Wild Turkey Recipes

Wild turkey is a delicious and lean game meat that can be prepared in various ways. Unlike store-bought turkey, wild turkey often has a richer, more intense flavor. These recipes offer a few different approaches to cooking this impressive bird.

Simple Roasted Wild Turkey Breast

This recipe focuses on keeping the meat moist and tender, which is essential for wild game.

Ingredients

• 1 wild turkey breast (approximately 1.5–2 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 strips of bacon (optional, for moisture)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the turkey breast.
4. If using, lay the bacon strips over the top of the breast. This adds fat and prevents drying.
5. Place the turkey in a small roasting pan.
6. Roast for 45–60 minutes, or until an internal thermometer registers 165°F (74°C). The exact time will depend on the thickness of the breast.
7. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Wild Turkey Stir-Fry

Using sliced turkey breast makes for a fast and flavorful weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Wild turkey breast	1 lb, cut into strips
Soy Sauce	1/4 cup
Brown Sugar	2 tablespoons
Ginger	1 teaspoon, minced
Garlic	2 cloves, minced
Sesame Oil	1 tablespoon
Assorted Vegetables	3 cups (e.g., broccoli, carrots, bell peppers)
Vegetable Oil	1 tablespoon

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic to create the marinade/sauce.
2. Add the turkey strips to half of the marinade and let sit for at least 15 minutes.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the turkey strips and stir-fry until browned and cooked through. Remove the turkey and set aside.
5. Add the assorted vegetables to the wok and stir-fry until tender-crisp.
6. Return the turkey to the wok. Pour the remaining marinade (now the sauce) over the turkey and vegetables, along with the sesame oil. Toss to coat and heat through.
7. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Turkey Leg & Thigh Confit

Wild turkey legs and thighs are tougher than the breast and benefit from slow cooking methods like confit (cooking in fat). This dish is great for a special occasion like a family gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 wild turkey legs and thighs
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 cups duck fat or lard (enough to fully submerge the meat)

Instructions

1. Pat the legs and thighs dry. Rub generously with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. In a deep, oven-safe pot, melt the duck fat or lard.
3. Submerge the turkey pieces in the fat. The oven should be set to a very low temperature, around 225°F (107°C).
4. Cover the pot and place it in the preheated oven.
5. Slow cook for 4–6 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and falling off the bone.
6. Carefully remove the turkey from the fat. You can shred the meat for tacos or serve the pieces whole. The meat should easily be separated by hand.
7. Optional: For crispy skin, quickly sear the confit pieces in a hot pan or under the broiler after cooking.
8. For a deeper dive into preparation methods, review the official Wild Game Prep Guide.