Grilled Huli Huli Turkey Drumsticks are a tropical-inspired dish that brings a burst of Hawaiian flavor to your table. “Huli Huli” means “turn, turn” in Hawaiian, which perfectly describes the technique used to cook these drumsticks evenly on the grill. The drumsticks are marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce made from pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and fresh ginger, giving them a rich, caramelized glaze as they cook. Perfect for a summer barbecue or any time you want to enjoy a taste of the islands, these drumsticks are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 8 turkey drumsticks
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, Worcestershire sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are well combined.
- Marinate the Turkey: Place the turkey drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or a deep dish. Pour the marinade over the drumsticks, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, turning the drumsticks occasionally to marinate evenly.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F (190°C). If using a charcoal grill, set it up for indirect grilling.
- Grill the Drumsticks: Remove the drumsticks from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Reserve the marinade for basting. Place the drumsticks on the grill and cook for 35-45 minutes, turning every 10 minutes and basting with the reserved marinade. Continue grilling until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) and the drumsticks are nicely charred.
- Serve: Once the drumsticks are fully cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and sliced green onions. Serve hot, alongside your favorite side dishes, such as grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your Grilled Huli Huli Turkey Drumsticks, and savor the sweet and savory flavors of Hawaii!
