What To Know
- If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to grill up a feast, learning how to grill turkey wings is a must.
- Use your hands or a brush to rub the seasonings into the skin and meat of the wings.
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the turkey wings in a flavorful mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
Turkey wings are a delicious and often overlooked cut of meat. They’re incredibly versatile, perfect for grilling, smoking, or roasting. They offer a unique flavor profile that’s both savory and slightly sweet, making them an excellent alternative to traditional chicken wings. If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to grill up a feast, learning how to grill turkey wings is a must!
Why Choose Turkey Wings?
Turkey wings are a great choice for grilling for several reasons:
- Flavor: They have a rich, savory flavor that’s more pronounced than chicken wings.
- Versatility: They can be grilled, smoked, or roasted, and they pair well with a wide variety of sauces and seasonings.
- Value: Turkey wings are often more affordable than other cuts of turkey, making them a budget-friendly option.
- Moistness: When cooked properly, turkey wings stay juicy and tender, even when grilled over high heat.
Choosing the Right Turkey Wings
The key to delicious grilled turkey wings is starting with high-quality ingredients. When selecting turkey wings, consider these factors:
- Size: Look for wings that are about 1-1.5 pounds each. Larger wings will take longer to cook, while smaller wings might dry out too quickly.
- Appearance: Choose wings that are plump and have a good amount of meat on them. Avoid wings that are discolored or have a strong odor.
- Freshness: If possible, buy fresh turkey wings from a reputable butcher. If you’re buying frozen wings, make sure they’re thawed completely before grilling.
Preparing the Turkey Wings for Grilling
Before you start grilling, there are a few things you need to do to prepare your turkey wings:
- Pat dry: Use paper towels to pat the turkey wings dry. This helps to ensure that they cook evenly and develop a crispy skin.
- Season: Season the wings generously with your favorite seasonings. Some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and chili powder.
- Rub in: Use your hands or a brush to rub the seasonings into the skin and meat of the wings. This will help to infuse the flavors into the meat.
- Optional: Marinate: For extra flavor, you can marinate the turkey wings in a flavorful mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, in the refrigerator.
Grilling the Turkey Wings to Perfection
Now comes the fun part – grilling! Follow these steps to ensure juicy and flavorful turkey wings:
- Preheat: Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F).
- Grill Time: Place the turkey wings on the grill, skin side down. Cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Flip and Finish: Flip the wings over and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest: Once the wings are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful wing.
Flavorful Finishing Touches
While the basic grilling process is straightforward, you can take your grilled turkey wings to the next level with these finishing touches:
- Glaze: Brush a flavorful glaze onto the wings during the last 10-15 minutes of grilling. Popular glazes include honey-soy, barbecue, or maple-mustard.
- Sauce: Serve your grilled turkey wings with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, blue cheese, or buffalo.
- Sides: Pair your grilled turkey wings with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, or baked beans.
A Feast for Any Occasion
Grilled turkey wings are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for any occasion. They’re perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a weekend barbecue, or a festive holiday gathering. The combination of crispy skin, juicy meat, and flavorful seasonings makes them a crowd-pleasing favorite.
What You Need to Know
1. Can I grill turkey wings on a gas grill?
Absolutely! Gas grills are excellent for grilling turkey wings. Just make sure to preheat the grill to medium-high heat and follow the grilling instructions provided above.
2. How do I know when my turkey wings are done?
The best way to determine if your turkey wings are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the wing, making sure it doesn’t touch any bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
3. Can I leave the turkey wings on the grill if I want crispy skin?
Yes, you can. To achieve crispy skin, you can leave the wings on the grill, skin side down, for a few extra minutes after they’re cooked through. Just be careful not to overcook the meat.
4. What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled turkey wings?
Grilled turkey wings pair well with a variety of side dishes, including potato salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese.
5. Can I freeze grilled turkey wings?
It’s not recommended to freeze grilled turkey wings. Freezing can affect the texture and flavor of the meat. It’s best to enjoy your grilled turkey wings fresh.
