Top 5 Wild Turkey Recipes

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Wild turkey is a versatile meat, similar to chicken. It has a mild flavor and can stand up to a multitude of flavor profiles and preparation techniques. If you're not sure how to build flavor on your bird, try one of these wild turkey recipes. From barbecued wild turkey legs to pasta bolognese, you can't go wrong.

1. Wild Turkey Leg & Thigh BBQ

If you are leaving your turkey's legs in the woods, you're missing the best part of the bird. Try this delicious slow-cooker recipe for tender BBQ turkey legs and thighs.

Ingredients:

• 2 wild turkey leg/thigh quarters
• 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon of your favorite sweet and spicy BBQ rub
• 1/2 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken or turkey stock
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced

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2. Wild Turkey Bolognese Sauce with Pasta

Meat sauce and pasta is so easy to make. It’s a go-to meal for many families, and ground wild turkey makes a great substitution.

Ingredients:

• ½ pound ground wild turkey
• ½ onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or bacon grease)
• 2 small carrots, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 jar marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 to 2 tablespoons prepared liver pâté*
• 4 servings pasta, preferably thick noodles such as tagliatelle, pappardelle or fettuccine
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Flat-leaf parsley, freshly chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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3. Apple-Rosemary Wild Turkey Roulade Recipe

Turkey roulade is a popular dish at the dinner table, especially for those not wanting to cook an entire turkey for special occasions. And without the dark meat and fat, it is also a healthier option for those looking to cut down on calories. But healthier doesn't have to mean flavorless – roulade allows you to load up the breast with whatever herbs and spices you like. Additionally, the brine adds moisture and flavor into the meat as well.

Ingredients:

• 1 wild turkey breast (about 1 ½ pounds)
• 4 cups water
• ¼ cup kosher salt
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
• ½ teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried coriander
• Quarter of a small onion, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Apple butter
• Freshly cracked pepper
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Special equipment: cooking twine

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4. Beer-Braised, Smoked Wild Turkey Legs

In this recipe, wild turkey legs are cooked low and slow – first simmered in beer and then smoked with mesquite wood.

Ingredients:

• 2 whole completely thawed wild turkey legs (without thighs)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4-5 celery ribs, diced
• 1/2 bulb garlic, smashed
• 1/2 cup coriander seeds
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 24 ounces Warbeard Irish Ale
• 12 ounces chicken stock
• Bearded Butcher’s Original or your preferred spice mix
• Mesquite wood for smoking

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5. Spicy Asian Turkey Jerky

Turn your gobbler into tasty turkey jerky with this Asian-inspired recipe from David Draper featuring spicy ginger, soy sauce, and sweet-hot chilies.

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey breast, about 3-4 pounds
• ¾ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons chili-garlic paste
• ½ teaspoon ginger
• ½ teaspoon Cure No. 1

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