Smoked turkey drumsticks make a wonderfully nutritious addition to any meal. Technically, the smoking process fully cooks the meat, so while you dont have to cook it yourself, youll need to know how to properly reheat them.
Reheating turkey drumsticks is pretty simple, and the best way to do it is in the oven at a roasting temperature. You want to be careful not to use high heat, or your turkey legs will come out tough and dry.
Fortunately, cooking smoked turkey legs to tender, juicy perfect isnt difficult — it just involves a little patience and a few simple rules.
Turkey, whether youre cooking it at home or it comes pre-cooked and smoked, is safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, per the USDA.
You can reheat smoked turkey legs in your oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 6 to 8 minutes per pound for a tender, juicy result.
How To Cook Pre-Smoked Turkey Legs on the Stove A Simple Guide
As the holidays approach, pre-smoked turkey legs become a popular centerpiece for festive meals Their smoky, savory flavor and fall-off-the-bone tenderness make them an irresistible treat. But while pre-cooked turkey legs are convenient, simply reheating them often leaves them dry and rubbery For the best results, pre-smoked legs need to be cooked with care on the stove. In this simple guide, I’ll walk through the easy process step-by-step.
To start, you’ll need a few basic ingredients
- Pre-smoked turkey legs
- Water or chicken broth
- Onion and garlic (optional)
- Bay leaf (optional)
Preparation is quick – just rinse the legs under cool water and pat them dry. This helps remove excess salt from the smoking process.
Choose a heavy pot or pan that will fit the legs with a little room to spare. Don’t crowd the pot, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Pour in enough liquid (water or broth) to come about halfway up the legs. The liquid will gently steam the meat as it reheats, keeping it moist and tender.
For extra flavor, add sliced onion, garlic cloves, and a bay leaf to the pot. Their aromatic presence really enhances the experience. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce heat to low.
Carefully place the legs in the pot, cover, and let them cook at a gentle bubble for 20-30 minutes. Flip them over halfway through. I find that 25 minutes in simmering liquid gets them heated through while maintaining ideal texture.
If you prefer fall-off-the-bone tender, go up to 45 minutes. But be careful not to overdo it, or the meat can become mushy. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness – the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
As they simmer, the smoky turkey legs reabsorb moisture, become fork tender, and take on the subtle flavors of the poaching liquid. Once done, simply remove them from the pot and pat dry. For extra glaze and sheen, brush with a bit of the cooking liquid.
And that’s all it takes for perfect pre-smoked turkey legs off the stove! I like to serve them with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, cranberry sauce, or cornbread stuffing. A simple green salad balances the richness nicely.
This easy stovetop method lets you enjoy every bit of smoky goodness the turkey legs have to offer. The gentle poaching preserves texture and makes for a far more satisfying meal than hurriedly microwaving them. Give it a try and see how simple cooking pre-smoked turkey legs can be.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Pre-Smoked Turkey Legs on the Stove:
- How do you know when they’re done?
Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when fully cooked. The meat will also appear opaque throughout.
- Are the legs safe to eat if still pink inside?
Yes, it’s normal for fully cooked smoked turkey legs to retain a pink or rosy hue even when thoroughly heated through. This color comes from the smoking process.
- Can I use broth instead of water?
Absolutely. Chicken or turkey broth adds extra flavor to the poaching liquid. You can also use a mix of broth and water.
- Do I need to rinse them before cooking?
It’s a good idea to briefly rinse pre-smoked turkey legs and pat dry. This removes excess salt and seasoning from the smoking procedure.
- How do I get a crispy skin?
Try patting the skin dry before simmering. Or, broil them briefly after poaching to crisp the skin. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- What are the best side dishes?
Classic comfort foods like mashed potatoes, cornbread, mac and cheese, or roasted veggies pair wonderfully. A fresh green salad is a bright counterpoint.
- How should I reheat leftovers?
Place legs in a covered dish with a bit of broth or water. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Check often to avoid overcooking.
Mastering stove-cooked pre-smoked turkey legs is easy with this simple poaching method. In no time, you’ll be enjoying these irresistible treats at their finger-licking, melt-in-your-mouth best. Get ready for your new go-to way to serve up smoky, meaty holiday goodness.
What to Look for When Buying Smoked Turkey Drumsticks
Smoked turkey drumsticks are sold at most grocery stores. When youre shopping for smoked turkey legs, there are a few things you should look for:
How the meat looks may give you an idea of the quality. Look for turkey legs that are plump with a good amount of meat on the bones and have a red or brown color.
Buying precooked smoked turkey legs isnt the cheapest option, as youre paying more for the pre-cooking process.
Check the prices for a few different products and select once youre comfortable with. Just take note, cheaper products may not always be the best as they may compromise on meat quality.
Make sure to look for an expiration or “sell-by” date on the packaging of smoked turkey legs. This will help you determine if it will last until you plan to prepare it.
Keep in mind that the sell-by date doesnt indicate that the meat has gone bad, but it may help you determine whether its fresh enough for your liking.
Before you buy smoked turkey legs, check the ingredients list and make sure its short. A product listing a ton of ingredients likely has artificial ingredients and preservatives that are probably best avoided.
Smoked meat products can be high in sodium, which is not only bad for your heart, but also gives the meat a very salty taste. Look for smoked turkey drumsticks that have 500 milligrams or less of sodium, such as these from Diestel Family Ranch ($13.95, Diestel).
How to Cook Smoked Turkey Legs in the Oven
The best way to prepare pre-cooked smoked turkey legs is to put them in the oven to roast at a low temperature.
According to the USDA, heres how to reheat cooked turkey legs:
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- On a large baking sheet, place down a piece of aluminum foil large enough to wrap your smoked turkey drumsticks in.
- Sprinkle the turkey legs with a little water or broth, which will help you avoid tough turkey legs.
- Heat the turkey legs until they reach an internal temperature of 165 F. It will probably take about 6 to 8 minutes per pound to reheat pre-smoked cooked turkey. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Avoiding Tough Turkey Legs
You dont want your smoked turkey legs to come out tough and dry. To avoid it, sprinkle them with a liquid like water or broth before wrapping them in foil and cooking them in the oven.
HOW TO COOK A PRE-SMOKED TURKEY LEG IN THE OVEN
FAQ
Can you boil smoked turkey legs on the stove?
Directions. In a large pot over medium-high heat, bring the turkey leg and stock to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
How long should you cook pre-smoked turkey legs?
Stick the pan in the oven and slow-bake for about 2 hours ~ turn the legs over after 2 hours, and then let them slow-bake for ANOTHER 2 hours ~ the longer they slow-bake, the more tender they’ll be. (If you want, you can throw in a few peeled carrots too, so you have a vegetable with dinner.)
How to heat a precooked smoked turkey leg?
Storage – Store any leftover turkey legs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheating – To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with a loosely fitted piece of foil. Place in a 350°F oven and warm for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until heated through.
How to cook smoked turkey legs?
The best cooking method should be based on your favorite cooking gear. You can cook smoked turkey legs on your grill (my favorite), in the oven, in an air fryer, or in a slow cooker. You will need the smoked turkey legs, a tablespoon of your favorite cooking oil, and a brush. For a flavor boost, add fresh thyme.
How do you cook smoked turkey legs on a grill?
Generously brush the turkey legs with oil. This will help keep them from sticking to the grates. It also gets the skin nice and crispy. Cover the grill with the lid and allow the smoked turkey legs to grill undisturbed for around 5 minutes. Turn them to cook evenly. Grill, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Brush with your white sauce.
How do you cook smoked turkey legs in a slow cooker?
In a skillet, pan-fry some onions, garlic, salt, and black pepper over medium heat. Add a can of crushed tomatoes and allow to cook on low heat till it turns to a paste, around 10 minutes. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker. Add the smoked turkey legs to the paste. Next, pour in enough chicken stock to cover the turkey meat. No stock?
How do you cook turkey legs in a crock pot?
Add enough chicken broth or water to the pot to cover about half of the turkey legs. This will help create steam and maintain moisture during the cooking process. Turn the heat down to low and cover the pot with a lid. The key here is to allow the turkey legs to slowly cook and absorb the flavors.
How do you cook a smoked turkey leg in an air fryer?
When your air fryer is ready, place the turkey legs in the air fryer basket. Tuck thyme under the skin of the turkey leg. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Turn the smoked meat to allow it to cook evenly. Cook for 5 minutes. Brush generously with sauce, if using, and let it cook for 3 minutes. Again, your goal is simply to warm up the turkey legs.
Should you buy pre smoked turkey legs?
Pre-smoking the legs requires more effort, so it costs more to get them to the store. Like most products, cheaper usually means lower quality and standards. Try some different brands to find your favorite. Farmer’s Fresh Meat and Opa’s Meat are good options for quality, affordable pre-smoked turkey legs.