Wild turkey breast is a lean and flavorful meat that can be a delightful change from traditional poultry dishes. Unlike domestic turkey, the wild turkey has a more intense flavour and firmer texture, making it ideal for grilling. This recipe showcases the best wild turkey breast by marinating it in a savoury blend of herbs and spices before grilling it perfectly. The marinade infuses the meat with flavour while keeping it juicy and tender. Served with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad, this dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or a special family dinner.
What is Wild turkey
Grilling turkey breast requires careful attention to prevent the meat from becoming too dry, but the effort is well worth it. The grill’s high heat sears the outside, creating a delicious crust while keeping the inside moist. The marinade, which includes olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs, enhances the natural flavours of the turkey without overpowering them. This simple yet sophisticated recipe makes it an excellent choice for novice and experienced cooks.
Want to Crack Cake Recipe
Delicious Wild Turkey Breast: Get Cooking with This Recipe
4
servings15
minutes20
minutes35
minutesIngredients:
- For the Marinade:
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Turkey:
2 pounds wild turkey breast, sliced into 1-inch thick cutlets
Lemon wedges and fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the turkey:
- Place the wild turkey breast cutlets in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the turkey, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4 hours, to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F or 190-200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill Turkey:
- Remove the turkey breast cutlets from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Place the cutlets on the preheated grill. Grill 5-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meat is no longer pink in the centre. Avoid overcooking to prevent the meat from drying out.
- Serve:
- Transfer the grilled turkey breast to a serving platter. Let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired. Serve with your favourite side dishes.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, pound the turkey breast cutlets to an even thickness before marinating.
- If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, use a grill pan or broil the turkey in the oven.
