🦃

Delicious Roasted Turkey Legs Recipe

Dec 25, 2024

Roasted Turkey Legs

Overview

  • Roasted Turkey Legs are a tender and juicy option for dark meat lovers.
  • A preferable alternative to roasting a whole turkey, ideal for smaller gatherings or holiday dinners.
  • Economical and easy to prepare; no need for brining or basting.
  • Great for any time of the year, not just holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving.

Ingredients Needed

  • Turkey Legs: 1.6 kg (3 lbs), cut into leg and thigh portions.
  • Olive Oil
  • Seasoning Rub:
    • Salt
    • Pepper
    • Sugar
    • Paprika
    • Cayenne
    • Garlic Powder
    • Oregano
    • Dried Parsley
    • Lemon Zest
  • Additional Ingredients:
    • Onions
    • Rosemary Sprigs
    • Lemons (sliced)

How To Roast Turkey Legs

  1. Preparation

    • Rub turkey with olive oil.
    • Combine rub ingredients and apply liberally to turkey.
  2. Oven Preparation

    • Preheat oven to 180C (350F).
    • Cover roasting tin with baking paper/foil and lay onion, rosemary, lemon slices.
  3. Cooking

    • Place turkey leg, skin side down, on the trivet and roast for 30 minutes.
    • Turn legs skin side up; cook for an additional 40 minutes or until internal temperature is 75C (167F).
    • Achieve a mix of crispy skin and juicy meat.
  4. Resting

    • Let turkey rest covered with foil for 20-30 minutes.
    • Slice and serve.

Checking Doneness

  • Use a digital thermometer to check temperature (75C/167F minimum).
  • Juices should run clear.
  • Adjust roasting time for smaller turkey legs.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with dishes like:
    • Air Fryer Roast Potatoes
    • Goose Fat Roast Potatoes
    • Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
    • Mashed Potatoes
    • Wild Rice Dressing
    • Creamy Sprouts with Bacon
    • Greek Lemon Potatoes
    • Dinner Rolls

Turkey Leftovers

  • Store in fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Use leftovers in:
    • Soups
    • Curries
    • Pies
    • Pasta
    • Stews

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

  • Calories: 397kcal
  • Carbs: 7g
  • Protein: 44g
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 157mg
  • Sodium: 559mg
  • Potassium: 706mg

Tips

  • Rest turkey to ensure juices are retained, making the meat tender.
  • Check doneness with a thermometer for safety.

Additional Resources

  • Links to complementary recipes and suggestions for using leftovers are provided in the original content.