Slow cooked Asian style turkey drumsticks served with vegetables

Succulent Asian-Style Slow Cooked Turkey Drumsticks

Name: Succulent Asian-Style Slow Cooked Turkey Drumsticks
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 pieces Turkey drumsticks (fresh) - choose drumsticks that are plump and firm with smooth skin; 60 ml Soy sauce - use low sodium for a healthier option; 20 g Fresh ginger - peeled and minced for best flavor; 4 pieces Garlic cloves - finely chopped or pressed; 2 tbsp Honey - raw or organic preferred; 1 tbsp Rice vinegar - choose a reputable brand for good acidity balance; 1 tbsp Sesame oil - toasted sesame oil for fragrance; 120 ml Water or chicken broth - to add moisture during slow cooking; 2 pieces Spring onions (scallions) - for garnish; 1 tsp Black pepper - freshly ground; to taste n/a Salt - to taste

Home Page / Slow Cooker Recipes / Slow Cooking Turkey Techniques

easy

4 hour

Nutritional value per serving

Calories450kcal

Carbs20gram

Fat10gram

Protein45gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Turkey drumsticks (fresh) - choose drumsticks that are plump and firm with smooth skin2 pieces
Soy sauce - use low sodium for a healthier option60 ml
Fresh ginger - peeled and minced for best flavor20 g
Garlic cloves - finely chopped or pressed4 pieces
Honey - raw or organic preferred2 tbsp
Rice vinegar - choose a reputable brand for good acidity balance1 tbsp
Sesame oil - toasted sesame oil for fragrance1 tbsp
Water or chicken broth - to add moisture during slow cooking120 ml
Spring onions (scallions) - for garnish2 pieces
Black pepper - freshly ground1 tsp
Salt - to tasteto taste n/a

This recipe offers a simple and foolproof way to prepare tender and flavorful turkey drumsticks with an Asian-inspired marinade. Slow cooking allows the meat to become juicy and infused with the rich flavors of soy, ginger, garlic, and honey. It's perfect for beginner cooks looking to impress with minimal effort and common kitchen tools. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $10 USD, €9, £8, and ₹800, making it a budget-friendly dinner option. The dish is around 450 kcal per serving, suitable for a balanced diet. It is easy in complexity, taking about 30 minutes prep and 4 hours cooking time.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the marinade

1In a bowl, combine soy sauce, minced ginger, chopped garlic, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly to mix all ingredients. This marinade will impart the rich Asian flavors to the turkey drumsticks.

Marinate the turkey drumsticks

2Place the turkey drumsticks in a resealable plastic bag or a covered container. Pour the marinade over the drumsticks, coating them evenly. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to deeply infuse flavors.

Preheat your slow cooker

3Set your slow cooker to low heat setting. This will ensure a gentle cooking process for perfectly tender meat.

Cook the turkey drumsticks slow

4Remove the turkey drumsticks from marinade and place them into the slow cooker. Pour the marinade liquid and add water or chicken broth to ensure moisture. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) as measured by a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching bone. This ensures the turkey is safely cooked and juicy.

Check and finish cooking

5After 4 hours, check the internal temperature of the turkey drumsticks. If they haven’t reached 74°C, continue cooking and check every 30 minutes. Avoid opening the lid too often to maintain heat and moisture.

Serve and garnish

6Once fully cooked, carefully remove the turkey drumsticks from the slow cooker. Garnish with sliced spring onions and serve with steamed rice or vegetables for a wholesome meal.

Cooking Tips

-Use a meat thermometer to check turkey's internal temperature to ensure safe cooking - 74°C (165°F) is required for poultry.

-Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw turkey and other ingredients.

-If you don't have a slow cooker, you can cook the drumsticks in a covered baking dish in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for approximately 3-4 hours.

-For added texture, sear the turkey drumsticks in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes on each side before slow cooking to develop a caramelized crust.

Equipment Needed

Slow cooker
Measuring spoons and cups
Mixing bowl
Cutting board and knife
Meat thermometer
Spoon or tongs for handling turkey

Shopping List

[ ] Turkey drumsticks (2 pieces) - Look for fresh, firm, and plump drumsticks with no bruises.
[ ] Soy sauce (60 ml) - Choose low sodium for healthier meals.
[ ] Fresh ginger (20 g) - Select firm and smooth skin ginger.
[ ] Garlic (4 cloves) - Pick fresh, firm cloves with no sprouts.
[ ] Honey (2 tbsp) - Raw or organic honey is best for flavor.
[ ] Rice vinegar (1 tbsp) - Ensure it's labeled pure rice vinegar.
[ ] Sesame oil (1 tbsp) - Get toasted sesame oil for authentic taste.
[ ] Chicken broth or water (120 ml) - Chicken broth adds more flavor.
[ ] Spring onions (2) - Look for fresh, crisp green onions.
[ ] Black pepper (1 tsp) - Freshly ground is best.

FAQ

Can I use frozen turkey drumsticks for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen turkey drumsticks but make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.

What if I don't have a slow cooker?

If you don't have a slow cooker, you can cook the marinated turkey drumsticks in a covered oven-safe dish at 150°C (300°F) for about 3 to 4 hours until they reach the safe internal temperature.

How do I know when the turkey drumsticks are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey is safe to eat when it reaches at least 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part, away from the bone.

Can I substitute turkey drumsticks with chicken drumsticks?

Yes, chicken drumsticks can be used with the same marinade and cooking method, but the cooking time should be shorter (around 3 hours on low in a slow cooker). Always check for a safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).