How to Marinate Turkey Legs: Two Delicious Recipes for Juicy, Flavorful Turkey

Are you looking for a way to make your turkey legs extra juicy and flavorful? Look no further than these two amazing recipes! Whether you prefer a citrusy orange marinade or a savory herb glaze, these recipes are sure to impress.

Orangey Turkey Legs

This recipe from Allrecipes is a classic for a reason. The orange marinade infuses the turkey with a bright, tangy flavor that is perfect for any occasion. The best part is that this recipe is incredibly easy to follow making it perfect for even the most novice cooks.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained with liquid reserved
• 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 2 turkey drumsticks
• Salt to taste

Here’s how to make it:

1. In a blender or food processor, mix the orange segments, vinegar, and brown sugar. Transfer to a large resealable plastic bag, and mix in the reserved mandarin orange liquid and oil. Place the turkey drumsticks in the bag, seal, and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
3. Place the marinated turkey drumsticks on the baking sheet, and season with salt.
4. Cover, and bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove cover, and continue baking 1 hour, basting often with the remaining orange mixture, to an internal temperature of 180 degrees F (80 degrees C).
5. Note: Leftover marinade may be heated and whisked with water and flour for a gravy-glaze.

Herb-Roasted Turkey Legs

This recipe from Pups with Chopsticks takes things up a notch with a flavorful herb glaze. The combination of fresh herbs and spices creates a delicious crust that is sure to please your taste buds. This recipe also includes a simple brine that helps to keep the turkey legs moist and juicy.

Here’s what you’ll need:

For the brine:

• 3 tablespoons salt
• 8 cups water
• 3-4 bay leaves
• 4-5 garlic cloves (roughly crushed)
• 2 black cardamom (optional)

For the herb glaze:

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (light or low sodium)
• ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce
• ½ onion
• 2 tablespoons oil (to make the onion paste)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup oil (any oil except olive oil)
• 1 teaspoon lemongrass
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon tarragon
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon dill
• ½ teaspoon basil

For the turkey:

• 4 turkey legs

Here’s how to make it:

1. Brining the Turkey: In a large bowl, combine the water and salt together and stir until the salt has dissolved. Add in the bay leaves, crushed garlic cloves, and black cardamoms (optional). Add in the turkey legs and brine it for 24 hours in the fridge.
2. Making the Herb Glaze: In a food processor, blitz half an onion with 2 tablespoons of oil until it becomes a paste. (If you don’t have a food processor, you can grate the onion instead) Melt the butter and combine the onion paste, ¼ cup of oil, soy sauces, and herbs into 1 bowl and mix well. Set aside for later to glaze the turkey. (Note: the glaze may thicken, as the butter cools – not to worry, it will melt back into an oil once you brush it on the hot turkey!)
3. Roasting the Turkey: Preheat the oven to 350F (177C). Use a roasting pan and put a rack in it to suspend the turkey, so there is airflow between the pan and the bottom of the turkey. If you don’t have a rack, you can take tin foil and roughly press it together to create a rough and bumpy texture and place the turkey legs on top so it is not sitting completely flat against the roasting pan.
4. Once the oven is up to temperature, place the turkey legs in the oven and set the timer for 30 minutes. Once 30 minutes is up, you can start to glaze the turkey with the herb glaze every 15-20 minutes.
5. The turkey legs should take between 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes but use a meat thermometer to be sure. The internal temperature should be 165F (74C). When you cut into the turkey, the juices should be clear and not bloody.

Tips for the Perfect Turkey Legs:

• Marinate overnight: This will allow the flavors to penetrate the turkey and create a more flavorful dish.
• Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure that your turkey legs are cooked through to a safe temperature.
• Don’t overcook: Overcooked turkey can be dry and tough.
• Let the turkey rest: This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy turkey.

Additional Resources:

• More Oven-Roasted Recipes You May Like: https://pupswithchopsticks.com/herb-roasted-turkey-legs/#more-oven-roasted-recipes-you-may-like
• More Turkey Recipes You May Like: https://pupswithchopsticks.com/herb-roasted-turkey-legs/#more-turkey-recipes-you-may-like

Enjoy!