How To Cook Smoked Turkey Legs On A Grill

A Flavorful Guide to Grilling Perfect Smoked Turkey Legs

There’s something undeniably mouthwatering about the smoky aroma of grilled turkey legs that instantly transports you to a backyard barbecue. If you’re looking to elevate your grilling game and impress your family and friends with a delicious and succulent dish, then look no further! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of cooking smoked turkey legs on a grill, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor and juiciness.

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Turkey Legs

Before firing up the grill, it’s essential to prepare the turkey legs properly. Rinse the legs under cold water and pat them dry using paper towels. This removes any excess moisture and helps the seasonings stick better. Now, let’s talk about seasonings! Feel free to get creative here. You can use a pre-made turkey rub or make your own blend with a mix of herbs like rosemary, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, and a dash of salt and pepper. Rub the seasoning blend evenly on all sides of the turkey legs, ensuring they are well coated.

Once seasoned, let the turkey legs sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and enhances the overall taste.

Step 2: Preparing the Grill for Smoking

While the turkey legs are resting, you can start prepping your grill for smoking. If you have a gas grill, turn on one side of the burners to medium heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, arrange the charcoal on one side, leaving an indirect cooking zone.

For that irresistible smoky flavor, soak wood chips, such as hickory or mesquite, in water for about 30 minutes. Drain the chips and scatter them over the hot coals or place them in a smoker box for gas grills. The smoldering wood chips will infuse the turkey legs with that signature smoky essence.

Step 3: Slow and Low Cooking

Once your grill is ready, it’s time to gently place the seasoned turkey legs on the cooler side of the grill, away from direct heat. This indirect cooking method ensures the meat cooks slowly and evenly, allowing it to become tender and moist while absorbing the smoky flavors.

Cover the grill with the lid and maintain a temperature of around 275°F (135°C). Let the turkey legs smoke for approximately 2 to 3 hours, flipping them occasionally to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the grill temperature throughout the process, adjusting the burner or adding more charcoal as needed to maintain the desired heat levels.

Step 4: Checking for Doneness

The key to perfectly cooked turkey legs is achieving an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). To determine doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the leg, avoiding contact with the bone.

Once the turkey legs have reached the safe internal temperature, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Now comes the most enjoyable part – serving and savoring your deliciously smoked turkey legs! Serve them as the centerpiece of your meal alongside classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, cornbread, and baked beans. The tender, smoky meat will surely be a crowd-pleaser, making you the grilling hero of the day.

Remember, grilling smoked turkey legs requires a bit of time and patience, but the end result is well worth the effort. So, fire up that grill, follow our guide, and get ready to impress your guests with a flavorful and unforgettable barbecue experience!