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)

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox.

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)

Did you like the recipe?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 1

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Thanks!

Share on social media:

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

Related posts

25 Best Christmas Turkey Recipes to Serve for Dinner17 Easy Turkey Cutlet Recipes to Make for Dinner25 Best Wild Rice Recipes to Put on Repeat30 Best Ground Turkey Recipes15 Best Ground Turkey Soup Recipes10 Easy Ground Turkey and Rice Recipes

10 Best Wild Turkey Recipes for Dinner (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to cook a 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.

Do you need to soak wild turkey breast 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.

What is the best meat from a wild turkey? ›

Legs & Thighs

After all, they do make up about half the meat on a wild turkey and might be even more delicious than the breast meat.

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 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 cook wild turkey so it's not tough? ›

If, on the other hand, you first brine it in a mild saltwater solution for several hours and then soak it in a marinade of olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper for a few hours more your cooked turkey breast will be moist, flavorful and taste like wild turkey should.

Should you rinse a raw turkey before cooking it? ›

Wash your hands, but not the turkey! Many consumers think that washing their turkey will remove bacteria and make it safer. However, it's virtually impossible to wash bacteria off the bird. Instead, juices that splash during washing can transfer bacteria onto the surfaces of your kitchen, other foods and utensils.

How long to soak wild turkey in milk? ›

To make the turkey, wash and dry it and sprinkle with salt and pepper inside and out. Place in a large, deep roasting pan, pour the buttermilk over the top and marinate overnight in the refrigerator, turning several times.

What is the tastiest wild meat? ›

The 5 Most Delicious Game Meats: Our Picks
  • Nilgai. The nilgai is a medium-sized antelope, sometimes called the South Texas Antelope. ...
  • Axis Deer. ...
  • Bison. ...
  • Red Lechwe. ...
  • Elk. ...
  • Try Them All at Stone Creek Ranch.

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.

How long does wild turkey last in the fridge? ›

Game birds and ground meat can be kept refrigerated 1 to 2 days before cooking; game meat can be stored 3 to 5 days. After cooking, keep refrigerated up to 4 days.

Are wild turkeys tough to eat? ›

The breasts are excellent cooked just like domestic in the oven or grilled, but the legs and thighs should be cooked in the slow cooker because they are a little tough."

What is a gamey taste? ›

"It means a stronger, wilder flavor," Toups added. "If you're used to eating domesticated animals, then you can taste the difference right away. The animal is often stronger, and the protein leaner in fat. If you were to kill a wild elk, it would be nearly fat-free.

Does soaking meat in milk make it less gamey? ›

Cut down on the gamey flavor by soaking in milk.

Some call it “gaminess,” some call it extra flavor. Either way, an animal that eats mostly nuts, acorns and grains will taste the best.

Are wild turkeys good 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.

Is wild turkey healthy to eat? ›

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.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Nathanial Hackett

Last Updated:

Views: 6068

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nathanial Hackett

Birthday: 1997-10-09

Address: Apt. 935 264 Abshire Canyon, South Nerissachester, NM 01800

Phone: +9752624861224

Job: Forward Technology Assistant

Hobby: Listening to music, Shopping, Vacation, Baton twirling, Flower arranging, Blacksmithing, Do it yourself

Introduction: My name is Nathanial Hackett, I am a lovely, curious, smiling, lively, thoughtful, courageous, lively person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.