How to Cook Turkey Legs on the Stovetop in 30 Minutes

How to Cook Turkey Legs on the Stovetop

Turkey legs are a delicious and festive dish that can be enjoyed at any time of year. They’re also relatively easy to cook, making them a great option for a quick and easy meal.

In this article, we’ll show you how to cook turkey legs on the stovetop. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right turkey legs to cooking them to perfection. So whether you’re a seasoned cook or a complete beginner, read on for all the information you need to know!

Choosing the Right Turkey Legs

The first step to cooking turkey legs on the stovetop is choosing the right turkey legs. You’ll want to look for legs that are:

* Fresh. Fresh turkey legs will have a bright pink color and a slightly moist texture.
* Firm. The skin of the turkey legs should be firm and not pliable.
* Free of blemishes. The turkey legs should be free of any bruises, cuts, or other blemishes.

Cooking Turkey Legs on the Stovetop

Once you’ve chosen the right turkey legs, it’s time to cook them. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Season the turkey legs with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the turkey legs to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes per side, or until browned.
5. Transfer the turkey legs to a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, or until cooked through.
6. Let the turkey legs rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Cooking Turkey Legs on the Stovetop

Here are a few tips for cooking turkey legs on the stovetop:

* Use a meat thermometer to make sure the turkey legs are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If you crowd the skillet, the turkey legs will not cook evenly.
* Cook the turkey legs until they are browned on all sides. This will help to lock in the flavor.
* Let the turkey legs rest before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender.

With these tips, you’ll be able to cook turkey legs on the stovetop that are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.

Temperature	Time	Notes
325F	2-3 hours	For bone-in, skin-on turkey legs
350F	1-2 hours	For boneless, skinless turkey legs
400F	30-45 minutes	For pre-cooked turkey legs

Introduction

Turkey legs are a delicious and popular dish, but they can be tricky to cook evenly. If you cook them too long, they will become dry and tough. If you cook them too short, they will be undercooked and juicy.

The best way to cook turkey legs on the stove top is to sear them in a hot skillet before roasting them in the oven. This will help to lock in the juices and create a flavorful crust.

In this guide, we will show you how to cook turkey legs on the stove top so that they are perfectly cooked and juicy every time.

Equipment and Ingredients

Ingredients

* 2 turkey legs (about 3 pounds each)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 cup chicken broth

Equipment

* Large skillet
* Ovenproof baking dish
* Aluminum foil
* Thermometer

Steps

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Season the turkey legs

Pat the turkey legs dry with paper towels. Season them with the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme.

Step 3: Cook the turkey legs

Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey legs and sear them for 5 minutes per side, or until they are browned all over.

Transfer the turkey legs to the baking dish. Pour the chicken broth over the turkey legs. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

Step 4: Baste the turkey legs

Bake the turkey legs for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Baste the turkey legs with the chicken broth every 30 minutes.

Step 5: Rest the turkey legs

Remove the turkey legs from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Turkey legs are a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for a holiday meal. By following these steps, you can cook turkey legs on the stove top so that they are perfectly cooked and juicy every time.

Additional Tips

* If you don’t have an ovenproof baking dish, you can cook the turkey legs in a roasting bag. Just place the turkey legs in the roasting bag, seal the bag, and place it in the oven.
* You can also cook the turkey legs on the stove top without searing them first. Just cook them for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Baste the turkey legs with the chicken broth every 15 minutes while they are cooking.
* Let the turkey legs rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.

How Long to Cook Turkey Legs on Stove Top?

Turkey legs are a delicious and festive main course for any occasion. They’re also relatively easy to cook, making them a great option for busy cooks.

If you’re wondering how long to cook turkey legs on the stove top, the answer depends on a few factors, including the size of the legs and the desired doneness.

Generally speaking, turkey legs will take about 1 hour to cook on the stove top. However, if you want them to be well done, you may need to cook them for up to 1 1/2 hours.

To cook turkey legs on the stove top, you’ll need:

* 2 turkey legs
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey legs and pat them dry.
3. Season the turkey legs with salt and pepper.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the turkey legs and cook for 5 minutes per side, or until browned.
6. Transfer the turkey legs to a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, or until cooked through.
7. Baste the turkey legs with the chicken broth every 15 minutes.
8. Remove the turkey legs from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips for Cooking Turkey Legs on the Stove Top

Here are a few tips for cooking turkey legs on the stove top:

* Use a large skillet or Dutch oven so that the turkey legs have plenty of room to cook.
* Season the turkey legs generously with salt and pepper. This will help to create a flavorful crust.
* Cook the turkey legs over medium-high heat so that they brown evenly.
* Baste the turkey legs with chicken broth every 15 minutes to keep them moist.
* Let the turkey legs rest for 10 minutes before serving so that the juices can redistribute.

FAQs about Cooking Turkey Legs on the Stove Top

* How long do turkey legs take to cook on the stove top?

Turkey legs will take about 1 hour to cook on the stove top. However, if you want them to be well done, you may need to cook them for up to 1 1/2 hours.

* What temperature should I cook turkey legs on the stove top?

You should cook turkey legs on the stove top at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

* What should I do if my turkey legs are tough?

If your turkey legs are tough, you may have overcooked them. Try cooking them for a shorter period of time next time. You can also try using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey legs. The turkey legs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

* Can I cook turkey legs on the stove top without a skillet?

Yes, you can cook turkey legs on the stove top without a skillet. You can use a Dutch oven or a large pot. Just make sure that the turkey legs have plenty of room to cook.

* What are some side dishes that go well with turkey legs?

Some good side dishes for turkey legs include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and green bean casserole. You can also serve turkey legs with a variety of salads and breads.

Turkey legs are a delicious and festive main course that can be easily cooked on the stove top. By following these tips, you can cook perfectly cooked turkey legs that your family and friends will love.

How long do I cook turkey legs on the stove top?

Turkey legs should be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will take about 2-3 hours, depending on the size of the legs.

What temperature should I cook turkey legs on the stove top?

Turkey legs should be cooked at a medium heat, around 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

How do I know when turkey legs are done cooking?

You can check if turkey legs are done cooking by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the leg. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also check if the legs are done cooking by gently pulling on the meat. If the meat is firm and does not pull away easily, it is done cooking.

Can I cook turkey legs on the stove top without a thermometer?

Yes, you can cook turkey legs on the stove top without a thermometer. However, it is important to check the legs frequently to make sure they are not overcooked.

What if my turkey legs are tough?

If your turkey legs are tough, you can try cooking them for a longer period of time. You can also try braising the legs in a liquid, such as broth or wine.

What are some tips for cooking turkey legs on the stove top?

Here are some tips for cooking turkey legs on the stove top:

* Marinate the legs in a flavorful liquid, such as a brine or a marinade, before cooking. This will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
* Cook the legs over medium heat to prevent them from drying out.
* Baste the legs with cooking liquid during cooking to keep them moist.
* Let the legs rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

What are some side dishes that go well with turkey legs?

Here are some side dishes that go well with turkey legs:

* Mashed potatoes
* Roasted vegetables
* Salad
* Cornbread
* Stuffing
* Cranberry sauce

In this article, we have discussed how to cook turkey legs on the stove top. We have provided detailed instructions on how to brine, season, and cook your turkey legs, as well as tips for ensuring that they are cooked evenly and come out moist and flavorful. We hope that this information has been helpful, and that you enjoy your next stove top turkey leg dinner!

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

* Brining your turkey legs before cooking will help to keep them moist and flavorful.
* Season your turkey legs with a variety of herbs and spices to create a delicious flavor profile.
* Cook your turkey legs over medium heat until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Let your turkey legs rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

With these tips, you can cook perfect turkey legs on the stove top every time!