Expertly prepared wild turkey recipe
Turkey Carnitas
Wild Turkey Recipe
★4.2(195)
1Setup & Prepare
About This Recipe
Turkey legs are slow-braised in citrus and spices until fork-tender, then shredded and crisped for authentic carnitas texture. The traditional Mexican technique transforms tough leg meat into incredibly flavorful taco filling with crispy edges and bright citrus notes.
2Ingredients
Shopping List
19 ingredients total17 with images8 with substitutions
3Cooking Instructions
-
Initial Browning:
- Brown turkey pieces in fat in Dutch oven
- Brown all sides for maximum flavor
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Braising Setup:
- Add citrus juices and aromatics
- Liquid should come halfway up turkey
- Add water if needed
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Slow Cooking:
- Cover, braise at 275°F for 3-4 hours
- Turkey should be falling apart tender
- Remove lid last hour to concentrate flavors
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Shredding and Crisping:
- Shred meat, discarding bones and skin
- Spread on sheet pan
- Broil 5-8 minutes until edges crisp
Traditional Service: In corn tortillas with onions, cilantro, and lime
4Chef's Notes & Pairings
5Interactive Recipe Tools
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6Reviews & Ratings
4.2
Based on 195 reviews
5 star
82
4 star
75
3 star
26
2 star
10
1 star
2