Traeger Kitchen
Smoked Turkey Legs
Prep Time
30
Minutes
Cook Time
5
Hours
Serves
4 - 6
People
Effort
What's this?
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 Cup Traeger Rub
1/2 Cup curing salt
1/2 Cup brown sugar
1 Tablespoon crushed allspice berries, optional
1 Tablespoon whole black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
2 Teaspoon liquid smoke
4 turkey legs
Steps
1
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.2
Bring to a boil over high heat to dissolve the salt granules. Cool to room temperature. Add 1/2 gallon cold water and 4 cups ice; chill in the refrigerator.3
Add the turkey legs, making sure they're completely submerged in the brine. After 24 hours, drain the turkey legs and discard the brine.4
Rinse the brine off the legs with cold water, then dry thoroughly with paper towels. Brush off any clinging solid spices.5
When ready to cook, set Traeger temperature to 250℉ and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes.6
Lay the turkey legs directly on the grill grate.7
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.8
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.9
Serve immediately. Enjoy!