Recipe: Golden Wild Turkey Nuggets

by
posted on November 20, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
recipe-golden-wild-turkey-nuggets_lead.jpg

Wild turkey management has been a positive and good news story across North America. Hunters have been instrumental in supporting conservation efforts to create and maintain new populations. For many of us, turkey hunting is like an obsession, where one just can't get enough. Taking advantage of the spring and fall seasons ensures a steady supply of wild turkeys.

One reason turkey is so popular is due to the way they grace a table. Wild turkey cooked properly is outstanding. It can be challenging to cook, as it tends to dry out quickly. Cooking turkey breast in oil with high heat locks in the moisture and brings out the natural flavors of a wild bird.

Nuggets are a popular way to serve any turkey. A light breading does not detract from the bird's flavor, and most will agree there is significantly more flavor in a wild bird than a store-bought one. 

A variety of dipping sauces can be used to augment flavors without giving up any of that turkey taste. Aubrey D. hot sauces will add some kick and flair to any meal. Check out the hot sauces and dipping sauces to go with the turkey nuggets—order online for shipping across North America.

Ingredients
• 2 boneless, skinless turkey breasts
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 cup corn flour
• 1 Tbsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp seasoning salt (Bearded Butcher Original or Chipotle)
• 1 quart cooking oil (peanut, corn or canola oil)

Wild Turkey Nuggets with French Fries


Directions

1. Trim silver skins and tough connective tissue off turkey breasts and cut the breasts into 1½-inch nuggets. Do not cut smaller pieces, as they will dry out when cooking.

2. Place the turkey nuggets in a large bowl and pour buttermilk over them to cover. Refrigerate overnight (8-24 hours).

3. Combine breadcrumbs, corn flour, and spices in a bag or airtight container.

4. Drain excess buttermilk off turkey nuggets. Place 4 or 6 nuggets at a time in the breadcrumbs and shake until fully coated.

5. Add cooking oil to a 12 to 14-inch Camp Chef cast iron frying pan to a depth of about 1 inch. Preheat cooking oil to 325 to 350°F, or medium-high. Gently place nuggets one at a time in the oil to fill the pan, and cook until they are golden brown, flipping once. The total cooking time will be 4 minutes.

6. Remove nuggets from oil and place them on a paper towel-lined tray to absorb excess cooking oil. Serve hot with your favorite BBQ or dipping sauces.

The Bearded Butchers, based in Ohio, makes great seasonings and sauces for wild game that are gluten and MSG-free. Their variety pack of seasonings includes Chipotle, Original, Cajun and Hot seasoning blends, which work great to season nuggets and fries.

Latest

Whitetail Lede
Whitetail Lede

Deer Hunting Lessons: A Search in Saskatchewan

If you’re looking for a happy hunting tale, complete with a satisfying ending and a big grip-and-grin, skip this one. You’ll be disappointed. This is a story about losing, dejection, a measure of redemption and the lessons that sprouted from it all. Intrigued? Read on.

First Look: Alps OutdoorZ DU Legend Layout Blind

Alps OutdoorZ has released the Ducks Unlimited Legend Layout Blind, designed to protect hunters braving the harshest elements in any setup, in order to maintain focus on the birds, not the hide or weather.

Behind the Bullet: .22 Short

What is the first American metallic cartridge? While many of you may not have even heard of it, let alone shot it, the miniscule cartridge deserves a place of honor, if for nothing more than inspiring the ballisticians to develop our beloved .22 LR.

Federal Custom Shop Introduces New Rifle and Shotshell Options

Federal Custom Shop has added eight new centerfire and six shotshell loads to its line of expertly handloaded ammunition, built to order with the highest-quality components. The offerings are tailored for hunters and shooters who cannot find specific bullet options in factory-loaded ammunition on the retail shelf.

So You Pulled the Trigger; Now What?

After the gun goes off, what you do next will directly impact if you successfully recover your deer or elk.

First Look: ZeroTech Optics Vengeance 1-8x24mm LPVO

ZeroTech Optics has released its all-new Vengeance 1-8x24mm LPVO riflescopes, available in classic black and FDE.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.