What is Turkey Knuckles? A Guide to This Underrated Cut

Turkey knuckles are an underappreciated cut of meat that deserves more attention. In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about turkey knuckles – what they are, how to cook them, their health benefits, and some delicious recipe ideas

What Exactly Are Turkey Knuckles?

Turkey knuckles refer to the lower part of a turkey leg, just above the ankle joint. They consist of lean, flavorful dark meat still attached to a small round bone. The knuckles attach the drumstick to the thigh bone on a whole turkey leg.

While not as widely known as other turkey cuts like the breast or drumstick knuckles have a tasty succulent meat similar to osso bucco. Their rich taste comes from being well-exercised muscles of the bird.

Knuckles are sometimes confused with turkey legs. But knuckles specifically comprise the lower end of the leg, below the drumstick.

Benefits of Cooking With Turkey Knuckles

There are many good reasons to cook with turkey knuckles

• Inexpensive – Knuckles are a budget-friendly cut and cost less than turkey breasts or other white meat. Buying knuckles is a great way to save money while still enjoying delicious turkey flavor.

• Nutritious – Turkey knuckles provide lean protein, iron, zinc, phosphorus, and B vitamins. The meat is low in fat and calories compared to other turkey cuts.

• Packed with Flavor – With a rich, intense turkey taste, knuckles make an extremely flavorful addition to soups, stews, and braised dishes. Slow cooking brings out their savory juiciness.

• No Waste – You can boil the knuckle bones after cooking to make a mineral-rich turkey broth for soups and gravy. So none of the turkey goes to waste.

How to Cook Turkey Knuckles

Turkey knuckles benefit from slow, moist cooking methods that break down their collagen into delicious gelatin that makes the meat fall-off-the-bone tender. Here are some top cooking techniques:

Oven Roasting – Roast seasoned knuckles in the oven at 350°F for 1-2 hours until deeply browned. Baste occasionally with turkey stock or drippings for added moisture and flavor.

Braising – Brown knuckles, then braise in turkey or chicken stock with vegetables until fork tender after about 2 hours. Make an amazing gravy from the braising liquid.

Slow Cooker – Add turkey knuckles to a slow cooker with broth, herbs and spices. Cook on low for 7-8 hours until the meat shreds easily.

Grilling – Marinate knuckles in a wet rub or brine. Grill over medium heat for around 40 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred outside and cooked through.

Smoking – Soak knuckles in a brine or spice rub, then smoke low and slow at 225°F for 3-4 hours until perfectly tender.

Pressure Cooking – Pressure cook seasoned knuckles with broth for 20-30 minutes until extremely tender. Use the natural release method before opening the lid.

Flavorful Seasonings and Sauces for Knuckles

Turkey knuckles take well to many seasoning combinations. Consider rubbing or marinating them in:

• Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage
• Spices like garlic powder, paprika, cumin and chili powder
• Savory sauces like barbecue sauce, teriyaki, hoisin, jerk or mole sauce
• Citrus juices and zests like lemon, lime, orange or grapefruit
• Soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and vinegar
• Onion soup mix, Italian dressing, salsa verde

Delicious Ways to Use Turkey Knuckles

Beyond enjoying turkey knuckles roasted, braised or grilled on their own, you can also use them creatively in recipes:

• Add shredded knuckle meat to soups, stews and chili
• Use in turkey tetrazzini, enchiladas, casseroles or empanadas
• Make turkey salad sandwiches with chopped knuckle
• Stuff inside turkey leg roulade with stuffing
• Dice and mix into turkey burgers or meatloaf
• Shred for turkey BBQ sliders or tacos
• Pair with roasted vegetables like Brussel sprouts
• Use in hearty turkey and dumplings or pot pie
• Make turkey knuckle stock for risotto or gravy

Where to Buy Turkey Knuckles

Fresh turkey knuckles can be found at:

• Specialty butcher shops or meat markets
• Farmers markets from local poultry vendors
• Some well-stocked grocery stores like Whole Foods
• Direct from local poultry farms or CSAs

You can also often buy frozen turkey knuckles to cook from scratch. Thaw them completely in the fridge before using.

Storing and Handling Turkey Knuckles

Properly storing turkey knuckles preserves freshness and food safety:

• Store fresh knuckles in the fridge for 2-3 days until ready to cook
• Freeze raw knuckles for 4-6 months in an airtight package
• Cooked knuckles keep refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months
• Thaw frozen knuckles overnight in the fridge before cooking
• Fully cook knuckles to an internal temperature of 165°F
• Reheat leftovers thoroughly to 165°F to avoid foodborne illness

Satisfying Smothered Turkey Knuckles Recipe

This mouthwatering recipe for Smothered Turkey Knuckles is a perfect way to enjoy their rich, succulent flavor:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb turkey knuckles
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp each dried thyme and rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse and pat dry turkey knuckles. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Brown knuckles on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet.

3. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion, carrots, celery and bell pepper. Cook 5 minutes until starting to soften. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

4. Sprinkle in flour and stir to coat vegetables. Slowly whisk in chicken broth. Stir in thyme, rosemary and turkey knuckles.

5. Simmer over low heat for 2-2.5 hours until knuckles are very tender, stirring occasionally.

6. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve knuckles and vegetables smothered in the delicious gravy.

So give flavorful, budget-friendly turkey knuckles a chance on your dinner table. With the right cooking methods and seasonings, they make for finger-licking-good eating!