Tandoori Turkey Leg

Get ready for a flavor-packed fusion with these Tandoori Turkey Legs, where traditional Indian spices meet the slow-cooked tenderness and smoky depth of turkey. Prepared in your Masterbuilt AutoIgnite™ Series 545, this dish offers a unique and delicious twist on classic barbecue that’s sure to impress at any gathering.

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

1. 01

   In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, minced garlic, grated ginger, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and lemon juice. Mix well to ensure all the spices are thoroughly blended into the yogurt.

2.  

   

Prepare the Marinade

3. 02

   Season the turkey legs with salt and pepper, then coat them completely with the tandoori marinade. Make sure the marinade penetrates the skin and gets under it as much as possible for better flavor absorption.

4.  

   

5. 03

   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and penetrate the meat.

Preheat the Smoker

6. 04

   Set up your Masterbuilt Digital Charcoal Gravity Series Smoker and preheat it to 300°F (149°C). This temperature will cook the turkey legs thoroughly while allowing the flavors to develop.

Smoke the Turkey Legs

7. 05

   Remove the turkey legs from the marinade, shaking off excess. Place the turkey legs directly on the smoker's grill grate.

8.  

   

9. 06

   Close the lid and smoke the turkey legs until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 2 to 3 hours. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Serving

10. 07

    Once cooked, remove the turkey legs from the smoker and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.

11. 08

    Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

12.  

    

Sheed's Tips

13. 09

    For an authentic tandoori color, you can add a small amount of red food coloring to the marinade if desired.

14. 10

    Keep the smoker closed as much as possible to maintain a consistent temperature and maximize the smoke flavor.

15. 11

    Tandoori turkey legs can be served with naan bread, cucumber raita, or a simple salad to complement the robust flavors of the tandoori spices.