Turkey Tail Recipe: Don't Let Your Turkey Tail Go to Waste

Are you in the mood to try something new and delicious? Then you can save this recipe for the evenings when you want to cook something different but flavorful. Seasoned with a simple mix of spices, this turkey tail recipe can be extremely tasty.

Turkey tails are a lesser-known cut of meat, but the secret is that they are incredibly flavorful and juicy when cooked properly. We chose to bake the turkey tail, as it is a convenient and effortless cooking method. You can achieve a deliciously crisp exterior by baking the meat while preserving its moisture and tenderness.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Substitutions
• Variations
• Equipment
• Storage
• Pro Tips
• My Turkey Tail Recipe
• Comments

Ingredients

• Cooking oil spray — 1 tsp.
• Turkey tail — 1 lb.
• Olive oil — 2 tbsp.
• Garlic powder — 1 tsp.
• Onion powder — 1 tsp.
• Paprika — 1 tsp.
• Salt — ½ tsp.
• Ground black pepper — ¼ tsp.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and spray a baking dish with cooking oil.

2. Rinse the turkey tails with water, and dry them with paper towels.

3. Combine the remaining ingredients in a mixing bowl.

4. Add the turkey tails into the bowl and coat them with the mixture.

5. Transfer the tails onto the prepared baking dish.

6. Bake for 60-65 minutes.

7. Remove the tails from the oven, and let them cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Substitutions

• Turkey tail — Representing the heart of our recipe, turkey tails are tender and flavorful. Although few alternatives for turkey tails can replicate the exact flavor and texture, you may experiment with other meat cuts, such as lamb or ox tail.

• Olive oil — The distinct flavor profile of olive oil is a key element in this recipe. Not only does it create a crispy and savory texture, but it also adds depth to the dish. Vegetable oil or butter can add moisture and flavor if you prefer to substitute for the olive oil.

• Paprika — Paprika is well-known for its attractive, slightly sweet flavor. But more than this, it gives a nice reddish color to our turkey tail recipe. If you’re wondering what you can use instead of paprika, chili powder or cayenne pepper can be good alternatives.

Variations

• Mediterranean — Give your turkey tails recipe a twist and rub them with a combination of oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and garlic for an irresistible Mediterranean taste.

• Caribbean — A blend of allspice, ground nutmeg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and dried thyme can give your turkey tails a Caribbean touch.

• Mexican — Mexican cuisine is well-known for its bold and flavorful aromas. Incorporate a chili powder, cumin, and oregano blend for a slightly spicy yet delicious taste.

• BBQ — Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to make a delicious BBQ blend to season the turkey tails.

Equipment

• Measuring spoons

• Oven

• Oil spray

• Baking dish

• Paper towels

• Medium-sized mixing bowl

Storage

• After removing it from the oven, allow the turkey tail to cool down to room temperature.

• The turkey tail leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to three months. Ensure you’re using a good airtight food container or a freezer bag.

Pro Tips

• To enhance the taste of your turkey tails, opt for marinating them in a blend of seasonings, oil, and lemon juice. Marinate them for at least 2 hours to achieve an elevated taste.

• Cover the turkey tail with aluminum foil while baking to prevent them from drying out and ensure a juicy result. Don’t forget to remove the foil 10 minutes before the cooking process is over so a nice crust can develop.