Cooking turkey legs on the grill can be a delightful experience, especially when you’re starting with pre-cooked legs. Pre-cooked turkey legs provide convenience without sacrificing taste, making them an ideal choice for a quick barbecue or festive gathering. This article will guide you through the process of grilling pre-cooked turkey legs to perfection, enhancing their flavor and ensuring a juicy finish that everyone will love.
Understanding Pre-Cooked Turkey Legs
Before diving into the grilling techniques, let’s clarify what pre-cooked turkey legs are. These legs have been cooked and often come packaged, ready to heat and serve. They can be found in grocery stores, especially around holidays and festive seasons. While they’re fully cooked, the goal is to reheat them on the grill while imparting a smoky flavor that only grilling can provide.
The Benefits of Grilling Pre-Cooked Turkey Legs
Grilling pre-cooked turkey legs offers numerous advantages:
- Speed and Convenience: Pre-cooked legs take less time to grill than raw, ensuring a quicker meal prep.
- Enhanced Flavor: Grilling adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture that enhances the overall taste.
Preparing Your Grill for Turkey Legs
A well-prepared grill is crucial for achieving excellent results. Here’s how to set it up for grilling turkey legs.
Choosing the Right Grill
Whether you’re using a charcoal grill, gas grill, or a pellet grill, each type has its advantages:
- Charcoal Grills: Provide traditional smoky flavor, making them great for outdoor grilling.
- Gas Grills: Offer temperature control and convenience for quick cooking.
- Pellet Grills: Combine features of both by imparting rich flavor and maintaining steady temperatures.
Cleaning and Preheating the Grill
Before cooking:
- Clean the Grill Grates: Use a grill brush to remove any residue from previous grilling sessions for better flavor and presentability.
- Preheat the Grill: Aim for a medium heat (approximately 350°F to 400°F). Preheating ensures even cooking and enhances the grilling process.
Seasoning Pre-Cooked Turkey Legs
While pre-cooked turkey legs are flavorful on their own, enhancing them with seasoning can elevate their taste. Here are some popular options:
Using Marinades
Marinades help infuse flavor into the turkey legs. Consider using a mixture of:
- Olive oil
- Soy sauce
- Garlic powder
- Maple syrup or honey (for sweetness)
- Black pepper
- Combine the ingredients in a bowl and marinate the turkey legs for at least an hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Remove each leg from the marinade and pat dry before placing them on the grill.
Rubs and Seasonings
If you prefer a dry seasoning, create a rub using spices like:
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Ground cumin
- Salt and pepper
Simply rub the seasoning mix all over the turkey legs to enhance flavor before grilling.
Grilling Pre-Cooked Turkey Legs
Now that you’ve prepared your grill and seasoned your turkey legs, it’s time to grill them. Follow these steps for delicious results.
Grilling Techniques
Direct Grilling
For a short cooking time, direct grilling is effective. Here’s how:
- Place the Turkey Legs on the Grill: Position them skin-side down for better crisping.
- Cook for 5-10 Minutes: Allow them to sear and develop a golden-brown color, turning occasionally for even cooking.
Indirect Grilling
If you prefer a slower cooking method that prevents charring, go for indirect grilling:
- Create Two Temperature Zones: One side of the grill should be hot (direct heat) while the other is cooler (indirect heat).
- Move the Turkey Legs: Place the legs on the cooler side of the grill and close the lid. This method allows for thorough heating without direct flames.
- Cook for Approximately 20-30 Minutes: Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, aiming for at least 165°F.
Adding Smoke Flavor to Your Turkey Legs
For an added dimension of flavor, consider using wood chips. Wood chips can enhance the smokiness of pre-cooked turkey legs. Here’s how to incorporate them into your grilling:
Choosing Wood Chips
Some popular wood chips for turkey include:
- Applewood
- Hickory
- Mesquite
Each type adds a unique flavor profile, so choose according to your preference.
Creating a Smoke Box
To effectively use wood chips on the grill:
- Pre-soak the Wood Chips: Soak for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning too quickly.
- Use a Smoker Box or Foil Pouch: Place the soaked chips in a smoker box or wrap them in aluminum foil, perforating the foil to allow smoke to escape.
- Put the Box on the Grill: Position it directly on the hot side of the grill while cooking the turkey legs.
Finishing Touches: Glazes and Sauces
Adding a glaze or sauce can give your grilled turkey legs an exciting finish. Here are some great options to consider:
Popular Glazes
- BBQ Sauce: Slather on your favorite barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling for a caramelized finish.
- Honey Mustard Glaze: Combine honey and mustard for a sweet and tangy topping that pairs excellently with turkey.
Applying Glazes Properly
To avoid burning, apply glazes during the last few minutes of cooking:
- Brush on the Glaze: Use a basting brush, ensuring even coverage on all sides of the turkey legs.
- Monitor Closely: Keep the grill lid closed to maintain temperature while watching for charring.
Serving Your Grilled Turkey Legs
Once your turkey legs are perfectly grilled, it’s time to serve them. Here are some ideas for a fantastic presentation:
Complementary Sides
Enhance your meal with delightful side dishes. Some great pairings include:
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Coleslaw
- Baked beans
Garnishing Ideas
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, thyme, or chives for a fresh touch.
- Lemon Wedges: Provide lemon wedges for a zesty squeeze over the turkey legs.
Storing Leftover Turkey Legs
If you find yourself with leftovers, proper storage will keep them tasty for future meals. Here’s how:
Cooling Down and Storing
- Let Them Cool: Allow your turkey legs to cool to room temperature before storage.
- Wrap and Refrigerate: Place them in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. Consume within 3 to 4 days.
Reheating Leftovers
To reheat, you can warm them on the grill:
- Preheat the Grill: Warm to a lower temperature (around 300°F).
- Reheat Slowly: Place the turkey legs on the cooler side, turning occasionally, until heated through.
Final Thoughts
Grilling pre-cooked turkey legs gives you an opportunity to enjoy a convenient yet flavorful meal that can impress guests or delight your family. With a few simple preparations and methods, you can achieve grilling perfection, enhancing the taste with marinades, glazes, and your favorite side dishes. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its rich flavors but also in its simplicity, making it an excellent addition to any cookout or festive gathering. So fire up your grill and enjoy a succulent turkey leg experience that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
What are pre-cooked turkey legs?
Pre-cooked turkey legs are turkey legs that have been fully cooked and then packaged, often for convenience and quick preparation. They can be found in supermarkets and are typically pre-seasoned or marinated, offering a variety of flavors. Cooking these legs on the grill allows for a unique smoky flavor and charred texture while only requiring a short cooking time.
When using pre-cooked turkey legs, you are essentially reheating them rather than cooking them from raw. This means that the primary goal is to warm them through and enhance their flavor with the grilling process. Because they are already cooked, you do not need to worry about internal temperatures in the same way you would with raw turkey.
How do I prepare pre-cooked turkey legs for grilling?
To prepare pre-cooked turkey legs for grilling, start by removing them from their packaging. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which can prevent proper browning and crisping on the grill. If desired, you can brush them lightly with oil and sprinkle some additional seasoning or your favorite barbecue sauce to enhance the flavor profile.
Once prepped, preheat your grill to a medium heat setting, typically around 350°F to 400°F. Make sure the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking. Place the turkey legs on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through and slightly charred.
How long should I grill pre-cooked turkey legs?
Grilling pre-cooked turkey legs usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Since they are already cooked, the goal is to simply heat them through while achieving a nice char on the outside. To do this effectively, place them on a medium heat grill and turn them every few minutes to ensure even cooking.
Monitor the legs closely to avoid overcooking, as they can dry out if left on the grill for too long. You can check if they are heated through by feeling for warmth in the meat or using a meat thermometer; an internal temperature of 165°F is ideal, although they may already be warm after the initial grilling time.
Can I use marinades or sauces on pre-cooked turkey legs?
Yes, you can absolutely use marinades or sauces on pre-cooked turkey legs to enhance their flavor. Before grilling, you can marinate the legs for a few hours or overnight to infuse additional flavors. Simple marinades could include oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices. Just ensure that the marinade does not contain excessive sugars that could burn on the grill.
If you prefer to apply sauces while grilling, it’s best to do this toward the end of cooking. Applying barbecue sauce too early can cause it to caramelize and burn, leading to a bitter flavor. Brush on your favorite sauce during the last five minutes of grilling for a delicious finish.
What type of grill should I use for cooking turkey legs?
You can use either a gas or charcoal grill to cook pre-cooked turkey legs, as both types can effectively provide the heat required for grilling. Gas grills typically allow for more precise temperature control and easier cleanup, while charcoal grills can impart a distinct smoky flavor that many people love when grilling meats.
Regardless of the type of grill you choose, ensure that it is preheated and that the grates are clean and well-oiled. This will help achieve a good sear on the turkey legs and minimize them sticking to the grill, making the overall grilling experience more pleasant.
Can I grill pre-cooked turkey legs directly from the fridge?
It is recommended to let pre-cooked turkey legs come to room temperature before grilling them. Taking them out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before grilling helps ensure more even heating and better texture. It also reduces the cooking time, preventing the outer portion from overcooking while you wait for the inside to warm up.
If you’re short on time, you can grill them straight from the fridge; just be mindful that this may take a bit longer. Keep an eye on the cooking time and check the internal temperature, as it may need an extra few minutes to reach the desired warmth throughout.
What sides pair well with grilled turkey legs?
Grilled turkey legs can be a hearty main dish, and they pair well with a variety of sides. Popular accompaniments include coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, grilled vegetables, or a fresh garden salad. These sides complement the savory flavors of the turkey and can balance the meal nicely.
For a more robust feast, consider serving the turkey legs with mashed potatoes or stuffing, which evens out the meal with comforting textures and flavors. Don’t forget to add condiments like mustard or barbecue sauce to enhance the grilled turkey even further!