This Turkey Wings with Mushroom Gravy recipe offers a delicious and comforting meal featuring tender, slow-cooked turkey wings topped with a savory mushroom gravy. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish combines rich flavors with simple ingredients to create a memorable meal. The mushroom gravy adds depth and richness to the turkey wings, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.
The Tradition of Turkey Wings
While turkey is often associated with holiday feasts, turkey wings have become a popular everyday meal due to their affordability, flavor, and versatility. They are packed with flavor and offer a heartier texture compared to chicken wings. Slow-cooked or baked, turkey wings are an ideal protein for pairing with gravies and sauces, like the creamy mushroom gravy in this recipe.
Key Ingredients and Why They Matter
Turkey Wings
Turkey wings are the star of this dish, providing a hearty and flavorful protein base. They’re packed with collagen, which gives them a rich, satisfying texture when cooked properly.
- Tip: Choose meaty turkey wings to ensure each serving has enough meat. You can also split the wings into sections for easier cooking and serving.
Mushrooms
The mushrooms in the gravy offer an earthy, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the richness of the turkey. Cremini or button mushrooms work well, but you can also use more flavorful varieties like shiitake or portobello for a more intense mushroom flavor.
- Pro Tip: Sauté the mushrooms until golden brown to bring out their full flavor before adding them to the gravy.
Turkey Stock or Broth
Using turkey stock or broth adds depth and enhances the turkey flavor in the dish. If you don’t have turkey broth on hand, chicken stock is a great substitute.
- Tip: For extra flavor, use homemade turkey stock from leftover turkey bones.
Herbs and Seasonings
Fresh thyme, sage, and garlic are the key herbs in this dish, giving the turkey wings a classic, comforting flavor. These herbs complement both the turkey and the mushroom gravy perfectly.
- Substitution Tip: You can use dried herbs if fresh aren’t available. Use about 1/3 the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How to Make Turkey Wings with Mushroom Gravy
Step 1: Season and Sear the Turkey Wings
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the turkey wings dry with a paper towel. Rub the wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the turkey wings until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Tip: Searing the wings helps lock in the juices and adds a rich flavor to the final dish.
Step 2: Bake the Turkey Wings
Transfer the seared turkey wings to a large baking dish. Pour 2 cups of turkey or chicken stock over the wings. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the turkey wings are tender and fully cooked.
- Pro Tip: Check the wings halfway through cooking and add more broth if needed to keep them moist.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
While the turkey wings are baking, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add 8 oz of sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden brown and have released their moisture.
- Tip: Add a pinch of salt while cooking the mushrooms to help draw out their moisture and enhance their flavor.
Step 4: Make the Mushroom Gravy
Once the mushrooms are golden, add 2 tablespoons of flour to the skillet and stir for about 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups of turkey stock and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Continue whisking until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme to taste.
- Pro Tip: For a smoother gravy, strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps before serving.
Step 5: Serve the Turkey Wings with Gravy
Remove the turkey wings from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Pour the mushroom gravy over the turkey wings and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme. Serve hot alongside your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or rice.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these Turkey Wings with Mushroom Gravy with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or buttered rice. The rich, savory flavors of the turkey and mushroom gravy complement hearty, comforting sides perfectly.
For a lighter option, serve the wings with a fresh green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts.
Variations and Add-Ins
Garlic Butter Turkey Wings
For extra richness, rub the turkey wings with a mixture of garlic butter before roasting. This will add an additional layer of flavor and moisture to the wings.
Lemon Herb Turkey Wings
Add a lemon zest and lemon juice marinade to the turkey wings before searing them for a bright, tangy twist. Lemon pairs beautifully with the earthy mushroom gravy and adds a fresh flavor.
Creamy Dijon Mushroom Gravy
For a tangy kick, stir in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the mushroom gravy. The mustard adds a sharpness that balances the richness of the gravy.
Dietary Adaptations
This Turkey Wings with Mushroom Gravy can be adapted to fit different dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch in the gravy instead of all-purpose flour.
- Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with dairy-free margarine or oil, and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the flour in the gravy and thicken the sauce with xanthan gum or allow it to reduce naturally for a thicker texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Turkey Wings with Mushroom Gravy Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use turkey drumsticks instead of wings?
Yes, you can substitute turkey drumsticks in this recipe. The cook time may need to be slightly increased, as drumsticks are larger than wings. Cook until the meat is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the turkey wings and mushroom gravy up to a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the wings and gravy on the stovetop or in the oven before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey wings and mushroom gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through.
Can I freeze turkey wings and gravy?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked turkey wings and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
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