How To Reheat Smoked Turkey Leg

Reheat Smoked Turkey Leg

Turkey leg is one of the easiest meals to reheat and prepare even on the most busiest of weeknights. Leftovers can be stretched to last the whole week if stored well. You can reheat your turkey leg for a quick midweek dinner alongside roasted vegetables or anything else of your choice. Below are some of the most effective ways of reheating turkey leg. Make sure that you let your frozen leftovers thaw before attempting to reheat them.

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The Oven Method To Reheat Smoked Turkey Leg

One of the most effective ways to reheat turkey leg is in the oven. This method is simple and it does not take a lot of time. This method allows your meat to retain its juiciness and crunchy taste. You only need an oven tray or pan, a bit of oil, or spray (optional) and your left over turkey leg.

Simply follow these steps;

  1. First preheat your oven to at least 325 degrees Fahrenheit,
  2. Place your meat in an oven tray or pan big enough to accommodate your turkey leg,
  3. Place your dish or pan in the preheated oven,
  4. Let your meat cook for about 20 minutes or so before removing it to check its temperature,
  5. Simply put your turkey leg back in the oven if it has not warmed up well. Make sure you check your meat after every 5 to 10 minutes or so. Your turkey leg should be ready to serve after a bit of time.

Another way you can reheat your turkey leg in the oven is by placing your meat in an oven safe dish and adding 1/8 cup of water or broth/stock to the pan. Cover your roast pan with foil and reheat your oven at 300 degrees F until warmed through.  This way you can maintain moisture and the juiciness of your turkey leg without overcooking it. Place your pan with your leftover meat inside the oven and let it cook by generating steam/convection within the pan. This is another effective way of reheating your turkey leg without making it dry.

The Microwave Method

Another effective way of reheating your turkey leg is in a microwave. Microwaving meat is a quick and convenient method of warming up your meat. Your turkey leg should not be reheated on high settings in the microwave because it may cause your meat to become tough. Place your turkey leg cuts in a microwave safe dish and cover it. All you need is a microwave safe dish and your leftover meal.

Simply follow these steps to reheat your turkey leg in the microwave.

  1. Place some pieces of your turkey leg in a microwave-safe dish and cover it,
  2. Put your meat in the microwave and let it cook for about five minutes or so. You can also set your microwave’s setting for reheating meat,
  3. Check if your meat is warm enough if needed, continue reheating your turkey leg for two to three minutes at a time, checking the temperature at each interval,
  4. Your turkey leg should be ready to serve after some time,

The Stove Top Method To Reheat Smoked Turkey Leg

Reheating turkey leg can also be quickly done on the stovetop over low heat in a frying pan. Regular, cast iron, or non-stick pans can do the job even better. Ensure that you have a lid that fits the pan of your choice because reheating in an uncovered pan will result in dried-out meat. A lid will help trap all the moisture and steam, so that the meat absorbs it and tastes just as good as it did the first time you made it.

What you will need;

  • A pan big enough to fill your leftover dish,
  • Your leftover turkey leg,
  • Some oil, it can be olive oil, vegetable oil, or butter,

Simply follow these steps to heat up your turkey leg;

  1. Put a little bit of oil in your stovetop pan,
  2. Set your stove top to low to medium heat,
  3. Add your meat into the pan and cover your pan with a lid,
  4. Flip your meat after some time,
  5. Let your turkey leg cook for 12 to 15 minutes. It should be ready to serve once it is warm enough,

Tips For Reheating Turkey Leg

  • You should not reheat your meat more than once.
  • You should only store your turkey leg in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If it exceeds 3 days then you will need to chuck it out.
  • If your meat has sat out at room or outdoor temperature for over 2 hours then you may need to throw it away.
  • To ensure the quality of the food, make sure you reheat it at a low flame temperature in a pan with oil & butter.
  • To ensure that leftovers are safe to eat, make sure the food is cooked to a safe temperature and refrigerate the leftovers promptly.
  • Consider slicing your turkey leg when it is cold before warming it up.
  • It is also important to let any frozen turkey leg defrost before reheating it.

Re-Invent Your Leftover Turkey Leg

You can make the most of your sauces and condiments to reinvent your leftover meals.  You can try an easy gravy or spiced cranberry sauce and mix it up with your leftover turkey leg. Another dish you can make using reheated turkey leg is with a hoisin sauce for a tasty onion pancake topping.

Another creative way to reuse your turkey leg is by turning your leftover meat into pulled turkey leg by getting hands on or using forks to shred any leftover meat. This is perfect for leg cuts. You can later store the shredded meat in airtight containers in the fridge and use it in place of mince as fillings for dumplings, pot pies or even spring rolls. Mixing your shredded meat in a smoky barbecue sauce for sliders, or as a toppings for tacos can also work.

The Best Way To Store Left over Turkey Leg

It is crucial to always check the label on your turkey leg for an accurate guide for how long it can last in the refrigerator. Cooked or roasted meat will last up to four days when it is wrapped tightly or kept in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also store your turkey leg in the freezer for two to three months.

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