A perfectly cooked marinated turkey drumstick on a rustic plate garnished with herbs

Tender and Flavorful Marinated Boiled Turkey Drumstick

Name: Tender and Flavorful Marinated Boiled Turkey Drumstick
Prep time: 2 h 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pieces Turkey drumsticks (fresh, skin-on for more flavor); 2 tbsp Olive oil (extra virgin preferred for best flavor); 3 pieces Garlic cloves (fresh, minced); 3 tbsp Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1 tbsp Honey or brown sugar (for a touch of sweetness); 1 tsp Ground black pepper (freshly ground if possible); 1 tsp Salt (use kosher salt for even seasoning); enough to cover turkey drumsticks ml Water (for boiling); 1 piece Bay leaf (fresh or dried); a few sprigs n/a Fresh herbs (optional, like rosemary or thyme)

Home Page / Boiling Recipes / How to Boil Turkey: The Ultimate Guide

easy

1 hour

Nutritional value per serving

Calories350kcal

Carbs2gram

Fat17gram

Protein40gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Turkey drumsticks (fresh, skin-on for more flavor)2 pieces
Olive oil (extra virgin preferred for best flavor)2 tbsp
Garlic cloves (fresh, minced)3 pieces
Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)3 tbsp
Honey or brown sugar (for a touch of sweetness)1 tbsp
Ground black pepper (freshly ground if possible)1 tsp
Salt (use kosher salt for even seasoning)1 tsp
Water (for boiling)enough to cover turkey drumsticks ml
Bay leaf (fresh or dried)1 piece
Fresh herbs (optional, like rosemary or thyme)a few sprigs n/a

This recipe guides you to make juicy, tender, and flavorful turkey drumstick by boiling it after marinating. Boiling helps break down the meat fibers, resulting in a soft texture while locking in the delicious marinade flavors. The recipe is beginner-friendly, with clear safety instructions including the importance of reaching a safe internal temperature (74°C or 165°F) to ensure the turkey is safe to eat. The total cost of ingredients is approximately 8 USD / 7.5 EUR / 6 GBP / 600 INR. The dish contains about 350 kcal per serving and fits in a balanced diet. Preparation complexity is easy, total cooking time is around 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the Marinade

1In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to blend all flavors. This marinade adds tangy, sweet, and savory flavors to your turkey.

Marinate the Turkey Drumsticks

2Place the turkey drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or a covered container. Pour the marinade over the drumsticks, ensuring they are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the meat to absorb flavors and become more tender.

Prepare to Boil

3Remove the turkey from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature. Place the marinated turkey drumsticks in a large pot. Add enough water to fully immerse the drumsticks. Add the bay leaf and fresh herbs to the pot to enhance aroma.

Boil the Turkey Drumsticks

4Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover with a lid, simmer gently for 50 to 60 minutes. Check occasionally and skim any foam or impurities that rise to the surface for a clearer broth. Cooking gently helps keep turkey tender and prevents the meat from toughening.

Check Internal Temperature

5After 50 minutes, check the turkey's doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick without touching the bone. Safe internal temperature for turkey is 74°C (165°F). If the temperature is lower, continue simmering and check every 5 minutes.

Rest and Serve

6Once fully cooked, remove drumsticks carefully and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicier. Serve as desired, with sides or shredded for salads and sandwiches.

Cooking Tips

1Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked safely. Avoid guessing doneness by color alone.

2Marinating the drumsticks overnight will yield more flavorful and tender meat, but 2 hours is sufficient if short on time.

3You can substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar depending on your preferred flavor.

4Avoid boiling aggressively; a gentle simmer cooks the meat evenly and prevents it from becoming tough.

5Store leftover cooked turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.

Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl
Measuring spoons
Resealable plastic bag or container for marinating
Large pot with lid
Meat thermometer
Tongs or slotted spoon for handling turkey

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Turkey drumsticks (2 pieces) - approx. $5.00. Choose drumsticks with firm skin and fresh color.
[ ] Olive oil (extra virgin) - approx. $0.50 for needed portion. Select cold-pressed oil for best flavor.
[ ] Fresh garlic (3 cloves) - approx. $0.30. Pick firm bulbs without sprouting.
[ ] Soy sauce (3 tbsp) - approx. $0.20. Use low sodium if preferred.
[ ] Honey (1 tbsp) - approx. $0.40. Raw honey adds extra flavor.
[ ] Ground black pepper (1 tsp) - approx. $0.10. Freshly ground is best.
[ ] Kosher salt (1 tsp) - approx. $0.05. Avoid iodized salt for marinating.
[ ] Bay leaf (1 piece) - approx. $0.05.
[ ] Fresh rosemary or thyme (a few sprigs) - approx. $0.40. Optional for aroma.

Total cost: Approx. $6.90 / 6.5 EUR / 5.5 GBP / 520 INR

FAQ

Can I boil turkey drumsticks without marinating?

Yes, you can boil turkey drumsticks without marinating, but marinating adds flavor and helps tenderize the meat.

How do I know the turkey drumstick is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the meat to be safe to eat.

Is boiling turkey drumstick healthier than roasting?

Boiling is a healthy cooking method because it doesn't require added fat and helps keep the meat moist, but roasting adds a different flavor and texture.