10 Best Wild Turkey Recipes for Dinner (2024)

If you think turkey is dry and dull, you need to try these wild turkey recipes. The meat is darker, richer, and much more flavorful than regular turkey.

And from a traditional roast bird to gumbo and nuggets, there’s something for everyone here.

10 Best Wild Turkey Recipes for Dinner (1)

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With Thanksgiving just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to start planning your menu.

Whether you’re a fan of dark meat or white meat, these wild turkey recipes are sure to deliver. I just know they’ll be gobbled up in no time!

So what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!

10 Easy Recipes for Wild Turkey We Adore

1. Roasted Wild Turkey

Wild turkeys are usually smaller and more tender than domesticated turkeys. That means they’re way easier to roast.

Simply rub the skin with olive oil and your favorite spices and stuff the cavity with aromatics like onions and garlic.

Then roast in a preheated oven until the skin is crisp and the meat is cooked through.

Serve roasted wild turkey with mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and cranberry sauce for a truly traditional Thanksgiving feast.

2. Smoked Wild Turkey Breast

Is there anything better than smoked turkey breast? I mean, really!

The salty, smoky flavor is like nothing else. And when it’s done right, the meat is juicy, tender, and mouthwateringly scrumptious.

You get a complex array of tastes and aromas when you smoke turkey breast.

The smoked wood adds a touch of sweetness, while the spices add depth and warmth.

And, of course, the turkey itself brings its own unique flavor to the mix. Together, they create something exceptional.

3. Smoked Wild Turkey Jerky

This is the perfect snack for those who like their meat with a little bit of a kick.

The blend of smoky spices gives the jerky a bold flavor that’s sure to satisfy. And it all starts with high-quality turkey.

It’s the only way to get the best flavor and texture.

When slicing the meat, cut it against the grain, so it is easy to chew.

And if you don’t have a smoker, try this with a dash of liquid smoke in a dehydrator.

4. Whiskey Glazed Wild Turkey Breast

This Thanksgiving, why not ditch the boring old turkey and try something with a little more flavor?

Whiskey-glazed wild turkey breast is a delicious alternative that’s sure to impress your guests.

It’s juicy and tender with a slightly sweet and smoky flavor.

Serve it with roasted potatoes and vegetables for a truly memorable meal. And don’t forget to pour yourself a glass of whiskey to boot!

5. Easy Skillet Wild Turkey and Broccoli

One bite of this wild turkey, and you’ll forget all about that bland old turkey you usually make.

Packed with plenty of protein and nutrients, this recipe is a delicious and healthy way to get your fill of Thanksgiving flavors.

And leftovers reheat beautifully, so feel free to double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd.

Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal, or enjoy it with salad for a light lunch.

6. Smoked Wild Turkey Legs

If you’ve never had the pleasure of eating a smoked wild turkey leg, then you’re in for a real treat.

These juicy legs are smoked in a pellet smoker, infusing them with a deep, irresistible flavor.

The meat is so succulent and tender it practically melts in your mouth. And when paired with the right sides, it makes for a truly unforgettable meal.

Serve a few of these this holiday season, and your family will beg you for the recipe!

7. Smoked Braised and Fried Wild Turkey Wings

These smoked, braised, and fried wild turkey wings are the perfect appetizer for your next get-together.

The smoky flavor of the braised wings, combined with the crispy texture of the fried skin, makes for a dish that’s simply irresistible.

The braising process helps to tenderize the meat, while the frying gives them a crispy exterior.

Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the flavors of smokey, sweet, and savory all in one bite.

8. Fried Turkey Nuggets

This delicious combination of juicy turkey and crispy, golden-fried batter is hard to resist.

There’s nothing quite like the smell of turkey frying in the kitchen. And when that turkey is cut into delicious nuggets, it’s even better.

They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main course.

For an extra special treat, top them with a dollop of cranberry sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

9. Turkey Gumbo with Andouille and Shrimp

This isn’t your everyday gumbo recipe. Oh no, this is a next-level gumbo.

Made with spicy andouille sausage, tender shrimp, and plenty of aromatic veggies, it’s a hearty, deeply flavorful stew that’ll leave you feeling satisfied without being weighed down.

To round out the meal, I like to serve this gumbo over a bed of rice with a side of cornbread or hushpuppies.

And for an extra bit of flavor, top it off with a sprinkle of green onions or parsley. Enjoy!

10. Instant Pot Wild Turkey Breast with Mashed Potatoes

For the die-hard turkey lovers out there, this is Thanksgiving in a single dish.

It’s succulent wild turkey breast smothered in gravy and served with creamy mashed potatoes.

And the best part? It can all be made in an Instant Pot!

That’s right. There’s no need to heat up the whole house with the oven or worry about that electricity bill.

So if you’ve never tried it before, now’s your chance. Oh, and it can even be made ahead and reheated when you need it.

10 Best Wild Turkey Recipes for Dinner (2)

10 Best Wild Turkey Recipe Collection

If you think turkey is dry and dull, you need to try these wild turkey recipes. The meat is darker, richer, and much more flavorful than regular turkey.

Instructions

  • Select your favorite recipe.
  • Organize all the required ingredients.
  • Prep a delicious wild turkey recipe in 30 minutes or less!
10 Best Wild Turkey Recipes for Dinner (3)

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10 Best Wild Turkey Recipes for Dinner (2024)

FAQs

What is best way to cook wild turkey? ›

It can be cooked just like a traditional Thanksgiving turkey, baked in the oven and basted with your own secret sauce. Many people deep fry their turkey whole and say that it makes the meat moist. My experience has been that you can hardly mess up when cooking the breast of a wild turkey.

What do you soak wild turkey in before cooking? ›

Mix together water, salt, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and pepper in a food-grade bucket or container large enough to hold your turkey. Carefully submerge turkey in brine. Cover and store in the refrigerator. Soak for two days before smoking or roasting.

How do you make wild turkey not tough? ›

Lightly pound it so that it is of even thickness. The pounding will help to break down the connective tissues and tenderize the meat and now that it's thinner you can more easily control the doneness. You can stuff, grill, sauté or broil it in a more manageable state that will be cooked evenly from top to bottom.

What is the best meat from a wild turkey? ›

The breasts and legs (meaning drumsticks and thighs) are the most popular cuts and you can see how to remove them in the video above. Wild turkey wings are often overlooked, mostly because they are a hassle to pluck and clean.

Should you soak wild turkey before cooking? ›

Hang the turkey by it's neck for 3-7 days in a cold location (35-45 degrees) in it's feathers. 2. Soak the turkey meat overnight in lightly salted, cold water– Once the turkey has aged, pluck the feathers and prepare it for a whole roasting turkey, or breast it.

How long to soak wild turkey in milk? ›

If needed, add a little more milk or water until the turkey is completely covered. Carefully use an elastic band to close the bag. Chill for 24 hours in the bucket or dish so the turkey is sturdy.

Do you have to soak wild turkey in salt water? ›

The first... If you're planning to serve a plump and juicy wild turkey this Thanksgiving, you better get started today. The first step, after tagging a turkey and dressing it, is brining, or soaking the bird in a saltwater solution.

How to prepare and cook wild turkey? ›

Place in oven roasting bag. Melt the butter in the olive oil and add to the turkey breast. Place the roasting bag & turkey breast in a 9"x5" loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours.

Do you drain blood from turkey before cooking? ›

Blood is drained out of the turkey when it's slaughtered. If the juices are running pink, it's a sign that it isn't cooked to the correct temperature. Keep cooking until a skewer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh shows clear juices.

What tenderizes turkey meat? ›

Brine Your Bird

Soaking the turkey in this saltwater mixture helps to tenderize the meat while adding flavor and moisture throughout the entire turkey. The simplest of brines is plain ol' saltwater, but we love to add herbs and spices to give the turkey as much flavor as possible.

What do you mix with wild turkey? ›

Add Wild Turkey® 101 Bourbon and syrup to a mixing glass with ice. Add two dashes of bitters and stir together. Pour over ice into a rocks glass and garnish with orange peel. This is how you make the Old Fashioned co*cktail.

What tenderizes turkey? ›

Applying salt to an uncooked turkey, either by soaking in a water solution (wet brine) or by sprinkling salt directly on the bird (dry brine) causes the protein strands in the meat to break down over time so the meat tenderizes, absorbs flavors, and retains moisture.

How healthy is wild turkey? ›

Turkey is low in saturated fat, which makes it a lean source of protein. Saturated fat increases LDL, or bad cholesterol levels, which can cause or complicate heart health issues. Turkey helps with thyroid and immune function by providing selenium, which can help counteract or stave off cancer risk.

What is the tastiest wild meat? ›

The 5 Most Delicious Game Meats: Our Picks
  • Nilgai. The nilgai is a medium-sized antelope, sometimes called the South Texas Antelope. ...
  • Axis Deer. ...
  • Bison. ...
  • Red Lechwe. ...
  • Elk. ...
  • Try Them All at Stone Creek Ranch.

Are wild turkeys good to eat? ›

Wild turkey, already significantly lower in fat, doesn't have the benefit of brine injection and tends to dry out easily. With that in mind, you will want to adjust how you cook wild turkey to get the best results. When done right, wild turkey is the most delicious of game birds.

Is wild turkey healthy to eat? ›

Health Benefits of Eating Wild Turkey

Turkey is low in saturated fat, which makes it a lean source of protein. Saturated fat increases LDL, or bad cholesterol levels, which can cause or complicate heart health issues.

What to do with a wild turkey after you shoot it? ›

After the organs have been removed, rinse out the carcass with water and wipe it down with paper towels, or pack it with dry grass if you're still in the field. Place the bird in a cooler to start lowering the body temperature and keep the meat from spoiling.

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