Smoked Turkey Legs Recipe

Smoked Turkey Legs on the Memphis Wood Fired Grill
#smokedturkeylegs #turkeylegs #howtobbqright
It’s hard to beat a good slow smoked turkey leg. You typically find these at fairs and festivals, and the turkey leg vendors always have a big line. Anytime I can eat something with a handle I’m all about it, so I want to share with you my easy recipe for smoking big ole’ turkey legs!
I bought these legs frozen at my local grocery store, but around Thanksgiving you can find them in the fresh poultry section. I let them hang out in the refrigerator for a day to thaw, and then it was time to get them in a brine.
I mixed 2 quarts of water with 1/2 cup of sugar, ¼ cup of my Killer Hogs AP Rub, and a few bay leaves. It’s a simple brine but it adds a lot of flavor to the legs and makes them juicy. The turkey legs need to soak in the brine overnight or at least 6 hours.
The next morning I removed each leg from the brine solution and let them drain on a wire rack over a sheet pan. It’s important to get all the moisture off the legs, so you can use a paper towel to blot off any excess to speed up the process.
To season the legs I sprayed each one with a little olive oil cooking spray. This layer of fat helps the seasoning stick to the skin. Season each leg with Killer Hogs AP Rub and a layer of Killer Hogs The BBQ Rub. You could substitute any seasoning here; make this recipe your own.
To smoke the legs I fired up my Memphis Wood Fired pellet grill - howtobbqright.com/memphis-wood... set to 275⁰ running pecan pellets for smoke. Any smoker will work for turkey legs just run it in the 275-300⁰ to get the skin bite through.
Place each turkey leg on the cooking grate and smoke until the internal temperature hits in the 155-160⁰ range.
It’ll take about 1 ½ hours to get to this point, then apple a light glaze. For this I went with my Vinegar Sauce. I wanted something on the thin side and not too sweet. The acidity balances out the flavor and it has just a touch of heat to go with the flavors in the rub.
Keep smoking the legs until the internal temperature reaches 175⁰ at least in each leg. Dark meat is forgiving, so if you over shoot the temp a little it’s not the end of the world. You will need a good thermometer for checking internal temperature; if you don’t have a Thermapen, I highly suggest picking one up. I use it more than I do any of my smokers.
Once the legs hit target temp, remove each one from the smoker and allow to cool a few minutes before serving. I couldn’t wait to grab one of these legs and take a monster bite!
The legs turned out just right; the outer skin was a little sweet with a spicy note, and on the inside, it was tender and juicy. Pecan smoke created a nice smoke ring in these legs, and it’s mild enough not to over-power the meat. You’ll have to give this recipe a try the next time you fire up those pits!
Ingredients:
- 8 Turkey Legs
- 2 quarts water
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1/2 cup Killer Hogs AP Rub - bit.ly/2OgXYsp
- 2-3 Bay leaves
- ¼ cup Killer Hogs The BBQ Rub - bit.ly/2Ju047v
- 1 cup Killer Hogs Vinegar Sauce - bit.ly/2RsCFWP
Directions:
1. In a large bowl combine water, 1 cup sugar, ¼ cup AP rub, and bay leaves. Place the turkey legs into the brine solution and refrigerate overnight or at least 6 hours.
2. Remove the legs from the brine and drain over a cooling rack. Pat the excess moisture off with paper towels to speed the process.
3. Prepare smoker for indirect cooking at 275⁰ using pecan wood for smoke.
4. Spray the outside of each leg with olive oil cooking spray and season with the remaining AP rub and a light coating of The BBQ Rub on all sides.
5. Place the legs on the smoker and cook until internal temperature reaches 155-160⁰.
6. Glaze each turkey leg with the vinegar sauce and continue to cook until the internal temperature reaches 175⁰ then remove from the smoker and rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
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[@mugzy2496]

This guy seriously deserves to be a TV personality.

[@zaktighe2797]

Better of on KZbin TV is almost dead

[@tumerica]

Agreed! Malcolm the Meat Maestro (or something like that)

[@noahreed2920]

Make more money on youtube

[@1234567777kkkkkkkkkk]

Please make this happen

[@arthurragan1332]

Who watche tv still?​@@1234567777kkkkkkkkkk

[@ColtonAplin]

I immediately looked up your channel after getting a Turkey leg at the festival. I knew they didn't do it right.. It was like biting into a tire. But my girlfriend really wanted a good one so now I'm going to make her one using your teaching. Thank you once again!

[@pooonastik1]

Malcolm, I bet your wife was thinking "yes" after the first date if you cooked for her

[@SonicBoomC98]

The cooking always gets em

[@spaceblack3194]

@@SonicBoomC98 the pipe get em cooking justa bonus

[@rarrodrig4703]

Agreed 👍..... My cooking education came from "hands on restaurant experience" at a young age. My wife thought she struck gold when we met and married. I generally cook the holiday meals and the BBQ on weekends. Food is a universal language....

[@bigbeno3953]

“That one got my name on it , Big Dog “ 😂

[@jsj31313jj]

That's all I heard 😂💪

[@trezndawg4240]

That was funny! Gotta love Bro. Malcolm

[@anamsiko4144]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@yvettefavors1690]

The GOAT 🤣🤣🤣✌🏾

[@jongoodhue]

Legend

[@GenXisT]

The best part of the day is seeing a notification that there's a new HowToBBQRight video with Malcolm Reed. Always satisfying and never disappoints!

[@infadelakainf]

I almost bit my phone when he took that second bite lol

[@FireWaterCooking]

Turkey Legs are my Favorite! Great Video Malcolm!

[@yack1300]

One of my favorite channels on KZbin.. Thanks Malcom!

[@dwaynespence9768]

What I like about him outside of the fact that he's a great barbecue artist and he does a good job it's just when he eats the food you can see the joy and happiness in him and I have to be honest it just tickles me because I'm a big boy and I love food as well he's not some super thin conscious of everything he eats type of guy he's not some uptight guy he's a regular guy and when he eats the food you know he's enjoys it

[@bl0ckbust3r]

yep, very authentic guy!

[@Waffellover8656]

Dwayne Spence you sir are exactly right he’s a man who makes some kick ass food I’m jealous she gets to eat it haha

[@SuperMoveTimmy]

When you know he likes it, others will like it

[@javib2073]

@@SuperMoveTimmy haha

[@TheYigittt]

@Hauger Yeah sadly but at least he doesn't eat junk

[@vtv8man]

Thank you for another great video Malcom ! I have been using your recipes on my Kamado Joe and GMG with great success. In recent months I’ve started a Keto diet using lots of your recipes with minor mods and lost about 30 pounds. These Turkey legs look awesome !

[@randysmith548]

You are the best my friend. I use your recipes and products for the past five years I do not use anything else when I want to cook something I look to you in order to make it the right way you are the real deal my friend.

[@Jay_Tovennn]

They look delicious, especially right after a quick game of backyard football for Turkey bowl. I know I always enjoy watching your videos Malcom! Looking forward for more HowToBBQRight videos!!

[@mrknowitalllt1]

you are one of my heroes i respect how you actually SEASON your food

[@tacoma_jc17]

Thanks Malcome, I’ve been waiting for a great smoked turkey leg recipe. Definitely gonna have to try it.

[@moeesco36]

My favorite part of your videos are when you taste the food. Make me want some. Great job!

[@seismicaxeman]

You are a legend mate. My favourite bbq guy. Thanks for doing great videos

[@anonehubbard2523]

I’ve watched this video at least 10 times, I’m using your process for thanksgiving giving. Thanks Big Dawg!!!

[@adammcgirt7123]

I love this guy. Really needs to be on the cooking network. He keeps giving information all thur video, thats not easy

[@Kolten71]

My man Malcolm! Watched all your videos at least 5 times and I have my entire family and friends thinking I am a smoking genius! Don’t worry, I let them know who the true smoking king is. 👍🏻

[@jimstevens2668]

This a must try for me. And you have an app for your BBQ, wow you always keep kicking it up a notch. Thanks!

[@jaybooth4815]

Great lookin turkey legs Malcolm! Your videos are filled with so much information and enthusiasm. I just ordered the Memphis Pro, can’t wait to add it to my cookers! Love your channel!

[@sanantofrankie]

So much respect for you. Love your expertise and attention to detail.

[@ericousleyjr9119]

“Turkey leeeeeeg...it’s so good”! Man you know something good when you hit a high note like that lol.

[@TheHollarBBQ]

Very nice Malcolm. Those will go good with a big Thanksgiving feast. Have a good weekend brother.

[@trey092001]

Youre the goat malcomb. Im happy you made this recipe, I requested this a year ago. Thank you brother.

[@jeffschmidt4904]

Well well......looks like I'm havin some turkey legs this weekend along with HTBBQR Fajitas and smoked pulled beef. Love the variety of your videos!! 👍

[@Got2EatPizza]

Great vid! Love outdoor cooking. Inspired my Pizza journey vids!!

[@MR-hh5hc]

Your neighbors homes have so much equity because of you. Love your videos.

[@BigTpetty]

Hey Malcom, been here since the channel was just taking off. You’re doing a great job! I’m putting a smoker on my wish list this year! I really want to get into the world of smoking!

[@donpitts5354]

Malcolm always produce great content and his recipes are great

[@robertgarza5062]

Awww man another one of your delicious looking recipes that I'm going to try.

[@adammaderak9810]

Love your video Can’t wait to give this a try !!! Keep up Awesome work !!!!

[@jazzyjd9]

Another hit Malcom! I could never get my turkey legs tender and you showed me how. Thank you sir!!

[@fadugleman]

Not a bad video from this channel. Can’t wait for smoking season to be back after the winter

[@williampysell2819]

Those turkey legs look awesome, Malcom, just like everything else that you cook!

[@Forevertrue]

That, Malcom, is a great cook. I like that bite through cooking element. That makes poultry great. Thanks for this Malcom!! Keep them coming. Hey redo so old videos with a new twist We just want to see them. Great Job. How about that competition brisket that won?

[@binarystar21]

Good lord. I always watch your vids before bed, and go to bed hungry. Best cooking channel on YT man!

[@adamdrouin2295]

You gotta appreciate someone who is as passionate as malcolm is about cooking. Well done sir

[@napiersveryown]

Shout outs from New Zealand Malcolm.

[@christopherpeltier500]

Awesome! As always !

[@rfdagreat9207]

BBQ, Beer, The Big Fella; helping me get through these tough times. Great 👍 video.

[@lowderjeffrey]

Thanks Malcolm. I love your videos. Im gonna smoke a turkey on the big green egg this year!

[@Paparoach-hc6il]

Looked great, thank you for sharing!!!

[@EZGlutenFree]

Oh Yum! Great video.

[@ronwatson4902]

Looks real good Malcom. Thanks

[@raydiaz140]

Great video. Thanks again. Gonna try this weekend. God bless you and yours.

[@jasonburns6411]

There is NO better bbq channel on KZbin. Period.

[@julianshuman8090]

My man! Awesome job. Well done.

[@mikeday62]

Malcom is better than ever in his deluxe new crib. Life is good!

[@Krovixx19]

Great video as always, thanks!

[@gavey100]

Live for your videos man top work 👍🏻

[@pandadj2513]

I love this chanel it makes my mouth water

[@ARluvr1]

In the grilling world Malcolm is at the top. No one is better to watch and learn from in my opinion.

[@jeffrodrigue2255]

Another great receipe malcolm! I have made dozens of your meals and every single one is a huge hit! I would love to see how you make turkey gravy! Any chance we can get a video? Keep up the great work!!

[@davondd]

“...big dawg.....” @2:30🤣😂🤣👍👌

[@tonyrc49]

Wow! Thanks for the insight. Just did some this evening since Covid19 has everyone in quarantine The legs came out soooo good! Your videos have yet to fail me. Not only the food is amazing, but you make it so easy for other to learn!

[@morbosmeatshack]

Same here, bought a smoker a week and a half ago due to being stuck in! Been awesome so far, have some turkey legs in the fridge ready to go, hope they turn out half as good as these ones

[@jyeboyd9562]

Haha I love you're work man! That turkey leg was yours big boy!!! Love it

[@whoisrichardedward3597]

Powerful!!! Turkey Legs with a little bit of snap!!

[@fldays6798]

I love it simple and easy thanks for sharing from Florida

[@perro-PELIGRO]

You sir, are a messiah. Just devoured one of those and I can safely say it was the best damn turkey leg I've tasted. Thank you!

[@Maxipad32]

I love your videos keep up the great work

[@NtGism]

Cheers Malcolm from a fan in the Balkans. We don't have that kind of meat tradition here (we have other things you should try if life brings you here) but I'm really enjoying your videos! If I ever visit your part of the world I'll definitely give all these flavours a try. Also, I really appreciate the way you present those recipes. I've seen many others who are smug and egomaniac, but you seem like you really want people to learn how to BBQ right. Keep it up!

[@alphonsodixon7602]

I’m trying this !!!! Looks so good!!!!!

[@crempster]

I did these last night and they turned out phenomenal.Im usually so so on Turkey legs but these are way better the the fair.I look forward to next time I cook these.

[@feddonator]

Hi Malcolm! Wow these look great! I love your videos so much I named my pup Mal after you :) Keep up the good work!

[@glockfanboy933]

That looks like the best turkey leg I’ve ever seen

[@travisshields5667]

Man I cooked the bbq smoked Turkey last year for Thanksgiving and it was a huge hit. I'm doing 2 of them this year

[@annaestronza5346]

Excellent and your way will prepare it.

[@domingomaldonado9192]

Love ur vids man

[@daronjacobs]

Those look awesome Malcolm !!!

[@toddroettger7978]

Thank you big man! awesome job! So hungry!!

[@BlackBusyBody]

Man yes! You got it going great! I saw that juice run when you bit into!

[@gamerzero9764]

“Better than the fair right there!” Malcolm spitting those BBQ bars 😂

[@optionsbbq]

Yum! Great job. Really enjoy your channel.

[@Eddy-iv3qv]

Oh man, when that juice fell out!!!!!! I'm making this recipe for football kickoff on Sunday. Best way to start the season. Thanks Brother!!!!

[@deleon747]

Thanks a lot Malcolm will try them

[@LarryMFjohnson]

Malcolm, you're the man!

[@vincentvanzant321]

Man that looks amazing. You seriously need your own show

[@johnc.2633]

Awesome recipe, thanks!

[@kylegohawks8604]

I'm glad malcolm's subs have been going up. I couldn't even cook. Now people ask me to do it. It is because the best vids on KZbin

[@enzo2gatez12]

you guys are just awesome

[@melanier7309]

Thank you for seasoning both sides of the Turkey legs. I hate seeing people online or on television, only doing one side of whatever they're going to cook.

[@willanderson1983]

I've watched a ton of your videos. 275 degrees seems like the perfect temp for just about any smoke. It's really helping me on my smoke journey, and it's working despite all these other experts picking so many different temps and times for each cut.

[@aliceyoung7292]

Thank you so much for sharing

[@MizzBalleriffic23]

Gonna try this! It’s look so delicious 🤤

[@bobbertheclown2907]

Dang man!!! your killin' me, I think I'm becoming a Malcomholic. Love you videos brother. thanks for all the great tips.

[@bl8991]

Looks great! I'll have to try this for Thanksgiving.

[@deniselyons181]

Thank you for your beautiful delicious recipe yum 😋

[@ketofitforlife2917]

Malcom! Wow, those look absolutely outstanding brotha. Ey, I just bought a DynaGlo vertical and I'm going to give these a shot on it! Its hard to hold low temps on that thing but I'll try it anyway! Thanks for the video! Thumbs up!

[@miketone11]

Great job. I grew up with some great pitmasters and you are carrying on the tradition well.

[@DemanskyTubaInvestmentCoFren]

That looks outstanding!!

[@ryanwebster7873]

“Ima come at it from this side too” ahahaha love this guy

[@mh-60t]

These are the videos I like on the channel.

[@arfrck2222]

Thanks, love it best BBQ channel

[@chadcutkomp6780]

Dang!! THEM LOOK AMAZING!!

[@LeoRousseau]

Yeah buddy!!! Perfect timing!!!

[@chrisberry3146]

Nice video I might do these for thanksgiving

[@EOATuco]

Picked up some monster legs the other day, will be brined for about 36 hrs, can't wait to smokem tomorrow!

[@dwmckay99]

Trying this today. Love your videos! FWIW, Wal-Mart usually carries them fresh. I don't shop at Wal-Mart generally but that's the place I found them in Dallas. All the other ones I see are pre-smoked for seasoning.

[@foundationdefense5299]

I love this guy!