Marianne Martinez
Turkey legs are a popular dish, especially around the holidays. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, air frying, and slow cooking in a crock pot. Slow cooking turkey legs in a crock pot is an easy way to prepare a juicy and tender meal with minimal prep work. The low and slow cooking process helps break down tough connective tissues, resulting in moist and flavourful meat. This article will explore the process of cooking smoked turkey legs in a crock pot, including the necessary ingredients and cooking times.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of cooking | Easy |
| Ingredients | Turkey legs, oil, water, salt, pepper, paprika, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, ketchup |
| Time | 3-4 hours on high heat or 6-8 hours on low heat |
| Temperature | 165°F/ 74°C |
| Result | Tender, juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat |
| Serving suggestion | Serve with gravy made from pan juices |
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What You'll Learn
Turkey legs in a crock pot: cooking times and temperatures
Turkey legs can be cooked in a crock pot on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. The longer, lower-temperature option is ideal for breaking down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in a tender, juicy texture.
The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the turkey legs and the specific model of your crock pot, so it is important to check the progress of your meal while it cooks. A meat thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the drumstick, which should be 165°F (74°C) when cooked.
Some recipes suggest browning the turkey legs in an oven or air fryer after removing them from the crock pot to achieve a crispy skin. This step can add around 3-5 minutes of cooking time at 400°F (204°C).
Turkey legs can be seasoned with a dry rub of spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, and dried herbs, and liquids such as olive oil, liquid smoke, and chicken stock. These can be added to the crock pot to create a flavoursome cooking liquid, which can be used as a base for gravy.
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How to season smoked turkey legs
Smoking turkey legs is a great way to add a deep, rich flavour to the meat while keeping it juicy. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season smoked turkey legs:
Prepare the Turkey Legs
Firstly, you need to thaw the turkey legs completely and pat them dry with paper towels. This step ensures that the seasoning adheres properly and prevents steaming.
Apply the Binder
Coat each turkey leg with a thin, even layer of binder such as avocado oil, mustard, or hot sauce. The binder helps the seasoning stick to the meat.
Season the Turkey Legs
Create a seasoning mix by combining ingredients such as onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and other spices of your choice. Generously sprinkle the seasoning mix over the turkey legs, making sure to cover all sides and get into any crevices for a consistent flavour.
Prepare the Smoker
Preheat your smoker to a temperature between 225°F to 275°F. Add wood chunks, such as applewood, to the smoker to infuse a mild, sweet smoke that complements the seasonings.
Smoke the Turkey Legs
Place the seasoned turkey legs on the smoker grates, spacing them out to allow even smoke circulation. Close the lid and let the turkey legs smoke undisturbed for the first hour to develop a smoky flavour.
Prepare a Compound Butter (Optional)
While the turkey legs are smoking, you can prepare a compound butter by combining softened butter with ingredients such as minced garlic, minced shallot, fresh thyme, rosemary, sage, lemon juice, and seasoning. This compound butter will be used for basting.
Baste with Compound Butter (Optional)
After the initial smoking phase, open the smoker and apply a generous layer of compound butter over the turkey legs using a basting brush. Be careful not to lose too much heat when opening the smoker.
Rest and Serve
Once the turkey legs have reached the desired internal temperature of 165°F, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy. Serve the smoked turkey legs with any leftover compound butter as a dipping sauce.
Alternatively, you can cook smoked turkey legs in a crockpot or slow cooker. Simply season the turkey legs with salt, pepper, and other desired seasonings, and place them in the crockpot with a small amount of water at the bottom. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, depending on your preference.
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What to serve with smoked turkey legs
Smoked turkey legs cooked in a crockpot can be served with a variety of side dishes, depending on your preferences. Here are some ideas:
Traditional Sides
Green beans, mashed potatoes, and cornbread are classic side dishes that pair well with the smokiness of the turkey. These sides are gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free, making them a crowd-pleasing option.
Salads and Vegetables
A pear salad with a light vinaigrette, crunchy hazelnuts, tangy red onion, and juicy pomegranate seeds can be a refreshing counterpart to the hearty turkey legs. Roasted carrots glazed with whipped honey butter also complement the smokiness of the dish. Additionally, roasted cauliflower is a warm and earthy option that stands up to the flavour of smoked turkey without being too heavy.
Desserts
For a unique dessert option, try crustless banana cream pie cups served in ramekins for perfect portion control. If you're looking for something more traditional, an apple or pumpkin pie can also be a delightful conclusion to your meal.
Soups and Stews
Smoked turkey legs can also be used as an ingredient in soups or stews, adding a nice smoky flavour. You can simply add the leg to a bean soup and remove it once the soup is done, or shred the meat to use in a gumbo or chilli con carne.
Other Ideas
Some other suggestions include serving the turkey legs with mac and cheese, red beans and rice, or even deep-frying them for a fair-style treat.
Remember, when preparing smoked turkey legs in a crockpot, you can season them with a homemade rub or use store-bought barbecue sauce for added flavour and moisture. The crockpot cooking method helps break down tough connective tissues, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
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How to make gravy with pan juices
Yes, you can cook smoked turkey legs in a crock pot. It is a simple recipe that produces seasoned, tender turkey leg meat.
To make gravy with pan juices, you will need to save all the juices and the crispy browned bits on your pans. Let the juices sit in a container for about 5 minutes, or until the fat separates and rises to the top. Skim the fat off your juices. Place your pan on the stovetop and turn the burner to medium heat. Pour the juices into the pan and let them simmer. Using a whisk or a scraper, loosen the browned bits at the bottom of the pan and mix them into the liquid.
If you don't have enough pan juices, you can add turkey or chicken stock to your pan. Place 2 tablespoons of flour into a separate container and ladle about half a cup of juices into it. Whisk the mixture into a thick paste, then add it into the pan, whisking and sautéing until the gravy thickens. If the gravy is still not thick enough, gently add more flour, ensuring you whisk as you do so to avoid lumps.
You can also add other seasonings to your gravy to enhance the flavor. For example, cracked black pepper, brandy, cream, and a touch of cayenne. You can also add onion, paprika, wine, or fresh turkey stock.
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Where to buy turkey legs
Turkey legs can be purchased from a variety of sources, both online and in-store. Many online retailers offer wholesale turkey legs, which can be convenient if you're looking to buy in bulk or unable to find them in your local area. Some websites to consider include Farmer's Fresh Meat, which offers wholesale turkey legs and chicken, and Bowman & Landes Turkeys, which provides a selection of turkey parts, including drumsticks.
Additionally, Honeysuckle White invites customers to find a retailer near them that sells their turkey drumsticks. This option may be preferable if you're looking for a more readily available option that doesn't require ordering online and waiting for delivery.
For those who prefer in-person shopping, grocery stores and supermarkets often carry turkey legs, especially around the holiday season. Keep an eye out at your local stores, and don't be afraid to ask staff members for assistance if you're having trouble locating them.
Finally, specialty butchers are another excellent source for turkey legs and other specialty cuts of meat. They often provide higher-quality options and can give you expert advice on preparing and cooking the meat.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook smoked turkey legs in a crock pot.
It takes between 3 to 8 hours to cook smoked turkey legs in a crock pot, depending on the temperature setting. Cooking on high heat takes between 3 to 4 hours, while cooking on low heat takes between 6 to 8 hours.
There are various ways to season smoked turkey legs for crock pot cooking. One option is to rub the turkey legs with olive oil and liquid smoke, and then sprinkle spices like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs over them. Another option is to make a seasoning mix with salt, pepper, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and smoked paprika, and rub it on the turkey legs before cooking.
