Honey-Glazed Steamed Turkey Drumstick - Tender & Juicy Delight
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs8gram
Fat12gram
Protein40gram
Ingredients
- Turkey drumsticks (fresh, not frozen)2 pieces
- Honey (preferably raw or pure)3 tbsp
- Soy sauce (low sodium)2 tbsp
- Garlic (minced, fresh)2 cloves
- Fresh ginger (grated)1 tbsp
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)1 tbsp
- Olive oil or vegetable oil1 tbsp
- Saltto taste n/a
- Black pepper (freshly ground)to taste n/a
- Water (for steaming)500 ml
This honey-glazed steamed turkey drumstick recipe offers a juicy, tender, and flavorful way to enjoy turkey drumsticks. Steaming keeps the turkey moist and tender, while the honey glaze adds a touch of sweetness and caramelization. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $7 USD / €6.5 / £5.5 / ₹560. Each serving has about 350 kcal. This recipe fits well into a balanced diet, is medium difficulty given the glazing and steaming process, and takes about 50 minutes in total (including preparation and cooking). Food safety is prioritized with clear temperature guidelines to ensure perfectly cooked poultry.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the Honey Glaze
1In a small bowl, mix the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, lemon juice, and olive oil. Stir well until combined. This glaze will provide a lovely sweet and savory flavor to the turkey.
Season the Turkey Drumsticks
2Pat the turkey drumsticks dry with paper towels. Then, season all sides lightly with salt and black pepper. Drying the surface helps the glaze adhere better.
Apply the Honey Glaze
3Brush the prepared honey glaze all over the turkey drumsticks evenly. You can reserve a little bit of glaze for basting during cooking.
Prepare Steamer and Steam Turkey
4Fill your steamer pot with 500 ml of water and bring it to a boil. Place the glazed turkey drumsticks in a single layer in the steaming basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cover with a lid and steam for about 35-40 minutes. Baste the drumsticks once halfway through cooking with the reserved glaze for enhanced flavor and shine.
Check for Doneness Safely
5After steaming, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick (avoiding bone) to check the internal temperature. It should reach at least 74°C (165°F) to ensure it's safe for consumption. If below this, continue steaming and check every 5 minutes.
Rest and Serve
6Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the steamer and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in moist meat. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Cooking Tips
1Always use a clean meat thermometer and avoid touching bone with it for accurate temperature readings.
2To avoid cross-contamination, use separate utensils and cutting boards for raw turkey and other foods.
3If you don't have a steamer, you can improvise by placing a heatproof rack in a pot with water below it, ensuring the drumsticks are above the water level.
4For extra crispiness, after steaming, you can briefly broil the drumsticks in the oven for 3-4 minutes until the glaze caramelizes.
Equipment
- Steamer pot or steaming basket with lid
- Meat thermometer
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowl for glaze mixing
Shopping List
- [ ] Turkey drumsticks (2 pieces) - approximate cost $5 - Choose fresh, plump drumsticks with firm skin and no odor.
- [ ] Honey (around 3 tbsp) - approximate cost $1.5 - Opt for raw or pure honey for best flavor.
- [ ] Soy sauce (2 tbsp) - approximate cost $0.3 - Low sodium preferred.
- [ ] Fresh garlic (2 cloves) - approximate cost $0.2 - Firm, unblemished garlic bulbs.
- [ ] Fresh ginger (1 tbsp grated) - approximate cost $0.3 - Choose firm ginger with smooth skin.
- [ ] Lemon (1 for juice) - approximate cost $0.4 - Heavy for size and fragrant.
- [ ] Olive oil or vegetable oil (1 tbsp) - approximate cost $0.2 - Pick extra virgin olive oil if possible.
Total approximate cost: $7.9
FAQ
Can I use frozen turkey drumsticks for this recipe?
It's best to use fresh or fully thawed turkey drumsticks. If using frozen, thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the drumstick reaches at least 74°C (165°F). This ensures the turkey is safe to eat.
Can I use a different glaze instead of honey?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar, but adjust amounts to your taste and sweetness preference.
Can I prepare this recipe in an oven instead of steaming?
Absolutely! You can bake the glazed drumsticks at 190°C (375°F) for about 45 minutes, turning and basting halfway through, until they reach the safe internal temperature.