These delicious turkey nuggets, soaked in pickle juice and fried golden brown, are a household favorite.
Spring is in the air! Temperatures are on the rise, rainfall is regular, birds are chirping, and flowers are blooming. The dormant winter woods are coming back to life. I enjoy all of these things……..mostly as concealment! That’s right, It’s turkey season in Tennessee! Longbeard’s are letting their hammering gobbles roll through the bottoms in the morning and strutting the afternoon away in open green pastures. So, flick the ticks, keep an eye out for poison oak and cottonmouths, and put some meat in the freezer because this wild turkey recipe will have you coming back for more.
My daughter toting a tom.
Ingredients for Fried Wild Turkey Nuggets
There are only a few simple ingredients for these delicious fried turkey nuggets. The hidden gem here, though, is the pickle juice. It creates a taste that brings a smile to face every time! You will need the following:
- Pickle Juice
- Zatarain’s Chicken Fry Mix (or your preference)
- Wild Turkey Breast
- Oil for frying
How to Make This Fried Turkey Nuggets Recipe
- Cut a wild turkey breast into nuggets (approximately 2 in x 1.5 in)
- Tenderize the nuggets
- Soak the nuggets in pickle juice for 30 minutes or longer
- Roll the nuggets in your favorite fry mix
- Drop the nuggets into the fryer
A solid turkey platter with fried turkey nuggets, grilled turkey nuggets, turkey poppers. For a Grilled Turkey Nuggets Recipe, click here.
How Long to Cook Fried Turkey Nuggets?
At the recommended size, fry these wild turkey nuggets for approximately six minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. The nuggets will often float when done.
Tips for Making the Best Turkey Nuggets
- Soak in pickle juice for at least 30 minutes prior to battering the nuggets. This makes all the difference!
- Tenderize the nuggets before soaking. While this is not a requirement, it definitely improves the quality of fried turkey nuggets by offering a cleaner bite. I’m sure we’ve all had the nuggets that require a good tug and leave you picking your teeth later. This removes those issues. Don’t over tenderize. Just lightly beat each side with a tenderizer hammer.
- Let the nuggets drip dry by placing on a roasting basket/rack. This helps prevent the soggy bottom that can come about by using the old paper towel method. Simply place a roasting basket on a baking sheet or on a paper towel sheet to allow the oil to drip off.
- Go turkey hunting!!! Sure, you can buy domestic turkey at the store (or chicken) and make this recipe but where’s the fun in that!? Get out there and gain some experiences and memories. Enjoy the outdoors and even some time with friends and family. What better way to make the meal even more rewarding and enjoyable?
Get out there and gain some experiences and memories with friends and family.
Other Turkey Recipes
Fried Turkey Nuggets
These delicious turkey nuggets, soaked in pickle juice and
fried golden brown, are a household favorite.
Ingredients
- Pickle Juice
- Zatarain’s Chicken Fry Mix (or your preference)
- 1 Wild Turkey Breast
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Cut a turkey breast into nuggets (approximately 2 in x 1.5 in)
- Using a hammer tenderizer, lightly tenderize both sides of the nuggets.
- Soak the nuggets in pickle juice for 30 minutes or longer
- Heat the oil to about 360 degrees*. We generally use peanut or corn oil for deep frying.
- Roll the nuggets in the fry mix ensuring that it is well coated.
- Place the breaded nuggets in the fry basket and lower them into oil. Fry until golden brown and the internal temperature is 165 degrees, or about six minutes. The nuggets will often float when done.
Notes
* 350-375 degrees is typically acceptable for deep frying. The given time and temperature is based off of what works best in my fryer.
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