How to Smoke Turkey Legs (The Ultimate Guide)

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Equipment and Ingredients

What you need to smoke turkey legs

To smoke turkey legs, you will need the following equipment:

• A smoker or grill
• Wood chips or pellets
• A meat thermometer
• A spray bottle
• Aluminum foil
• A cutting board
• A sharp knife
• A basting brush
• A large bowl
• A plastic bag

Ingredients for the dry rub

For the dry rub, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of paprika
• 1/4 cup of garlic powder
• 1/4 cup of onion powder
• 1/4 cup of ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup of kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of ground cloves

Ingredients for the wet brine

For the wet brine, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 gallon of water
• 1 cup of kosher salt
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1 bay leaf

Preparation

How to prepare the turkey legs

To prepare the turkey legs, you will need to:

1. Rinse the turkey legs under cold water and pat them dry.
2. Remove any excess fat from the turkey legs.
3. Cut each turkey leg in half lengthwise.
4. Place the turkey legs in a large bowl.
5. Add the dry rub to the turkey legs and mix to coat evenly.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight.

How to make the dry rub

To make the dry rub, you will need to:

1. In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients.
2. Mix well to combine.
3. Store the dry rub in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

How to make the wet brine

To make the wet brine, you will need to:

1. In a large pot or container, combine all of the ingredients.
2. Stir to dissolve the salt and sugar.
3. Place the turkey legs in the brine and make sure they are completely submerged.
4. Cover the pot or container and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight.

Instructions

To smoke turkey legs, you will need to:

1. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. If using a charcoal smoker, build a fire in the smoker and let it burn for 15-20 minutes before adding the wood chips or pellets.
3. If using a gas smoker, preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Place the turkey legs on the smoker grate.
5. Smoke the turkey legs for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Baste the turkey legs with the brine every hour or so.
7. Remove the turkey legs from the smoker and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips

Here are a few tips for smoking turkey legs:

• Use a meat thermometer to make sure the turkey legs are cooked to the proper internal temperature.
• Baste the turkey legs with the brine every hour or so to keep them moist.
• Let the turkey legs rest for 10 minutes before serving so that the juices can redistribute.
• Serve the turkey legs with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and cornbread.

Smoking turkey legs is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these instructions, you can create smoked turkey legs that are sure to impress your guests.

3. Smoking

How to smoke turkey legs

Smoking turkey legs is a great way to cook them for a special occasion. The slow cooking process results in tender, juicy meat that is full of flavor.

To smoke turkey legs, you will need:

• 2 large turkey legs
• 1 cup of your favorite barbecue rub
• 1 cup of apple juice
• 1 cup of water
• 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke
• A smoker or grill

Instructions:

1. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey legs and pat them dry.
3. Apply the barbecue rub to the turkey legs.
4. Place the turkey legs in the smoker or grill and cook for 4-6 hours, or until the meat is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
5. Baste the turkey legs with the apple juice and water mixture every hour or so.
6. Remove the turkey legs from the smoker or grill and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.

How to check for doneness

The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the turkey legs should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also check for doneness by inserting a fork into the meat and pulling it back. If the meat is cooked through, the juices will run clear.

How to reheat smoked turkey legs

If you have leftover smoked turkey legs, you can reheat them in the oven or on the grill.

To reheat smoked turkey legs in the oven, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey legs on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

To reheat smoked turkey legs on the grill, preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the turkey legs on the grill and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.

4. Serving

How to serve smoked turkey legs

Smoked turkey legs are delicious served on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of side dishes. Some popular side dishes for smoked turkey legs include:

• Mashed potatoes
• Corn on the cob
• Baked beans
• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Green beans
• Mac and cheese
• Sweet potato casserole

Side dishes for smoked turkey legs

When choosing side dishes for smoked turkey legs, it is important to consider the flavors and textures of the different dishes. For example, you might want to pair smoked turkey legs with a side dish that is creamy, such as mashed potatoes or mac and cheese. You could also serve a side dish that is crunchy, such as corn on the cob or coleslaw.

Here are some specific side dish ideas for smoked turkey legs:

• Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that is always a hit. To make them extra special, add some roasted garlic or bacon bits.
• Corn on the cob: Corn on the cob is a summer staple that is perfect for grilling. To make it even more delicious, slather it in butter and sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
• Baked beans: Baked beans are a hearty and flavorful side dish that is perfect for a crowd. To make them extra special, add some bacon, onion, and brown sugar.
• Coleslaw: Coleslaw is a refreshing and crunchy side dish that is perfect for a summer cookout. To make it extra special, add some shredded carrots, red onion, and apple.
• Potato salad: Potato salad is a classic side dish that is perfect for any occasion. To make it extra special, add some chopped bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and fresh herbs.
• Green beans: Green beans are a healthy and versatile side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. To make them extra special, saut them in olive oil with garlic and shallots.
• Mac and cheese: Mac and cheese is a comfort food classic that is always a hit. To make it extra special, add some bacon, cheddar cheese, and breadcrumbs.
• Sweet potato casserole: Sweet potato casserole is a decadent and delicious side dish that is perfect for a holiday meal. To make it extra special, add some marshmallows, pecans, and brown sugar.

Leftover smoked turkey legs

If you have leftover smoked turkey legs, you can use them to make a variety of dishes. Some popular leftover turkey leg recipes include:

• Turkey leg soup: Turkey leg soup

  Q: How long do I smoke turkey legs?

A: Turkey legs should smoke for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: What temperature should I smoke turkey legs at?

A: Turkey legs should smoke at a temperature of 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: What wood should I use to smoke turkey legs?

A: Hickory, oak, or apple wood are all good choices for smoking turkey legs.

Q: How do I baste turkey legs while they’re smoking?

A: You can baste turkey legs with melted butter, apple cider vinegar, or a mixture of honey and brown sugar. Baste the legs every 30 minutes or so to keep them moist.

Q: What can I serve with smoked turkey legs?

A: Smoked turkey legs are delicious served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, corn on the cob, or coleslaw.

Q: How do I store smoked turkey legs?

A: Smoked turkey legs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q: How do I reheat smoked turkey legs?

A: You can reheat smoked turkey legs in the oven, on the grill, or in the microwave.

Q: What are some tips for smoking turkey legs?

A: Here are a few tips for smoking turkey legs:

• Start with a high-quality turkey leg.
• Marinate the turkey legs in a flavorful liquid before smoking them.
• Smoke the turkey legs at a low temperature for a long period of time.
• Baste the turkey legs regularly with melted butter or a flavorful liquid.
• Let the turkey legs rest for a few minutes before serving them.

Q: I’m having trouble smoking turkey legs. What could I be doing wrong?

A: Here are a few things that could be going wrong:

• You might not be using a high-quality turkey leg.
• You might not be marinating the turkey legs long enough.
• You might be smoking the turkey legs at too high a temperature.
• You might not be basting the turkey legs regularly.
• You might not be letting the turkey legs rest before serving them.

Q: I’m looking for more information on smoking turkey legs. Where can I find it?

A: There are a number of resources available online and in libraries that can provide you with more information on smoking turkey legs. Here are a few suggestions:

• The National Turkey Federation website has a wealth of information on smoking turkey legs, including recipes, tips, and techniques.
• The USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline can answer your questions about smoking turkey legs.
• The American Meat Institute has a guide to smoking turkey legs that you can download for free.

I hope this helps!

In this comprehensive guide, we have discussed everything you need to know about smoking turkey legs. We covered the different types of wood you can use, the best temperature to smoke them at, and how long to cook them for. We also provided tips on how to make sure your turkey legs come out juicy and delicious. So whether you’re a novice smoker or a seasoned pro, we hope you found this guide helpful.

Here are the key takeaways:

• The best wood for smoking turkey legs is a fruitwood, such as apple, cherry, or peach.
• The ideal temperature for smoking turkey legs is between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Turkey legs should be smoked for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• To make sure your turkey legs are juicy and delicious, baste them with your favorite BBQ sauce every hour or so.

With these tips, you’re sure to smoke the most delicious turkey legs ever!

Author Profile

Kelsey Hammons

I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

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