How to Cook Delicious Turkey Knuckles: A Complete Guide

Hello, Good News! Welcome to our blog, where we share the best recipes and tips for cooking amazing dishes. In this article, we will show you how to cook delicious turkey knuckles, a dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you want to impress your guests, enjoy a cozy family dinner, or just treat yourself to a hearty meal, turkey knuckles are a great choice.

Turkey knuckles are the lower part of the turkey legs, also known as drumsticks. They are rich in protein, collagen, and minerals, and have a tender and juicy texture when cooked properly. Turkey knuckles can be prepared in various ways, such as roasting, braising, stewing, or frying. You can also season them with different spices and herbs, or add vegetables and sauces to enhance the flavor. In this article, we will share with you some of the best turkey knuckles recipes that you can try at home.

Roasted Turkey Knuckles with Garlic and Rosemary

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 turkey knuckles (about 2 kg)
• Salt and black pepper
• 4 tablespoons of olive oil
• 8 cloves of garlic, peeled and smashed
• 4 sprigs of rosemary
• 1/4 cup of white wine
• 1/4 cup of chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley

Directions

To make this recipe, follow these steps:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced).
2. Season the turkey knuckles with salt and pepper on all sides.
3. In a large oven-proof skillet over high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sear the turkey knuckles for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
4. In the same skillet over medium heat, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the garlic and rosemary and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and golden.
5. Add the wine and broth and bring to a boil. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Return the turkey knuckles to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over them. Cover with foil and transfer to the oven. Roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting every 15 minutes, until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
7. Transfer the turkey knuckles to a platter and keep warm. Strain the sauce into a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and cook until slightly reduced, about 10 minutes. Whisk in the butter and parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the turkey knuckles with the sauce drizzled over them.

Braised Turkey Knuckles with Mushrooms and Carrots

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 turkey knuckles (about 2 kg)
• Salt and black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons of dried thyme
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 250 g of button mushrooms, halved or quartered if large
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water
• 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley

Directions

To make this recipe, follow these steps:

1. Season the turkey knuckles with salt and pepper on all sides. Sprinkle with flour and shake off any excess.
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot over high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Sear the turkey knuckles for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. In the same pot over medium heat, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the onion, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
4. Add the broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a boil. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Return the turkey knuckles to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for about 1 hour, until the meat is almost tender.
6. Add the carrots and mushrooms and simmer, uncovered, for another 30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the sauce is slightly thickened.
7. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and glossy.
8. Stir in the parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve the turkey knuckles with the sauce and vegetables.

Fried Turkey Knuckles with Honey Mustard Sauce

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 turkey knuckles (about 2 kg)
• Salt and black pepper
• 2 cups of buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons of paprika
• 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons of onion powder
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
• Oil for frying
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions

To make this recipe, follow these steps:

1. Season the turkey knuckles with salt and pepper on all sides. Place them in a large ziplock bag or bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, mustard, mayonnaise, vinegar, and cayenne pepper if using. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. In a large shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, baking powder, baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
4. In a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat, heat about 2 inches of oil to 180°C (350°F).
5. Working in batches, remove the turkey knuckles from the buttermilk and shake off any excess. Dredge them in the flour mixture and shake off any excess. Carefully lower them into the hot oil and fry for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels and keep warm in a low oven.
6. Serve the turkey knuckles with the honey mustard sauce on the side.

Turkey Knuckles Nutrition Facts

Turkey knuckles are not only delicious but also nutritious. They are a good source of protein, which helps build and repair muscles. They also contain collagen, which supports healthy skin, hair, nails, joints, and bones. Moreover, they provide minerals such as iron, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are essential for various bodily functions. Here is a table that shows the nutrition facts for one turkey knuckle (about 500 g) cooked without skin or added fat:

Sugar

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Turkey Knuckles

How do you clean turkey knuckles?

To clean turkey knuckles, you should rinse them under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels. You can also trim off any excess fat or skin if you prefer. If the turkey knuckles are frozen, you should thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

How long do turkey knuckles last in the fridge?

Cooked turkey knuckles can last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months and reheat them in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.

How do you reheat turkey knuckles?

To reheat turkey knuckles, you can either use the oven or the microwave. For the oven method, preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced) and place the turkey knuckles in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. For the microwave method, place the turkey knuckles in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for about 10 minutes, or until heated through, turning once halfway.

What can you serve with turkey knuckles?

Turkey knuckles are versatile and can be served with various side dishes. Some of the most popular options are mashed potatoes, rice, bread, salad, roasted vegetables, gravy, cranberry sauce, or coleslaw.

Are turkey knuckles healthy?

Turkey knuckles are healthy as long as you cook them with minimal oil and salt and avoid deep-frying them. They are low in carbohydrates and high in protein, which can help you feel full and satisfied. They also contain collagen, which can improve your skin, hair, nails, joints, and bones. However, they are also high in cholesterol and sodium, which can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease. Therefore, you should eat them in moderation and balance them with other nutritious foods.

Can you cook turkey knuckles in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook turkey knuckles in a slow cooker. You can follow any of the recipes above and adjust the cooking time accordingly. For example, for the roasted turkey knuckles recipe, you can sear the turkey knuckles in a skillet first and then transfer them to a slow cooker along with the garlic, rosemary, wine, and broth. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. For the braised turkey knuckles recipe, you can skip the searing step and add all the ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. For the fried turkey knuckles recipe, you can marinate the turkey knuckles in buttermilk overnight and then coat them with flour. Place them in a single layer in a slow cooker and drizzle some oil over them. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

Can you cook turkey knuckles in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook turkey knuckles in an air fryer. You can follow any of the recipes above and adjust the cooking temperature and time accordingly. For example, for the roasted turkey knuckles recipe, you can season the turkey knuckles with salt and pepper and place them in a single layer in an air fryer basket. Spray some oil over them and cook at 200°C (180°C fan-forced) for about 40 minutes, turning halfway. For the braised turkey knuckles recipe, you can season the turkey knuckles with salt and pepper and place them in a single layer in an air fryer basket. Spray some oil over them and cook at 200°C (180°C fan-forced) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway. Transfer them to a baking dish and add the onion, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Cover with foil and bake in the oven at 180°C (160°C fan-forced) for another 40 minutes, adding the carrots and mushrooms halfway. For the fried turkey knuckles recipe, you can marinate the turkey knuckles in buttermilk overnight and then coat them with flour. Place them in a single layer in an air fryer basket and spray some oil over them. Cook at 200°C (180°C fan-forced) for about 30 minutes, turning halfway.

Can you cook turkey knuckles in a pressure cooker?

Yes, you can cook turkey knuckles in a pressure cooker. You can follow any of the recipes above and adjust the cooking time accordingly. For example, for the roasted turkey knuckles recipe, you can sear the turkey knuckles in a skillet first and then transfer them to a pressure cooker along with the garlic, rosemary, wine, and broth. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes and then release the pressure naturally. For the braised turkey knuckles recipe, you can skip the searing step and add all the ingredients to a pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes and then release the pressure naturally. For the fried turkey knuckles recipe, you can marinate the turkey knuckles in buttermilk overnight and then coat them with flour. Place them in a single layer in a pressure cooker and drizzle some oil over them. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes and then release the pressure quickly.

How do you make turkey knuckles tender?

To make turkey knuckles tender, you should cook them with enough liquid and for enough time to break down the connective tissues and collagen. You can use any of the methods above, such as roasting, braising, stewing, frying, slow cooking, air frying, or pressure cooking. You should also avoid overcooking them or letting them dry out, as this can make them tough and chewy.

How do you make turkey knuckles crispy?

To make turkey knuckles crispy, you should cook them with high heat and oil to create a golden and crunchy crust. You can use any of the methods above that involve frying or air frying. You should also pat the turkey knuckles dry before coating them with flour or seasoning them with salt and pepper. You should also avoid overcrowding them in the skillet or basket, as this can prevent them from browning evenly.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this article about how to cook delicious turkey knuckles. Turkey knuckles are a tasty and nutritious dish that can be prepared in various ways. You can try any of the recipes above or experiment with your own flavors and ingredients. Turkey knuckles are perfect for any occasion, whether you want to impress your guests, enjoy a cozy family dinner, or just treat yourself to a hearty meal.

If you liked this article, please check out our other articles on our blog. We have more recipes and tips for cooking amazing dishes that you will love. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	636 kcal	32%
Fat	18 g	28%
Saturated Fat	5 g	25%
Cholesterol	372 mg	124%
Sodium	268 mg	11%
Potassium	1080 mg	31%
Carbohydrate	0 g	0%
Fiber	0 g	0%
0 g	0%
Protein	108 g	216%
Vitamin A	0%	0%
Vitamin C	0%	0%
Calcium	8%	8%
Iron	40%	40%