Description
This recipe for Easy Roasted Turkey Legs delivers tender, juicy turkey with a flavorful herb and spice rub. Roasted to perfection with lemon, red onion, and fresh rosemary, these turkey legs are an excellent alternative to roasting a whole bird, perfect for a cozy meal with rich, aromatic taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Spice Rub
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- ½ tbsp garlic powder
- ½ tbsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
Main Ingredients
- 3 ½ pounds (1.3kg) turkey leg and thigh portions
- 3 tbsp olive oil, or as needed
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds (use the zested lemon)
- 1 red onion, sliced into rounds
- Few sprigs fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Prepare the turkey: Rub the turkey legs thoroughly with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. In a bowl, combine oregano, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and lemon zest to create the spice rub. Sprinkle this rub liberally over both sides of the turkey legs, pressing slightly to adhere.
- Preheat and prepare roasting pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a roasting tin with baking paper or foil for easier cleanup. Arrange the sliced red onion, fresh rosemary sprigs, and lemon rounds evenly in the roasting tin to create a flavorful bed for the turkey.
- Roast turkey, skin side down: Place the turkey legs on top of the bed, skin side down first. Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to start rendering the fat and infusing flavors.
- Turn and continue roasting: Carefully turn the turkey legs over so the skin side is up. Continue roasting for an additional 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (167°F), ensuring the meat is fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest and serve: Remove the turkey legs from the oven and loosely tent with foil. Let them rest for 20-30 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy the aromatic, tender meat.
Notes
- The roasting process using skin side down first ensures maximum flavor and tenderness by rendering fat and keeping the meat juicy.
- Lemon zest in the rub and lemon slices in the roasting tray add a bright citrus aroma that complements the herbs perfectly.
- Resting the turkey after cooking is essential for moist, tender slices.
- This recipe serves approximately 6 people, making it ideal for smaller gatherings without needing a whole turkey.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 397 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 559 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 157 mg
