Description
Discover the ultimate wild turkey breast recipes! Learn how to transform lean wild turkey into a tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful meal with this garlic herb roasted method.
Ingredients
1-1.5 lb wild turkey breast
1/4 cup salt (for brine)
1/4 cup sugar (for brine)
4 cups warm water (for brine)
2 cups ice water (for brine)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
Step 1: Begin by brining your wild turkey breast. In a large bowl or container, dissolve 1/4 cup salt and 1/4 cup sugar in 4 cups of warm water. Add 2 cups of ice water to cool it down. Submerge the wild turkey breast and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 8 hours.
Step 2: After brining, remove the turkey breast and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine 4 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Mix well.
Step 4: Generously rub the herb mixture all over the wild turkey breast, ensuring it's evenly coated. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes while you preheat your oven.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, sear the wild turkey breast for 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown.
Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 15-25 minutes, or until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 160°F (71°C).
Step 7: Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the wild turkey breast to a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes.
Step 8: Slice the wild turkey breast against the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
Brining is key for tender wild turkey breast. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure proper cooking without over-drying. Resting the meat is non-negotiable for juiciness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg