Having a batch of leftover turkey leg meat in the fridge is handy, especially when you’re hungry and short on time. When determining how to reheat turkey, microwaving correctly ensures the meat remains soft, juicy and gets thoroughly heated.
Using a microwave, it is quite convenient to reheat turkey legs in a couple minutes. Pair with a green bean casserole and mac and cheese on the side so a wholesome meal with minimal effort.
How do you reheat a turkey leg in the microwave? Cut chucks of meat off the turkey legs so that it heats evenly. Dividing the legs into small bits might ruin the shape or presentation, but will guarantee warm meat quickly.
Put the pieces of turkey leg meat on a microwave-safe plate and spread into a single layer, do not pile or overcrowd the plate. Add a pad of butter or splash of stock to enhance richness with added moisture, then cover the plate with a lid.
Microwave on medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74 degrees Celsius or 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Whether the turkey leg is stored in freezer or refrigerator, it is important to bring the meat to room temperature to speed up the reheating process instead of microwaving directly from cold.
When completely frozen, consider to defrost turkey leg in the microwave at low power prior to reheating to avoid improper reheating.
Understanding how to correctly reheat turkey legs using microwave is essential to guarantee a great experience.
In this article, we will highlight everything you need to know about how to reheat a turkey leg using a microwave. Answered below are frequently asked questions about using a microwave to reheat turkey leg meat so that it tastes as good as when first prepared.
Can you reheat a turkey leg in the microwave?
Absolutely yes, you can quickly and easily reheat a turkey leg in the microwave. Matter of fact, reheating turkey legs using a microwave is simple and quicker compared to other methods.
Separate the turkey leg meat from the bone for even heating so that the outside edges don’t overcook and dry out. To avoid overheating a turkey leg, be time observant, add a tablespoon of sauce, broth or butter, and also cover with a lid to trap steam.
Is it safe to reheat turkey leg in the microwave?
Yes, it is safe to reheat turkey legs using a microwave. As long as the precooked turkey leg is properly stored in the fridge or freezer, then it can be reheated to an internal temperature of 74 degrees Celsius or 165 degrees Fahrenheit for it to be safely served.
Microwaving turkey legs is safe as the meat is heated to the proper internal temp. Furthermore, it is vital to use a microwave-safe plate.
Additionally, it is recommended to avoid reheating the turkey leg meat on the bone. Always debone large pieces of meat as bones can shield meat from thorough heating to a safe internal temperature.
How long do you microwave a turkey leg?
It takes a short time to microwave turkey leg when deboned and cut into smaller pieces. Reheating turkey leg meat cut off the bone takes about 2 minutes per pound on medium heat or microwave reheat setting.
The time may vary depending on the power of the microwave, amount of meat and the sizes of each piece.
Check whether the legs are warm enough after 60 seconds. If they are not, continue reheating until reaching the safe to eat internal temperature of 74 degrees Celsius or 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tips to reheat a turkey leg in the microwave
Microwaving turkey leg is an effective way of reheating the meat quickly. It is a simple, fast and straightforward method of warming up turkey legs.
The following microwave tips to reheat a turkey leg ensure the best results every time:
- Cut the legs into small pieces and remove the bones to ensure the meat will heat evenly. Heating the whole leg may not guarantee the best results as some parts of the meat may not fully heat as the bones may shield the heat. Splitting the leg into smaller pieces ensures all parts of meat are heated accordingly.
- Spread the pieces of the meat in a single layer onto a microwave-safe plate. Avoid overcrowding the meat chunks in the center of the dish.
- Moisten the pieces of leg meat before reheating as preserving the turkey leg in a freezer or fridge will definitely make the meat drier. Add some form of liquid to the meat to ensure the leg does not dry out when reheated. Some of the liquids include gravy, butter, water, olive oil and stock. Butter and oil ensure the reheated legs maintain their original flavor and freshness. These liquids make the reheated meat taste as though it was freshly prepared.
- Cover the turkey leg with a microwave cover, damp paper towel or microwave safe plastic wrap. Wrapping the turkey leg pieces with a microwaveable covering helps to trap steam to ensure all the pieces of turkey leg reheat evenly and more efficiently.
- Do not overheat. Overcooking leads to undesirable dryness resulting in chewy and tough meat.
Best way to reheat a turkey leg in the microwave
Turkey leg meat tends to dry up when reheated improperly. Whether it is heated up in the stove or oven, the moisture content is often lost during fridge or freezer storage.
The best way to reheat a turkey leg in the microwave is by adding fat or liquid as the moisturizing agent to keep it juicy and tender. Fat will provide the turkey legs with essential steam required to keep the meat soft, juicy and delicious, which makes it taste freshly cooked.
To get the best results, slice the leg into small pieces and remove the bone. Deboning the leg meat will significantly help to reheat more evenly.
Place the meat chunks on a microwave-safe dish and tightly cover with plastic wrap or damp paper towel. Ensure the meat is on single layer and not overcrowded in one area on the plate.
Microwave on medium heat or 70% power level for 3 to 5 minutes in 60 second intervals. Time the reheating process accurately to avoid overheating, which results in the meat becoming dry and tough to chew.
Check with a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 74 degrees Celsius for safe consumption. Drizzle with warm gravy and toss it in salad or sandwich of your choice to complete the meal prep in just a few minutes.
Reheating Turkey Legs in Microwave: Conclusion
Reheating a turkey leg in the microwave is an effective way of warming meat for lunch or dinner. It is simple, fast and convenient way of reheating your turkey leg, especially when hungry, tired and strained by time.
Microwaving a turkey leg is a straightforward and safe way of preparing a meal quickly. To get wonderful results, follow the simple steps and microwave tips.
Pick your favorite moistening liquid to ensure the turkey leg is juicy, soft and remains delicious. Accurate timing is also vital to prevent the meat from overheating.
Prepare the turkey leg by removing the bones and cut the meat into smaller pieces for even heating. Do not microwave the turkey leg with the bone as it can react as a shield to prevent from fully heating the meat.
Put the chunks of meat in single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Add a splash of stock, oil or butter for flavor, and cover with a plastic wrap, microwave-safe lid, or a damp paper towel.
Set the microwave on medium heat and run for 60 seconds at a time. At each intervals, stir well and check the temperature. If the turkey leg meat is not fully reheated, repeat the process with 30 second increments until it is piping hot and the internal temp reaches 74℃ or 165℉.
Within a matter of minutes, the precooked turkey leg can be reheated in the microwave and ready to serve.