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

How do you cook wild turkey so it's not tough? ›

Slow-cooking turkey in the crock pot is a preferred method for cooking mature birds having tough meat, especially in the legs and thighs. It's also the easiest way of cooking.

What is a wild turkey's favorite food? ›

Sunflower, milo, and millet are all enjoyable types of seeds to put out for wild turkeys. Nuts- Acorns are a chosen favorite for wild turkeys. But in the wintertime, acorns can become scarce. Beech and hickory nuts are a great alternative.

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.

What can I feed wild turkeys in my yard? ›

Plant Other Nut and Berry-Producing Plants: In addition to oak acorns, other staples of the wild turkey diet include beech nuts, pecans, hickory nuts, crabapples, and hackberries. By planting native nut and berry-producing plants you'll provide turkeys with the natural foods they've consumed for thousands of years.

What do you soak wild turkey in 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 do you make wild turkey taste better? ›

Last Thanksgiving I did wild turkey breasts in the smoker. I injected them with a seasoned butter mixture and slathered with mayo and seasonings and into the smoker at 250 for a couple hours. Turned out awesome. The legs I do separately and usually do as tacos, braised or in the pressure cooker then pulled.

Why is my turkey meat so tough? ›

Rubbery texture comes from cooking too long with too low a heat. Most land fowl like chicken, turkey, pigeon, guineafowl, peafowl, etc. are best when cooked hot and fast. The quicker you seal up the outside, the more moisture that will be retained inside.

Should you soak wild turkey before cooking? ›

The outer muscle tends to draw up while the meat is cooking, making it harder to chew. Then just marinate or inject the meat with your favorite marinade and let the meat soak for a few hours in the refrigerator. Then remove and cook the meat with the method of your choice.

Why is my fresh turkey tough? ›

Fresh turkeys will sometimes feel hard on the outside because they are chilled to 28 degrees for safe shipping. Only the outer part of the turkey should be hard, not the entire turkey. Frozen turkeys are stored at 0 degrees. Fresh turkeys are never frozen.

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