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? ›

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 can you do with wild turkey? ›

The neck is great cured and smoked (just like the legs) for use in braised greens or soups. And if you're into wobbly bits, the heart is fantastic seared, grilled, or fried. The gizzard makes a great addition to gravy and stews, and wild turkey liver makes a wonderful pâté.

What is the best food for wild turkeys? ›

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 do you soak wild turkey in before cooking? ›

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 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 should I mix wild turkey with? ›

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.

Is wild turkey healthy 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.

What else does wild turkey make? ›

WILD TURKEY PRODUCTS

Whether you like Bourbon or Rye Whiskey, and on the rocks or in an old fashioned co*cktail, there's a Wild Turkey with your name on it.

Do turkeys keep snakes away? ›

Snakes have a few natural predators that can help keep them away. Common snake predators include cats, raccoons, pigs, turkeys, guinea hens, and foxes. Keeping any of these animals around your home will help deter snakes from coming near.

What should you not 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 eat rice? ›

Quails, wild turkeys, and pheasants like and can eat a lot of rice. Many people want to keep pigeons, grackles, and blackbirds away from bird feeders installed for other birds.

Is Wild Turkey and co*ke good? ›

Wild Turkey 101 Premium Blend & Cola is best served icy cold or on the rocks. Wild Turkey 101 Premium combines sweet vanilla notes with bold earthy characters to give it a refreshing body and smooth finish. Its perfectly aged bourbon flavours carry through with a higher proof.

Is Sprite and bourbon good? ›

It was just a sophisticated, clean co*cktail. I was delighted to taste both ingredients without the rough burn of the bourbon rushing down my throat. The best thing, though, is that you can easily tailor this drink to your tastebuds. If you like the full, strong flavor of bourbon you can use less Sprite.

What soda works with whiskey? ›

If it works for you, it works.
  • Cola. Whisky and co*ke is a classic combo. ...
  • Orange soda. There's not much to like about whisky and orange soda. ...
  • Lemonade. Mix up a batch of whisky and lemonade for summer sizzlers; the ultimate refresher. ...
  • Ginger ale. Like spice? ...
  • Ginger beer. ...
  • Cream soda. ...
  • Tonic. ...
  • Soda water.

Is wild turkey good for cooking? ›

When you cook wild turkey, it is more flavorful than domestic turkey because the wild bird is more active, and actually fly, which means the muscles are worked more resulting in higher oxygen content and leaner, darker meat.

What cooking method is best for turkey? ›

Roasting the bird slowly, at a lower temperature is the best way to achieve tender meat. You should still prep the bird with butter, salt, and pepper, as described above (or dry-brine it). To cook, set your oven to 325°F and roast for 3½ to 4 hours for a 12- to 14-pound bird.

How long to soak wild turkey in milk? ›

Place in a large, deep roasting pan, pour the buttermilk over the top and marinate overnight in the refrigerator, turning several times. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Remove the turkey from the marinade. Drain and discard the marinade.

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