Where Do Turkey Knuckles Come From? A Delicious and Underrated Turkey Cut

Turkey knuckles are an underappreciated and delicious part of the turkey that can add great flavor and texture to a variety of dishes. But where exactly do these turkey knuckles come from?

Turkey knuckles are essentially the joint connecting the drumstick to the thigh on the leg of the turkey. They are part of the lower leg below the knee joint. The knuckle contains a good amount of connective tissue and collagen, which results in rich, flavorful meat when cooked properly.

Turkey knuckles are considered a dark meat, so they have a more robust flavor compared to the lean white breast meat. They can be an excellent choice for slow cooking methods that break down the connective tissue and yield incredibly tender juicy meat.

The Anatomy of a Turkey Leg

To understand where knuckles are located, it helps to look at the anatomy of a whole turkey leg. The leg is composed of three main parts:

• Thigh – The thigh is the upper portion of the leg It contains more dark meat and is juicier than the breast

• Drumstick – The drumstick is the lower leg below the knee joint. It has a tough skin and lots of connective tissue.

• Knuckle – The knuckle is found right above the ankle joint where the drumstick connects to the thigh

The knuckle provides the articulation that allows the lower drumstick to move back and forth. It’s a highly worked muscle area, resulting in dense, rich meat.

Where to Find Turkey Knuckles

Turkey knuckles can be found wherever whole turkey legs are sold, either attached or separated. Here are some of the best places to buy turkey knuckles:

• Butcher Shops – Ask your local butcher if they have turkey knuckles available. Many butcher shops sell them separately.

• Specialty Grocery Stores – Some higher-end grocers will stock turkey knuckles, especially around the holidays.

• Farmers Markets – Turkey knuckles are sometimes sold at local farmers markets when whole turkeys or legs are available.

• Direct from a Turkey Farm – You may be able to buy turkey knuckles directly from a local turkey farm in your area.

• Online – There are some online meat purveyors that sell turkey knuckles. Just be sure to check shipping costs.

If your regular grocery store doesn’t carry them, ask the butcher if they can special order turkey knuckles for you. They are delightful to cook with!

How to Separate Turkey Knuckles

If you buy whole turkey legs, you can easily separate the knuckles yourself:

• Place the leg skin-side down on a cutting board. Cut through the skin between the thigh and drumstick.

• Bend the leg backwards to pop the knuckle out of its socket.

• Use a sharp knife to slice through the connective tissue around the knuckle to remove it.

• You can leave a bit of meat attached to both the thigh and drumstick.

Separating the knuckles only takes a minute or two once you get the hang of it.

How Turkey Knuckles Are Used

Turkey knuckles are extremely versatile in cooking. Here are some of the most popular ways they are prepared:

• Slow Cooking – Braising, stewing, or cooking turkey knuckles low and slow is a great way to break down the collagen for tender meat.

• Soups & Stocks – Simmered turkey knuckles make a rich, nourishing broth perfect for soups.

• Grilling & Roasting – The skin crisps up nicely when turkey knuckles are roasted or grilled over high heat.

• Smoking – Smoked turkey knuckles are beautifully succulent and flavorful. The smoke permeates the meat nicely.

• Deep Frying – Crispy deep-fried turkey knuckles are a delicious indulgence! Be sure to cook them thoroughly.

• Casseroles & Pot Pies – Shredded turkey knuckle meat works well in creamy casseroles and homemade pot pies.

• Sandwiches – Chop or shred turkey knuckle meat and pile it on sandwiches and wraps for a hearty meal.

As you can see, turkey knuckles are a highly versatile ingredient to keep on hand!

Nutrition & Benefits of Turkey Knuckles

Beyond their amazing flavor, turkey knuckles provide some excellent nutritional perks:

• High in Protein – Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein needed for muscle growth and recovery.

• Lower in Fat than Other Dark Meat – Turkey knuckles have a bit less fat compared to chicken legs or wings.

• Contains Important Vitamins & Minerals – Vitamins like niacin, vitamin B6, and phosphorus are found in turkey knuckles.

• Provides Collagen – Collagen from the connective tissue supports hair, skin, nails, and joint health.

• Satisfying & Filling – The rich meatiness helps you feel full and satisfied after eating.

• Budget-Friendly – Turkey knuckles cost less than breast meat or other cuts of turkey.

For those looking to add more lean protein to their diet without much fat, turkey knuckles are a smart choice. Their milder flavor also appeals to those who find other dark meat too intense.

Tips for Cooking Turkey Knuckles

To get the best results when cooking turkey knuckles, keep these tips in mind:

• Braise or stew for 2+ hours to fully tenderize the meat. Slow, moist heat is key.

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F internal temperature.

• Add collagen-rich ingredients like chicken feet or pig trotters when making stock.

• Grill or roast over high heat for 15-20 minutes to crisp the skin.

• Let smoked turkey knuckles rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

• For deep frying, keep oil between 350-375°F and fry for 5-7 minutes.

Proper cooking is important to render turkey knuckles safely edible and enjoyable to eat. The time and temperatures used will vary based on the cooking method.

Favorite Turkey Knuckle Recipes to Try

Here are just a few fantastic recipe ideas that highlight delicious turkey knuckles:

• Smoked Turkey Knuckle Bean Soup – Smoked turkey knuckles and beans create a rich, hearty soup.

• Thai Turkey Knuckle Curry – Slow-cooked knuckles in a fragrant coconut curry sauce.

• Roast Turkey Knuckles with Rosemary – Simple roasted knuckles seasoned with fresh rosemary.

• BBQ Turkey Knuckles – Smother tender braised knuckles in your favorite homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce.

• Turkey Knuckle Pot Pie -Comforting pot pie filled with vegetables and shredded turkey knuckle meat.

• Turkey Knuckle Tacos – Pulled smoked turkey knuckles served on warm corn tortillas with all the fixings.

With so many options, you’ll never get bored cooking with turkey knuckles! They are endlessly adaptable to both simple family meals or impressive dinner party dishes.

Turkey Knuckles Are Worth Seeking Out

While underappreciated, turkey knuckles have a deep, rich flavor and tender texture when properly cooked. Finding them may take a bit of effort, but they are worth seeking out. Slow cooking brings out their best qualities, but there are also many quick-cooking methods that highlight their flavors.

So next time you roast or smoke a whole turkey, take the time to separate out the knuckles before discarding the bones. You’ll be rewarded with a stash of tasty, protein-packed turkey knuckles to use in all sorts of mouth-watering dishes. They just may become your new favorite cut of turkey!