How To Get Your Del Mar Fair Turkey Leg Fix This Year

The San Diego County Fair, better known as the Del Mar Fair, is a beloved summer tradition for many locals. While there are rides, games, and shows to enjoy, the food is really the star. And nothing says Del Mar Fair food quite like a giant turkey leg. This guide will help you get your smoked turkey leg fix at home if you can’t make it to the fairgrounds.

Why Are Turkey Legs So Popular At The Fair?

Gigantic turkey legs have become a signature fair food across the country But what makes them such a sensation at events like the Del Mar Fair? There are a few reasons these drumsticks have reached rockstar status

• They’re novel. You don’t see legs of meat this size in stores or restaurants. The novelty factor makes them intriguing to try.

• They look impressive The sight of turkey legs almost bigger than your head attracts attention from across the fairgrounds

• They smell amazing. The aroma of smoked, seasoned meat is mouthwatering.

• They’re shareable. The large size makes turkey legs easy to share with family or friends.

• They’re fun to eat. Gnawing meat straight from the bone feels primal and more hands-on.

• They’re filling. A whole leg provides plenty of protein and fat to satisfy hunger. A worthy splurge without breaking the bank.

The turkey leg offers a truly unique fair-going experience. You just have to try it at least once! Now let’s look at recreating that experience at home.

Picking The Right Turkey Leg

To mimic those giant fair turkey legs, you’ll need to start with the largest drumsticks you can find. Here are some tips:

• Look for drumsticks labeled “jumbo” or “xtra large”. The bigger the better.

• Organic and free-range turkey legs tend to be larger than conventional.

• Buy fresh, never frozen legs for maximum size. The fair legs are fresh, not frozen.

• Brining helps plump up the size. More on that later.

• If you can only find normal-sized drumsticks, cook 2 per person.

• Or pick a different large bone-in turkey piece like a thigh.

The key is finding the biggest, meatiest legs or pieces you can to capture that fair magic. Now let’s get cooking!

How To Make Del Mar Fair-Style Turkey Legs

Recreating the Del Mar Fair turkey leg experience takes just a few easy steps:

Brine (optional):

• Make a quick brine by dissolving 1/2 cup salt in 2 quarts cold water.
• Add ice to cool. Submerge drumsticks and brine 2-4 hours.
• This helps flavors penetrate and plumps up the size.

Season:

• Pat turkey dry and coat all over with your favorite seasoning blend.
• For fair-style, use barbecue, jerk or bold blends.

Smoke:

• Set up your smoker or grill for indirect smoking at 225-250°F.
• Use your choice of wood chips – hickory and mesquite work well.
• Smoke legs for about 1 hour 15 minutes until 165°F.

Finish:

• Increase heat to crisp skin.
• Glaze with your favorite barbecue sauce in the last 10-15 minutes if desired.

Rest and Serve:

• Let legs rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
• Slice into the thickest part to check for doneness. Meat should be fork tender.

Del Mar Fair Turkey Leg Pairings

Don’t forget the sides! Here are some classic fair pairings to round out your turkey leg feast:

• Corn on the cob – Grilled with butter, mayo or crema.

• Cowboy beans – Loaded with onions, bacon and barbecue sauce.

• Coleslaw – Cool, creamy cabbage balances the smoke.

• Mac and cheese – Comforting cheddar version or jalapeno popper style.

• Funnel cake – No fair food feast is complete without this fried favorite.

Feel free to get creative with your own favorite fair-inspired sides as well. The options are endless!

Turkey Leg Tips & Tricks

Cooking up prize-worthy fair turkey legs at home takes a little strategy. Follow these tips for success:

• Choose the biggest legs you can find. This is key for that “fair effect.”

• Injecting broth helps add moisture. Not necessary but can help.

• Lower and slower is better. Cook at 225-250°F for best texture.

• Use a meat thermometer. Cook to 165°F minimum for food safety.

• Add sauce/glaze at very end if desired. Otherwise it can burn.

• Let legs rest before cutting to allow juices to redistribute.

• Slice into thickest part of meat to check for doneness. Look for clear juices.

With the right technique, you can enjoy tender, juicy, smokey turkey legs just like the fair right from your own smoker or grill.

Turkey Leg Recipes Beyond The Fair

While the Del Mar Fair style is classic, don’t be afraid to experiment with other fun flavors:

Jerk Turkey Legs – Rub with spicy Jamaican jerk seasoning for a kick.

Teriyaki Turkey Legs – Baste with a sweet and sticky teriyaki glaze.

Cajun Turkey Legs – Cover with Cajun seasoning for a Creole twist.

Italian Herb Turkey Legs – Coat with a blend of Italian herbs and Parmesan.

Maple Bourbon Turkey Legs – Brush with a maple bourbon glaze for fall.

General Tso Turkey Legs – Sauce with spicy General Tso’s flavors.

Let your imagination run wild! The possibilities are endless for customizing turkey legs.

While nothing truly compares to experiencing those legendary turkey legs at the Del Mar Fair, you can still satisfy your craving at home. Get the grill or smoker fired up and dig into some big, juicy, smoky turkey legs in honor of the fair this season! It’s just as fun without the long lines.