Can You Buy Just Dark Meat Turkey? A Guide to Finding and Cooking Delicious Dark Turkey

As the holidays approach, many of us look forward to cooking and feasting on a juicy turkey. But not everyone is a fan of the lean, mild-tasting white breast meat. If you prefer the rich flavor and tender, moist texture of dark turkey meat, you may be wondering if you can buy a turkey that’s just dark meat.

The good news is yes, you can purchase just turkey legs, thighs, and other dark cuts at many grocery stores and specialty meat markets. While you can’t buy a whole dark-meat-only turkey, with a little searching, you can find high-quality packaged dark turkey meat to use in all your favorite recipes.

What is Dark Turkey Meat?

First, let’s look at what makes turkey meat “dark” in the first place. The dark meat is found in the legs and thighs of the turkey. It’s dark due to the higher levels of myoglobin, a protein responsible for delivering oxygen to the muscles.

Since the leg and thigh muscles get more activity than the breast, they require more oxygen and myoglobin This results in darker colored meat The extra myoglobin also gives the dark meat its rich, succulent flavor that many turkey lovers crave.

In contrast, the breast meat is lighter in color and milder in taste since those muscles don’t get as much use. The dark meat tends to be juicier as well, while breast meat can dry out if overcooked.

Benefits of Dark Turkey Meat

Beyond the delicious taste, dark turkey meat offers some excellent nutritional benefits

• Higher in iron, zinc, B vitamins and selenium compared to white meat

• More fat and calories, but the fats are heart-healthy unsaturated fats

• Excellent source of protein for building muscle and repairing tissue

• Contains tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes sleep and relaxation

So don’t feel guilty indulging in delicious dark turkey meat this holiday season! In moderation, it can be part of a very healthy diet.

Where to Buy Dark Turkey Meat

If you want to cook with high-quality dark turkey meat, here are some of the best places to find it:

Grocery Store Deli Sections

Check the packaged lunch meat aisle in major grocery store chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, etc. Look for brands like Jennie-O, Boar’s Head and store brands offering oven-roasted dark turkey slices or chunks. You’ll find it conveniently packed for easy use in recipes.

Specialty Butcher Shops

Local butcher shops and meat markets are a fantastic option for fresh, high-quality dark turkey meat. At the counter you can actually request specific cuts like whole legs, thighs or wings. This allows lots of flexibility for whatever recipes you’re making.

Online Mail Order Companies

For ultimate convenience, order dark turkey meat from online retailers that ship directly to your door. Brands like Rastelli’s and Porter Road work with small family farms to deliver humanely raised dark turkey meat cuts and ground turkey.

Direct from Local Turkey Farms

Shopping directly from a local turkey farm or producer will ensure you get the freshest, high-quality dark turkey. You can custom order the exact legs, thighs, wings or other cuts you need.

Tips for Buying Dark Turkey

When searching for dark turkey, keep these tips in mind:

• Look for “dark meat” specifically – Don’t just buy generic turkey, look for “dark meat” called out.

• Check the ingredients – Make sure it’s 100% real turkey without unnecessary fillers or additives.

• Get uncured/unsmoked meat when possible – This avoids excess sodium or smoky flavors.

• Know your source – Buying direct from trusted butchers and farms gives you the best quality.

• Consider organic, free-range, pasture-raised – Opt for the healthiest, most humanely raised meat you can access and afford.

• Check the expiration date – Make sure any packaged meat has a far-off use-by or sell-by date for freshness.

How to Cook Delicious Dark Turkey Meat

Once you’ve got your hands on quality dark turkey meat, it’s time to turn it into delicious meals and sides! Here are some excellent ways to cook dark turkey meat:

• Slow cook the legs or thighs – Braise or simmer the dark meat low and slow in soups, stews and chilis for ultra-tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.

• Roast the legs and thighs – Roast seasoned legs and thighs in the oven until perfectly browned and juicy.

• Grill or smoke the legs, thighs or wings – Get crispy skin and smoky flavor by grilling or smoking over indirect heat.

• Sauté diced dark meat – Cook bite-size pieces in a skillet to add rich flavor to sauces, stir fries, fried rice, etc.

• Make ground turkey dishes – Use ground dark meat to make flavorful turkey burgers, meatballs, meatloaf, etc.

• Shred for tacos or sandwiches – Shred thighs or legs and pile high on sandwiches or tortillas for an easy weeknight dinner.

Sample Dark Turkey Meat Recipes

To get you inspired, here are just a few of the many amazing recipes you can make with delicious dark turkey meat:

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Simmer cubed dark turkey meat with beans, chopped veggies, chili powder and seasonings for an easy skillet-to-crock chili. Top with avocado, cheese, etc.

BBQ Turkey Legs

Coat whole turkey legs in your favorite bbq sauce and grill until charred and caramelized for finger-licking good eats.

Turkey Meatballs

Mix ground dark turkey with parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, and herbs then bake until browned. Toss in marinara over pasta for a quick dinner.

Turkey Posole

Cook shredded dark turkey in a flavorful pozole broth with hominy, onions, garlic and southwest spices for a comforting stew.

Turkey Stir Fry

Sauté diced dark turkey with veggies, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil and chili paste for a fast protein-packed stir fry.

Turkey Enchiladas

Fill tortillas with shredded dark turkey, cheese, beans, salsa verde and cilantro. Smother with enchilada sauce and more cheese for an amazing baked casserole.

As you can see, the possibilities are endless for preparing and enjoying delicious dark turkey meat in all types of recipes. With so many options for buying quality dark turkey cuts and cooking them to perfection at home, you’re sure satisfy all the dark meat lovers at your holiday table this year.