Sweet and savory marinade: A combination of soy sauce, honey, and spices can add a delicious sweet and salty flavor to the turkey legs.
Once you’ve chosen the marinade, it’s time to prepare the turkey legs for marinating. Follow these simple steps to ensure that the meat absorbs the flavors effectively:
- Clean the turkey legs: Rinse the turkey legs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Score the meat: Using a sharp knife, make shallow cuts in the turkey legs to help the marinade penetrate the meat.
- Place the turkey legs in a resealable bag: This will allow the meat to be fully coated with the marinade. Pour the marinade over the turkey legs, seal the bag, and massage the marinade into the meat.
- Marinate the turkey legs: Place the sealed bag in the refrigerator and let the turkey legs marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This will give the meat enough time to absorb the flavors.
Marinating Turkey Legs: A Delicious and Flavorful Option
When it comes to cooking turkey legs, marinating them can take the flavor to a whole new level. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or frying, marinating the turkey legs can add depth and richness to the meat, making it a delectable dish for any occasion.
Turkey Legs Recipe – Fall off the bone!
FAQ
How long can a turkey marinate?
Why do you brine turkey legs?
What tenderizes turkey meat?
How do you keep turkey legs from drying out?