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 the best way to cook wild turkey? ›

The breast is tender, thus this requires dry cooking methods which include stir fry, sauté, pan fry, deep fry, broil, grill, and roast. Turkey breast is also an excellent choice for moist cooking methods such as boiling (simmer) and poaching.

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.

What can I mix wild turkey with? ›

Ingredients
  • 2 oz Wild Turkey whiskey (or your favorite whiskey)
  • a generous splash of cranberry juice.
  • a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
  • 1 whisked egg white (optional)
Nov 11, 2021

What is the best food for wild turkeys? ›

Whole corn works best; cracked corn is not good because of mold. Soybeans are also a good high-energy supplementary food source. After food plots and crop fields are gone, feeding along those edges is a very effective way to feed not just turkeys, but all wildlife.

How to cook wild turkey so it is tender? ›

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.

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.

How do you make wild turkey not taste gamey? ›

The distinct game flavor of either birds or animals will be milder after soaking the meat overnight in the refrigerator in either a salt or vinegar solution. 2. Vinegar solution - 1 cup per quart of cold water. Use enough solution to cover the game completely.

What is the best brine for a wild turkey? ›

Wet Brine Ingredients
  • 1 gallon water.
  • 1 cup salt.
  • 1/2 cup white sugar.
  • 2-3 bay leaves.
  • 1 sweet apple, halved.
  • 4 cloves garlic.
  • 2 tbsp. black peppercorn.
  • Zest of half a lemon.
Mar 15, 2021

How long to soak wild turkey in milk? ›

I like to put my game steaks, birds or other meats in a sealed container or big ziplock bag, along with some buttermilk, and soak them in the refrigerator overnight. Regular milk or powdered milk will work, but buttermilk is best.

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.

Why does wild turkey taste different? ›

Here is a little secret – one of the main reasons that wild turkey and regular turkey taste different is because of how they are cooked. Domestic turkey that you buy in the store is typically injected with salt water which adds weight and increases the juiciness, helping to prevent the finished bird from being too dry.

What not to feed turkeys? ›

Too much salt, sugar, or fat can cause health problems. Raw Beans: These contains phytohemagglutinin (among other things). This is a toxin that affects a number of species in addition to chickens, including humans. In turkeys, eating just a few raw or dried uncooked beans could cause poisoning.

Do wild turkeys like sunflower seeds? ›

Seeds- Another easily attainable food source, seeds provide even more nutrition for wild turkeys. Mixing seeds and cracked corn makes a great spread out meal. Sunflower, milo, and millet are all enjoyable types of seeds to put out for wild turkeys.

Are wild turkeys tough to eat? ›

Just about every part of a wild turkey is edible. While the legs and thighs of a wild turkey aren't as tender as the breast meat, they are even more flavorful. Use them in soups, stews, slow-cooked turkey barbecue, and, my favorite, turkey and dumplings.

Are wild turkeys good to eat? ›

Health Benefits of Eating Wild Turkey

Turkey is a rich source of protein, with a single serving making up as much as 65% of your recommended intake for the day. Turkey is low in saturated fat, which makes it a lean source of protein.

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

Brining a turkey is totally optional. If you're short on time or just want the most straight-forward method to roast a turkey, skip the brining step and just use the Simple Roasted Turkey method. Some people swear that brining yields the most tender, juicy meat, but it takes planning ahead.

Is wild turkey healthy to eat? ›

Both wild turkey meat and domestic turkey meat contain many important vitamins and nutrients so don't worry about whether or not wild turkey is good for you. It's more important to focus on learning the optimal way to cook the perfect wild turkey.

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