Grilled Turkey Leg Recipe {Perfect for Father's Day} | Jo-Lynne Shane (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between a turkey leg and a turkey drumstick? ›

A turkey leg is technically comprised of the bird's thigh and the drumstick (the part of the leg below the knee joint), though in many recipes the term is used to refer to just the drumstick. Skin-on and bone-in, a full leg typically weighs between one and two and a half pounds.

Place the turkey legs on the side of the grill opposite the heat source for indirect grilling. Close the lid and let them cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Rich in selenium, zinc, phosphorus and iron, turkey meat makes a useful inclusion to support thyroid function, immunity, bone health and energy production. The darker cuts of meat like the leg and thigh are richer in certain minerals, such as iron.

Turkey legs and turkey thighs also fall into the dark meat category. Per ounce, a turkey leg contains approximately 47 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, and eight grams of protein. The calories, protein, and fat in a turkey thigh are similar to those in a chicken thigh.

Turkey legs are an excellent source of protein, with 28 grams per leg. The USDA lists the recommended daily intake of protein for women at 46 grams per day and 56 grams for men.

The most important thing to keep in mind with Turkey Drumsticks is that, especially for our pastured birds, they're going to be tough if they aren't cooked long enough. Just like a brisket, Turkey Drumsticks do best when cooked low and slow, to allow the muscle fibers to relax and become tender.

Use a thermometer .. breast should be at 160, legs and thighs at 165 when you pull them out of the oven. 2. Let it rest, about 3 minutes per pound so for a 10lb turkey, it should rest for about 30 minutes.

The problem is turkey legs can be really tough. There are lots of tendons and bones in that leg for meat to cling to, and most vendors don't cook them long enough.

Roast uncovered until the legs are golden brown and the internal temperature is 180 degrees F (82 degrees C) when taken with a meat thermometer, about 1 ½ to 2 hours. Add more water if needed while roasting, and baste occasionally with the juices or melted butter.

How do you clean a turkey before cooking it? Well... you don't! Just like with other meat, the USDA recommends skipping washing your turkey before you cook it. It doesn't matter if you're roasting, frying, or smoking your turkey, there's no need to give it a rinse unless you've brined it (more on that below).

How do you know if a turkey leg is fully cooked? ›

Cook your turkey at 375 °F until the internal temp is 165°F. You should flip the leg a few times during this process to make sure both sides are evenly cooked.

To summarize, turkey meat has low total lipid, cholesterol, and polyunsaturated fatty acid levels, making it a desirable option for diets aiming at lowering blood cholesterol levels.

In general, those foods include those high in fat, salt and calories. So herewith, a sampling of the most blood-pressure-unfriendly foods to avoid over the Thanksgiving holiday. Red Meat: Stick to the turkey — the non-deep-fried turkey, that is — because a big 'ol steak registers high in fat, salt and calories.

Your body can't store protein, so you need to consume it every day. As long as you don't eat too much turkey, it is a healthy way to get the protein you need. It's also a good source of beneficial vitamins and minerals like magnesium and niacin. Turkey is also an excellent source of selenium.

Certain topics, such as body parts, weren't considered 'proper' to say in the company of “ladies.” This led to many creative euphemisms for a turkey's anatomy. “Please pass the leg” just wasn't considered an acceptable request at the dinner table, so people started referring to turkey legs as drumsticks.

Where to Buy Turkey Legs. Whole turkey legs are made up of the thigh and drumstick, but many people use "turkey leg" to refer to just the drumstick. Drumsticks should be readily available in the meat section of your local grocery store. Though whole legs are harder to come by, you may be able to find them at a butcher.

Thanksgiving Day Trivia: How the drumstick got its name.

The modern word drumstick, as in turkey drumstick, was named in the 16th century because it resembled what people in the 1500's knew to be percussion drumsticks.

The most important thing to keep in mind with Turkey Drumsticks is that, especially for our pastured birds, they're going to be tough if they aren't cooked long enough. Just like a brisket, Turkey Drumsticks do best when cooked low and slow, to allow the muscle fibers to relax and become tender.