Remember those giant, smoky turkey legs from the state fair? Now you can make an even more delicious version right at home, without the long lines! These Sweet Orange Turkey Legs are a game-changer, pressure-cooked to absolute perfection in a fraction of the time. We’re talking incredibly tender, juicy meat that practically melts in your mouth, all coated in a vibrant, savory-sweet glaze. The combination of zesty orange, umami-rich soy sauce, and a gentle kick of chili creates a truly unforgettable flavor. It’s the perfect impressive-yet-easy weeknight dinner or a fantastic low-carb meal prep option.
Ingredients
• 2 whole turkey legs
• ½ cup / 120 ml soy sauce
• 2 tbsp / 30 g sugar-free chili sauce
• 2 tbsp orange zest
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 small green chili, finely chopped
• 1 cup / 240 ml chicken stock
• 2 tbsp stevia powder, or to taste
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground white pepper
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Prep the Turkey: Rinse the turkey legs under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with sea salt and white pepper. Place the seasoned legs into the inner pot of your pressure cooker and pour in the chicken stock.
3. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
4. Release Pressure: Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a quick release by moving the steam valve to the “Venting” position. Wait for the float valve to drop before safely opening the lid.
5. Create the Sauce: Select the “Sauté” function. Pour the soy sauce and chili sauce into the pot. Add the chopped green onions, green chili, stevia powder, and fresh orange zest. Stir gently to combine the with the cooking liquid.
6. Simmer and Glaze: Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Use a large spoon to baste the turkey legs with the sauce, turning them once halfway through to ensure they are evenly coated and glazed.
7. Serve: Press the “Cancel” button to turn off the heat. Carefully remove the glazed turkey legs, serve immediately, and drizzle with any remaining sauce from the pot.
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving (1/2 turkey leg)
• Calories: 325
• Total Fats: 9g
• Net Carbs: 3.7g
• Protein: 53.7g
• Fiber: 0.8g
Pro Tips
• For a richer, deeper flavor, use the “Sauté” function to brown the turkey legs in a little oil on all sides before adding the stock and pressure cooking.
• To create a thicker, stickier glaze, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce during the final 2 minutes of sautéing.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and extra chopped green onions just before serving for added texture and a fresh, aromatic finish.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these turkey legs without a pressure cooker
A: Yes, you can bake them. Season the turkey legs and place them in a baking dish with the chicken stock. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 60-75 minutes, or until tender. Prepare the sauce in a separate saucepan, add the cooked legs, and baste until glazed.
Q: Is this turkey leg recipe keto-friendly
A: Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be low-carb and keto-friendly by using stevia instead of sugar. With only 3.7g of net carbs per serving, it’s an excellent choice for a ketogenic diet.
Q: How do I get a thicker glaze on my turkey legs
A: For a thicker, stickier glaze, create a cornstarch slurry. Simply mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into the sauce during the final 2 minutes of simmering on the ‘Sauté’ setting until it thickens.
Q: What can I serve with Sweet Orange Turkey Legs
A: These turkey legs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a low-carb meal, serve them with cauliflower rice or a simple green salad. They are also delicious with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.
