I tested 4 ways to cook store bought smoked turkey legs and the results were surprising!
With the holidays approaching, turkey legs are in high demand and quite popular. But how should they be prepared and cooked? Since making them from scratch can be messy and time-consuming, I tested four different ways to reheat smoked turkey legs from the store and determined which worked best and why.
I’ll discuss and assess the four techniques I used in this blog post: oven baking, air frying, smoking, and grilling. I will also explore some frequently asked questions about store bought smoked turkey legs.
Are you looking for a simple and delicious way to cook a pre-smoked turkey? Look no further! This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you end up with a juicy, flavorful turkey that will impress your guests.
Thawing the Pre-Smoked Turkey:
- The Big Thaw: Start by thawing your pre-smoked turkey in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. This slow and steady approach ensures the turkey thaws evenly and safely.
- No Time to Wait?: If you’re short on time, you can thaw your turkey in cold water. Submerge the turkey in a large pot or container filled with cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. This method takes about 30 minutes per pound.
Preparing the Seasoning:
- Spice it Up: While your turkey thaws, get creative with your seasoning! You can use a pre-made rub, or experiment with your own blend of herbs and spices. Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper are all popular choices.
- Go the Extra Mile: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a dry brine to your turkey. This involves rubbing the turkey with salt and other seasonings, then letting it rest in the refrigerator for several hours.
Prepping the Turkey:
- Rinse and Dry: Once your turkey is thawed, give it a good rinse with cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Seasoning Time: Now, it’s time to apply your chosen seasoning! Rub the mixture all over the turkey, making sure to cover all areas, including the cavity and under the skin.
Cooking the Pre-Smoked Turkey:
- Oven Time: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the turkey on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. Cover the turkey with aluminum foil and cook for approximately 13 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Air Fryer Fun: If you have an air fryer, you can use it to cook your pre-smoked turkey for a crispy skin and juicy interior. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the turkey for about 20 minutes per pound, flipping it halfway through.
Resting is Key:
- Let it Rest: Once your turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven or air fryer and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.
Carving and Serving:
- Slicing Time: Now comes the fun part – carving and serving your delicious pre-smoked turkey! Use a sharp carving knife to slice the turkey into thin, even slices.
- Side Dish Delight: Pair your turkey with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, for a complete and satisfying meal.
Additional Tips:
- Basting for Flavor: To add extra flavor and moisture, baste your turkey with butter or a flavorful glaze during the cooking process.
- Brining for Extra Juiciness: If you have the time, consider brining your pre-smoked turkey for a few hours before cooking. This will help to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
- Use the Drippings: Don’t throw away the drippings from your turkey! They can be used to make a delicious gravy or sauce for your meal.
With these simple steps and helpful tips, you’ll be able to cook a pre-smoked turkey that is sure to impress your family and friends. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and stress-free meal!
FAQs:
- Can I use the same cooking method for a pre-smoked turkey as I would for a fresh turkey?
Yes, you can use the same cooking methods for a pre-smoked turkey as you would for a fresh turkey. However, it’s important to remember that pre-smoked turkeys are already partially cooked, so the cooking time might vary slightly.
- What is the best way to reheat a pre-smoked turkey?
The best way to reheat a pre-smoked turkey is to place it in a preheated oven at 325°F (162°C) Cover the turkey with foil to prevent it from drying out and roast it for approximately 10 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
- Should I brine a pre-smoked turkey before cooking?
Brining a pre-smoked turkey before cooking is optional. Since pre-smoked turkeys are already seasoned and flavorful, brining may not be necessary. However, if you prefer a more enhanced flavor, you can still brine the turkey for a shorter period of time compared to a fresh turkey – about 1 to 2 hours should suffice.
- Can I use the drippings from a pre-smoked turkey to make gravy?
Yes, you can use the drippings from a pre-smoked turkey to make gravy. The drippings will have a smoky flavor, which can add a unique twist to your gravy. Simply strain the drippings, remove the excess fat, and use them as a base for your gravy.
- How can I add additional flavor to a pre-smoked turkey?
If you want to enhance the flavor of a pre-smoked turkey, you can try basting it with a glaze or marinade during the cooking process. This will add an extra layer of flavor and help to keep the turkey moist. You can also stuff the turkey with aromatic herbs, citrus fruits, or onions to infuse it with additional flavors.
How long does it take to reheat turkey legs?
The size of the leg and the cooking temperature will affect how long it takes to preheat the turkey legs, just like with any other protein. To ensure that food is cooked to the right internal temperature, it is always best to use a meat thermometer. Never rely on time alone. Trust me I’m speaking from experience and heart-ache!.
To begin using this method, take the turkey leg out of its packaging and use paper towels to pat it dry. The turkey leg doesn’t need to be cleaned, but if you’d like, you can give it a quick rinse in cold water.
I like to lightly season these turkey legs, which can often taste bland, with either poultry seasoning or an all-purpose low-sodium barbecue rub. After positioning the turkey leg on a wire rack set atop a baking sheet, cook it at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This took me about 35 minutes.
The precooked turkey legs are already safe to eat, but cooking them to 165°F guarantees that they are thoroughly cooked and served hot. To keep the turkey leg moist, place a foil pan underneath with some chicken broth. As the chicken broth warms and starts to create steam, it will help the turkey from drying out.
The result of this method was what I expected. The turkey leg was nice and baked, had a smoky flavor and was warm throughout.
To air fry, take the turkey leg out of the packaging, pat dry with paper towels, coat with olive oil, and sprinkle with poultry or barbecue seasoning. You will need to find an air fryer that’s large enough to hold the turkey leg. Cook your turkey at 375 °F until the internal temp is 165°F.
Throughout this process, you should flip the leg a few times to ensure that it is cooked through on both sides. This is one of my favorite ways, and the result is a crispy-skinned, hot, and tender turkey leg in about 20 minutes!
Even though turkey legs come pre smoked, smoking them again really wakes up the smoke flavor. Apply an all-purpose barbecue rub to the turkey and smoke it at 225°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. I used my pellet smoker with apple wood pellets.
Fruit woods like apple and cherry are delicate and are great smoking woods for turkey. For a stronger smoke flavor, try hickory or mesquite.
In order to allow the barbecue sauce to adhere to the meat before removing it, I also brushed on some barbecue sauce toward the end of the cook and increased the smoker’s temperature to 275°F. This method really created something you’d find at Disney World or a state fair.
Because the grill adds a delicious char to the outside of the meat, the grilled turkey legs were also excellent. The turkey also had a great texture.
Coat the turkey legs in olive oil and season them with a bbq rub. Cook the legs on medium heat, turning them over a few times until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How to cook store bought smoked turkey legs.
Since store-bought smoked turkey legs are already pre cooked, we are essentially warming them back up to temperature. I find that the method in which you do that makes all the difference. Avoid the microwave as it will dry out the turkey and make the skin rubbery.