Cut Off Turkey Legs Before Cooking: A Quick Guide

Cut Off Turkey Legs Before Cooking: A Quick Guide
BBQ Turkey Legs Over The Fire Cooking from overthefirecooking.com

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and most people are already preparing for a sumptuous feast. One of the most popular dishes during this holiday is turkey. However, preparing a turkey can be quite tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. One of the essential steps in cooking a turkey is to cut off its legs before cooking it. In this article, we’ll give you a quick guide on how to do it correctly.

Why Cut Off Turkey Legs Before Cooking?

The main reason why you should cut off the turkey legs before cooking is that they take longer to cook than the rest of the bird. If you cook the turkey with its legs intact, the breast meat will dry out by the time the legs are cooked thoroughly. Removing the legs will ensure that the breast meat is cooked evenly and stays moist and juicy.

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Tools You’ll Need

Before we proceed with the steps, let’s first prepare the tools you’ll need:

  • A sharp chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Kitchen shears

Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let’s start with the step-by-step guide:

  1. Place the turkey on a cutting board, breast side up.
  2. Locate the joint where the leg meets the body. It’s easier to find this joint by moving the leg back and forth.
  3. Using the kitchen shears, cut through the skin and the joint to separate the leg from the body. Repeat on the other side.
  4. Flip the turkey over, so the back is facing up.
  5. Locate the joint where the thigh meets the drumstick. Cut through the joint to separate the thigh from the drumstick. Repeat on the other side.
  6. You can now cook the turkey without the legs or use the legs to make a separate dish.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks that will help you when cutting off the turkey legs:

  • Make sure to use a sharp knife and kitchen shears to make clean cuts.
  • Don’t throw away the turkey legs. You can use them to make a flavorful broth or soup.
  • If you’re not confident about cutting off the legs, you can ask your butcher to do it for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cutting off the turkey legs before cooking is an essential step that will ensure that your turkey is cooked evenly and stays moist and juicy. With this quick guide and some tips and tricks, you’ll be able to do it like a pro. Don’t be afraid to try it out this Thanksgiving and impress your guests with a perfectly cooked turkey.

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