Removing the tough, chewy tendons from turkey legs is an essential step if you want your holiday bird to have delicious, tender drumsticks. While it may seem intimidating, it’s actually a simple process that just requires some basic tools, a bit of patience, and our easy-to-follow instructions.
As home cooks, we want our guests to enjoy pulling apart a perfectly cooked turkey drumstick without having to wrestle with rubbery tendons Trust me, taking the time to remove them ahead of roasting makes all the difference!
In this comprehensive guide I’ll walk you through exactly how to find remove, and discard turkey leg tendons in a few quick steps. I’ll also share some of my best tips and tricks for easy tendon removal along the way. Let’s get started!
Why Should You Remove the Tendons?
Turkey leg tendons are thick, tough bands of connective tissue that run through the meat. They don’t break down much during cooking which leaves them inedibly chewy and difficult to bite through.
By removing the tendons before roasting your turkey, you’re ensuring that the delicate leg meat with cook up super moist, fall-apart tender and deliciously succulent.
Other good reasons to remove them:
- Allows for easier carving of the drumsticks
- Gives the legs a nicer presentation
- Removes the frustration of biting into stubborn tendons
- Makes the meat safer for people who wear dentures
So while it adds one more prep step before roasting, removing the tendons really improves the enjoyability of the drumsticks. In my opinion, it’s worth the extra 10 minutes of effort!
What You’ll Need
Removing turkey leg tendons doesn’t require any fancy tools. Here’s a quick look at the basic supplies:
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Paper towels
- Kitchen shears (optional)
A sharp, thin blade makes the precision cutting much easier. Kitchen shears are handy if you have them, but a good chef’s knife will get the job done too.
Paper towels are clutch for getting a grip on the slippery tendons when pulling them out. And of course, you’ll need a clean cutting board to work on.
That’s all you need for this simple turkey tendon removal. Now, let’s get to the good stuff!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Removing the tendons takes just 5 quick steps:
1. Rinse the Turkey Legs
Give the drumsticks a rinse under cool water and pat them dry. This removes any blood or juices that might make them slippery.
2. Locate the Tendons
Turn the legs over so the underside is facing up. The tendons will be on the backside of the leg, running vertically from the ankle up towards the knee.
Visually, they look like thick white bands or cords. You can also identify them by touch – feel for firmer, tougher sections on the drumstick.
3. Slice into the Tendons
Using a sharp knife, make a shallow slit across the tendons about 1 inch below the knee joint. Don’t cut all the way through – just enough to loosen them.
4. Grab and Pull
Here’s the fun part! Grab the tendons with a piece of paper towel and pull them out slowly but firmly. They should release in one long strip.
You may need to wiggle them back and forth to loosen them up. Just be patient and keep tension as you pull.
5. Snip Away Stragglers
Check the drumstick for any remaining pieces of tendon. Simply snip these away with kitchen shears or a knife.
And that’s it – you did it! Rinse to remove any excess blood, pat dry, and your tendon-free turkey legs are ready for roasting.
Optional: Remove the Pope’s Nose
While not mandatory, some cooks like to remove the Pope’s Nose – the knobby end section – for aesthetic reasons.
Simply use kitchen shears to snip it off before or after tendon removal. It’s totally optional!
Turkey Tendon Removal Tips & Tricks
Follow these handy tips for quick and easy tendon removal:
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Work on chilled legs – They tend to be less slippery than room temp legs
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Cut a slit near the knee – This is where tendons are most concentrated
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Wiggle as you pull – Helps separate tendons from the meat
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Enlist a helper – They can hold the legs while you pull
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Use pliers if needed – Provides extra gripping power
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Pull slowly but firmly – Gradual, constant tension works best
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Remove skin after roasting – Trying to remove it raw can tear the skin
And if a tendon happens to snap mid-pull, don’t worry! Just grab the remaining piece and keep pulling until it’s out.
Next Steps After Tendon Removal
Once you’ve removed those pesky tendons, your turkey legs are primed for cooking!
From roasting to deep frying to grilling, drumsticks always benefit from a little prep work.
Here are a few ideas for putting your tendon-free legs to delicious use:
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Roast them alongside the turkey for a classic holiday meal
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Marinate in a zesty blend of herbs, citrus, chili flakes, etc.
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Grill over indirect heat, basting with barbecue sauce
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Fry until crispy and golden brown for finger-licking snacking
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Shred the tender meat for soups, salads, sandwiches and more
However you choose to cook them, pulling those tendons makes a big difference in the finished texture of your turkey legs.
FAQs About Turkey Leg Tendon Removal
Still have some questions? Here are answers to some frequently asked queries:
Should I remove the tendons before or after cooking?
- Always remove tendons before cooking. Trying to remove them from cooked legs is extremely difficult.
Do I need special tools to remove them?
- Nope, just a sharp knife and paper towels or kitchen shears. No special gadgets needed.
What’s the easiest technique for beginners?
- Making a slit near the knee joint and slowly pulling the tendons out with paper towels.
How long does it take?
- About 5-10 minutes per whole turkey once you get the hang of it.
Can I remove just some and leave others?
- It’s best to remove all of the tendons for evenly tender meat. Leaving some makes biting into them more likely.
What should I do with the tendons after removing them?
- You can discard them, use for stock, or give them to pets as a treat. Lots of options!
Take the Tedium Out of Tendons
As you can see, removing turkey leg tendons isn’t difficult – it just takes some know-how and a bit of practice.
The beauty of doing it yourself is that you don’t have to rely on your butcher to do this tedious task. You’ll have completely tendon-free drumsticks ready for your holiday meal.
By following my visual guide and step-by-step instructions, you’ll be pulling tendons like a pro in no time. Trust me, it makes carving and enjoying the legs so much easier for everyone.
So don’t be intimidated by this important prep step. Arm yourself with a sharp knife, turn on some festive tunes, and start removing those turkey tendons today. Happy holidays from my kitchen to yours!
