Turkey giblets and neck are often overlooked parts of the bird, but they hold incredible potential to add rich flavor to your meals. Whether you want to make a savory gravy, a hearty broth, or a tasty main dish, cooking turkey giblets and neck properly can elevate your culinary game. This article will walk you through the best ways to cook turkey giblets and neck with easy steps and tips to make the most of these flavorful turkey parts.
What Are Turkey Giblets and Neck?
Before diving into cooking, it’s helpful to know what giblets are. Giblets typically include the turkey’s heart, liver, gizzard, and sometimes the neck is included in the same package. These parts are packed with flavor and perfect for making stocks, gravies, or even standalone dishes.
Preparing Turkey Giblets and Neck for Cooking
- Rinse and Clean
Start by rinsing the turkey neck and giblets under cold water. Remove any excess fat or membranes and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Chop and Dice
Cut the turkey neck into smaller pieces for easier cooking. Dice the giblets into small chunks, especially if you plan to use them in gravy or stuffing.
How to Cook Turkey Giblets and Neck: Step-by-Step
1. Make a Flavorful Broth or Stock
One of the most popular uses for turkey giblets and neck is to make a rich broth that can be used for gravy or soups.
– Place the turkey neck, giblets (except the liver if you prefer a milder taste), quartered onion, carrot, celery, bay leaf, thyme, parsley, and peppercorns in a large saucepan.
– Cover with water (about 4 cups) and bring to a boil.
– Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the meat is tender and the broth is flavorful.
– Strain the broth through a fine sieve and reserve the liquid. Remove the neck and giblets, letting them cool for handling.
2. Extract the Meat
Once cooled, pick the meat off the turkey neck using your fingers, avoiding the bones. Chop the neck meat finely and also dice the giblets if you haven’t already. This meat is excellent to add back into gravies or stuffing for extra flavor and texture.
3. Sauté the Giblets and Neck Meat (Optional)
For a richer flavor, you can sauté the giblets and neck meat:
– Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
– Add diced onions and garlic, cooking until translucent.
– Add the chopped giblets and neck meat and sauté until lightly browned.
– Season with dried herbs like thyme and rosemary, salt, and pepper for extra depth.
Making Giblet Gravy with Turkey Giblets and Neck
Giblet gravy is a classic way to use these parts and is a perfect accompaniment to your roasted turkey.
– Use the broth made from simmering the neck and giblets as the base.
– Make a roux by whisking flour into turkey drippings or butter in a skillet until golden brown.
– Slowly whisk in the strained giblet broth and cook until thickened.
– Stir in the finely chopped giblet and neck meat.
– Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for umami.
This gravy is rich, flavorful, and a wonderful way to use every part of the turkey.
Cooking Turkey Neck and Giblets as a Main Dish
If you want to serve the giblets and neck as a dish:
– After rinsing and chopping, brown the turkey neck pieces in olive oil over medium heat until crisp on all sides.
– Add diced giblets and cook a few minutes more until lightly browned.
– Add sautéed onions, garlic, herbs, and pour in chicken or turkey broth to cover.
– Simmer covered on low heat for 45 minutes to an hour until tender.
– Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper and serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Tips for Cooking Turkey Giblets and Neck
– Don’t discard the liver unless you prefer a milder flavor; it adds a unique richness but can be strong for some palates.
– Simmer gently to avoid toughening the meat.
– Use the broth immediately or refrigerate/freeze it for later use in soups, gravies, or stuffing.
– Add aromatics like onions, carrots, celery, and herbs to boost flavor during simmering.
– Pick meat carefully from the neck after cooking; it’s tender and delicious but requires a bit of patience.
Turkey giblets and neck are culinary treasures that bring deep flavor to your holiday table or any turkey meal. Whether you make a savory broth, a luscious gravy, or a tasty stew, these parts deserve a spot in your kitchen repertoire.
Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!
Don’t toss those turkey neck and giblets-turn them into delicious dishes that will impress your family and friends!