Smoked Turkey Drumsticks
- 20m Prep Time
- 1h Cook Time
- 1h Ready In
Turkey drumsticks are brined for 24 hours, coated with a sweet and savory rub, then smoked until tender. Inspired by Disneyland-style turkey legs, they have a ham-like flavor.
Ingredients
- 946 ml cold water
- 59.1 ml kosher salt
- 59.1 ml brown sugar
- 14.8 ml black peppercorns
- 7.39 ml red chili pepper flakes
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 turkey drumsticks
- 29.6 ml extra-virgin olive oil
- 29.6 ml Sweet Rub
Nutrition (per serving, estimated)
Estimated based off 4 of 9 identified ingredients (per 100 g food data, scaled by amount).
Vitamins & minerals
- Calcium: 31.9 mg
- Iron: 0.33 mg
- Magnesium: 6.72 mg
- Phosphorus: 1.06 mg
- Potassium: 25.8 mg
- Zinc: 0.06 mg
Let's Prepare
Collect
Gather these ingredients — no prep needed yet.
- 946 ml cold water
- 59.1 ml kosher salt
- 59.1 ml brown sugar
- 14.8 ml black peppercorns
- 7.39 ml red chili pepper flakes
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 turkey drumsticks
- 29.6 ml extra-virgin olive oil
- 29.6 ml Sweet Rub
Let's Cook
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Step 1.
In a large bowl, combine 1 quart cold water, ¼ cup kosher salt, and ¼ cup brown sugar. Stir until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved.
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Step 2.
Add 1 tablespoon black peppercorns, 1½ teaspoons red chili pepper flakes, and 1 bay leaf to the brine. Stir to combine.
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Step 3.
Place 2 (1-pound) turkey drumsticks in a 1-gallon ziplock bag. Pour the brine into the bag, seal, and refrigerate for 10 to 24 hours.
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Step 4.
Remove the drumsticks from the brine, rinse them under cold water, and pat dry with paper towels.
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Step 5.
Rub each drumstick with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, then coat each with 1 tablespoon Sweet Rub, pressing the rub onto the surface.
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Step 6.
Preheat the smoker to 275°F. Place the drumsticks in the smoker and cook for about 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Step 7.
Remove the drumsticks from the smoker and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.