Mastering the Art of Grilling Wild Turkey Breast: Two Delicious Recipes for Your Culinary Adventures

Wild turkey breast, with its lean and flavorful profile, offers a delectable canvas for culinary creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice venturing into the world of outdoor cooking, these two tantalizing recipes will guide you towards a succulent and satisfying meal.

1. Lemon Herb Grilled Wild Turkey Breast: A Zesty Twist on a Classic

This recipe from Realtree Camo creates a symphony of flavors that will entice your palate by marinating a wild turkey breast in a bright lemon herb marinade.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 wild turkey breast, sliced into cutlets
• Marinade:
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Turkey: In a shallow dish, combine all marinade ingredients and whisk until well blended. Add the turkey cutlets and ensure they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
2. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If using a gas grill, set the burners to medium heat. For a charcoal grill, arrange the coals in a single layer and allow them to heat until they are glowing red and covered with a light layer of ash.
3. Grill the Turkey: Remove the turkey cutlets from the marinade and place them directly on the grill grate. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate temperature measurement.
4. Rest and Serve: Transfer the grilled turkey to a plate and loosely tent with foil. Allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful piece of meat.

Tips:

• For added smoky flavor, consider adding a few wood chips to your charcoal grill. Hickory, apple, or mesquite wood chips pair well with wild turkey.
• To prevent sticking, lightly oil the grill grate before adding the turkey cutlets.
• If you prefer a thicker cut of turkey, you can grill the breast whole instead of slicing it into cutlets. However, the cooking time will need to be adjusted accordingly.

2. Grilled Wild Turkey Breast Recipe: A Simple and Savory Approach

This recipe, featured on Taste of Home, takes a minimalist approach to grilling wild turkey breast, relying on a single ingredient – a flavorful honey Dijon salad dressing – to enhance the natural taste of the meat

Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in wild turkey breast (about 1-1/2 pounds), split
• 1 bottle (8 ounces) fat-free honey Dijon salad dressing

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Turkey: Place the turkey breast in a large resealable plastic bag and pour in the honey Dijon salad dressing. Seal the bag and turn to coat the turkey evenly. Refrigerate overnight, turning the bag occasionally to ensure all sides are marinated.
2. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. If using a gas grill, set the burners to medium heat. For a charcoal grill, arrange the coals in a single layer and allow them to heat until they are glowing red and covered with a light layer of ash.
3. Grill the Turkey: Remove the turkey breast from the marinade and discard the marinade. Place the turkey on the grill, skin-side down, and cook for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate temperature measurement.
4. Rest and Serve: Transfer the grilled turkey to a cutting board and loosely tent with foil. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful piece of meat.

Tips:

• If you prefer a crispy skin, you can increase the grill temperature to high for the last few minutes of cooking.
• To prevent sticking, lightly oil the grill grate before adding the turkey breast.
• Serve the grilled turkey with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

Additional Resources:

• Realtree Camo: Lemon Herb Grilled Wild Turkey Breast
• Taste of Home: Grilled Wild Turkey Breast Recipe

With these two delectable recipes as your guide, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of grilling wild turkey breast. Whether you prefer a zesty lemon herb marinade or a simple honey Dijon approach, these recipes offer a flavorful and satisfying culinary experience. So, fire up your grill, grab some wild turkey breast, and get ready to embark on a delicious adventure!