Best Simple Jamaican Jerk Turkey Legs: Easy Oven Recipe
These oven-baked Jamaican jerk turkey legs are deeply seasoned with a homemade jerk marinade and roasted until juicy, tender, and full of bold Caribbean flavor. This recipe can used on your outdoor grill or smoker for a more aunthetic Jamaican jerk flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 scallions chopped
- 2 limes juiced, divided
- 3 cloves garlic crushed
- 4 slices ginger
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 6 sprigs thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice pimento
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 turkey legs
For The Oven
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 3 scallions cut into large pieces
- 5 sprigs thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Give the onion, scallions, scotch bonnet pepper, and garlic a rough chop.
- Add the juice of one lime, garlic, ginger, scotch bonnet pepper (a habanero pepper will work as well), bay leaf, onion, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, thyme, olive oil, ground allspice, and black pepper to a blender and puree until smooth or slightly chunky.
- Wash the turkey legs with the juice of the remaining lime and cool water. Drain and pat dry.
- Place the turkey legs in a bowl or resealable bag, pour the jerk marinade over them, and mix well to coat evenly. Refrigerate overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with foil and place the marinated turkey legs inside.
- Tuck in the sliced onion, scallions, and thyme, then drizzle with olive oil. Lightly cover with foil and place in the oven.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and baste the turkey legs with the pan juices. Repeat basting a few times.
- Continue cooking uncovered for another 20 to 25 minutes until fully cooked and nicely colored.
- Serve hot with rice and peas or your favorite Caribbean sides.
Video
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions about making Jerk Turkey Legs in the oven.
How spicy are Jamaican jerk turkey legs?The heat level depends on how much scotch bonnet pepper you use. You can reduce the heat by removing the seeds or using only part of the pepper. Can I substitute ingredients in the Jamaican jerk marinade?
Yes, orange juice (or clementine) can replace lime juice, and whole allspice berries or a small amount of ground cinnamon can be added as optional variations. Over the years, I've also added pineapple juice, maple syrup, and honey to the jerk marinade. How long should turkey legs cook in the oven?
At 375°F (190°C), turkey legs typically take about 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on their size.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!