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Pulled Turkey Recipe

Pulled Turkey Recipe - Friendsgiving Food Ideas

As a food enthusiast, I believe every meal tells a story, and pulled turkey is no exception. The first time I made pulled turkey at home, I felt like I had uncovered a treasure. Tender, flavorful, and versatile, it quickly became a mainstay in my kitchen. 
I often whip it up for gatherings or cozy dinners. But what exactly is pulled turkey? Let’s dive in.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: American
Calories: 642
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Turkey Rub:
  • 4 1/2 lbs lbs turkey thigh 2 kg
  • 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon mild paprika
  • 1/4 - 1/2- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt or kosher salt
  • 1/2 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce:
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup tomato ketchup
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked honey
  • 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey
  1. Rub the Seasoning
    Start by patting the turkey thighs dry with paper towels. In a bowl, combine smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, mild paprika, cayenne, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Rub this mixture generously over the turkey, ensuring it’s well coated.
Step 2: Sear the Turkey
  1. Brown the Meat
    In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of oil. Once hot, sear the turkey thighs until golden brown on both sides. This step locks in flavors. You’ll want just a few minutes on each side—don’t worry about cooking it all the way through.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
  1. Combine Ingredients
    In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and sauté until soft. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, ketchup, broth, vinegar, smoked honey, and brown sugar. Bring it to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Turkey
  1. Low and Slow
    Transfer the turkey thighs to a slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the meat. Set the slow cooker on low and cook for about 6-8 hours. Alternatively, if you don’t have a slow cooker, you can wrap the turkey in foil and bake it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 hours.
Step 5: Shred the Turkey
  1. Time to Shred
    Once done, the turkey should shred easily with two forks. Mix the shredded turkey with the sauce left in the slow cooker. This step adds moisture and flavor to the meat.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
  1. Dish It Up
    Now, it’s time to plate up! Serve your pulled turkey on buns, in tacos, or as a stand-alone meal with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Use Thighs: Turkey thighs are best for pulling. They have more fat and stay moist during cooking.
  • Add More Flavor: Don’t hesitate to add additional spices or herbs to the rub. Thyme or rosemary can add wonderful aromatic notes.
  • Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your turkey as cooking times may vary based on size and method. The meat should easily shred when it's done.
  • Make Ahead: Pulled turkey stores beautifully. Make it ahead of time and reheat it for a quick meal later.
  • Experiment with Sauces: Feel free to switch up the sauce. Adding chipotle or cayenne can give it a nice kick!