Smoked Turkey Legs
Difficulty Level: Expert
Courtesy of Traeger
Unleash your inner Viking with our Smoked Turkey Legs. These drumsticks aren't a wimpy, wing night special, they're big on flavor with a crusted outside and juicy turkey inside. Get Medieval on your week with this slow smoked, wood-fired entre.
Ingredients
- 1 GAL Warm Water
- 1/2 GAL Cold Water
- 4 Cups Ice
- 1 Cup TRAEGER BBQ RUB
- 1/2 Cup Curing Salt
- 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1 TBSP Allspice Berries, Crushed (Optional)
- 1 TBSP Whole Black Peppercorns
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 2 TSP Liquid Smoke
- 4 Turkey Legs
Instructions
In a large stockpot, combine one gallon of warm water, the rub, curing salt, brown sugar, allspice (if using), peppercorns, bay leaves and liquid smoke.
Bring to a boil over high heat to dissolve the salt granules. Cool to room temperature.
Add cold water and ice; chill in the refrigerator. Add the turkey legs, making sure they're completely submerged in the brine.
After 24 hours, drain the turkey legs and discard the brine. Rinse the brine off the legs with cold water, then dry thoroughly with paper towels. Brush off any clinging solid spices.
When ready to cook, set temperature to 250℉ and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes.
Lay the turkey legs directly on the grill grate. Smoke for 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165℉ on an instant-read meat thermometer. Make sure the probe doesn't touch bone or you'll get a false reading.
The turkey legs should be deeply browned. Don't be alarmed if the meat under the skin is pinkish: That's a chemical reaction to the cure and the smoke.
Serve immediately. Enjoy!
*Cook times will vary depending on set and ambient temperatures.
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