One of the best parts about a turkey hunt: Feasting on a gobbler for dinner. Enjoying the fruits of your labor more than make up for any hurdles while backcountry hunting.
But cooking wild game meat can be tricky, and wild turkey is no exception. In addition to plucking and butchering, You need to prepare the meat, which usually means brining or marinating to eliminate any gamey taste and texture and to keep the meat juicy. Selecting the right spices and complimentary sides can be nerve-wracking, especially if you have difficulty branching out from barbecue sauce, black pepper, kosher salt, and olive oil.
You don't need hours and hours of work to achieve a tasty turkey. Much like venison and other big game, there are simple ways to cook up delectable wild turkey legs, breasts, strips, and nuggets, or even turkey jerky. We've picked out our favorite wild turkey recipes that don't need basting or a roasting pan yet create turkey dishes that the whole family will enjoy.
Lemon Orzo Wild Turkey Skillet
Wide Open Spaces, Jennifer Danella
Put a creative spin on cooking wild turkey with this recipe for Lemon Orzo Wild Turkey Skillet. You can hardly go wrong with turkey and pasta, and orzo brings an unexpected shape and texture. The lemon adds a touch of tartness, while the paprika adds a punch of flavor. We love that it's cooked all in one pot, and you can eat the leftovers cold—that is, if there are any!
Slow Cooker Wild Turkey Tetrazzini
Wide Open Spaces, Jennifer Danella
If using a slow cooker is more your speed, you'll love this Wild Turkey Tetrazzini recipe. Slow cooking in a Crockpot infuses the meat with juicy tenderness without losing any of the flavor—and once you've assembled the ingredients, it's mostly hands-off! The chicken stock helps replenish any lost juices, and the white wine adds depth.
The pasta and cheeses make this the ultimate comfort food, not to mention the healthy doses of garlic and oregano. Just try not to drool as you smell this combo cooking for the next four to six hours!
Orange Wild Turkey and Rice
Wide Open Spaces, Jennifer Danella
This recipe for wild turkey infuses the meat with a savory-sweet mix of Asian flavors. And it couldn't be simpler: Just mix orange juice with soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic for a fresh and tasty glaze. Pro tip: Double the sauce recipe so you have extra to drizzle over your finished meal.
Smoked Wild Turkey Breast
A License to Grill
Smoking meat may take longer than other cooking methods, but it gives wild turkey a rich flavor that permeates every fiber of the meat. In this recipe from A License to Grill, the turkey spends a day marinating in a brine before it heads off to the smoker. With the flavors of cajun seasoning, sage, rosemary, and black pepper, this dish is going to quickly become a family favorite. Before serving, don't forget to drizzle the smoked turkey with plenty of the orange-lemon-butter sauce.
Wild Turkey Mushroom Risotto
The Hunting Mom
The Wild Turkey Mushroom Risotto recipe from The Hunting Mom takes some prep time but is well worth it. The night before, brine the turkey breast with salt, water, apple juice, and a bay leaf. Starting first thing in the morning, load the turkey into the slow cooker and let it do its thing for six to seven hours. Your tasty meat will be ready for the rice and mushrooms to be added in about an hour before you eat.
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