Turkey giblets – the neck, heart gizzard and liver of the bird – have long been a staple part of the traditional Thanksgiving meal. However many home cooks today simply discard them, unsure what to do with these odd, unfamiliar ingredients.
But setting aside the giblets means missing out on an opportunity to enhance flavor, use the whole bird, and gain valuable nutrition. I used to throw them out too, until I learned just how healthy and delicious turkey giblets can be when prepared properly.
In this article, we’ll uncover the many health benefits of turkey giblets, fun ways to cook them, and why you shouldn’t let these nutritious turkey bits go to waste this holiday season.
What Are Giblets Exactly?
Let’s start by clarifying what giblets are exactly.
Turkey giblets refer to the internal edible organs of the bird, typically including:
-
Gizzard – A muscular stomach that grinds food.
-
Heart – The organ that pumps blood.
-
Liver – Performs important metabolic functions.
-
Neck – Provides extra meat and cartilage.
These nutrient-packed parts add richness when added to gravies, soups, stuffing and other dishes. But many home cooks find them unappealing or don’t know how to prepare them.
5 Reasons Turkey Giblets Are Super Healthy
But looks can be deceiving! Turkey giblets are far more nutritious than most people realize. Here are 5 great health benefits these underrated ingredients provide:
1. Packed with Protein
Turkey giblets supply about 8 grams of satisfying protein per 3 ounce serving. The amino acids support muscle growth, healthy bodily functions and aid in feeling full.
2. High in Iron
The liver in particular is an excellent source of iron. Just a 3 ounce portion provides around 5 mg, which helps transport oxygen and supports energy production.
3. Vitamin A Powerhouse
Giblet livers also supply a whopping 438% DV of vitamin A per serving. This aids eye health, immune function and cell communication.
4. Contains CoQ10
Turkey giblet hearts are one of the best sources of coenzyme Q10. This potent antioxidant helps generate energy in cells.
5. Rich in B Vitamins
Giblets contain a wide spectrum of B vitamins like B12, folate and biotin to support nerve signaling, heart health, hormone production and energy levels.
Clearly, enhancing your holiday meal with these nutrient-dense organ meats provides tremendous nutritional value. But how should you actually prepare them?
Tips for Cooking Delicious Turkey Giblets
With a little prep work, turkey giblets can transform into delicious additions to your holiday spread. Here are some tips:
-
Rinse giblets well and pat dry. Remove any membranes or discolored spots.
-
Place in a pot, cover with water and simmer for 30 minutes until tender.
-
Once cooked, dice or chop the giblets. Finely mince the liver since it has a stronger flavor.
-
Sauté diced giblets with aromatics like onions, garlic and celery until lightly browned.
-
Add cooked chopped giblets to stuffing, gravy or casseroles for extra richness.
-
For a quick snack, pan sear sliced giblets in olive oil with salt and pepper.
With the right techniques, these odd turkey bits become an elegant, tasty addition to any menu. Still not convinced? Here are some creative ways to use them:
Alternative Uses for Turkey Giblets
If eating giblets straight up isn’t your thing, here are other ways to utilize these healthy turkey parts:
-
Simmer giblets in water to make flavorful turkey broth for soups or gravy. Simply strain out the giblets before using the stock.
-
Stuff aromatics like lemon, rosemary and sage in the neck cavity. The turkey neck will impart flavor to the breast as it cooks.
-
Cook and feed giblets to pets for a protein boost. Be sure to cool fully and remove bones first.
-
Bury leftover cooked giblets in the garden. As they decompose, they will fertilize the soil with nitrogen and minerals.
-
Use the liver to bait traps for problematic pests like mink, raccoons or rodents. The strong scent attracts them.
So this Thanksgiving, don’t let those healthy, flavorful turkey giblets go to waste! With some simple preparation and creativity, they can become a nutritious highlight of your holiday table.
What are your favorite ways to cook and enjoy turkey giblets? Share your recipes and preparation tips in the comments below!
If you’re like me, you didn’t grow up eating animal organs like heart or liver.
Maybe you’re a little grossed out by the idea. I completely understand the feeling! But I’m here to tell you they’re not as gross as they’ve been made out to be!
First off, what are turkey giblets? They are the heart, liver, and gizzard. If you purchased a Whiffletree whole turkey, you found all three of those in the cavity of the turkey.
Poultry organs (and all animal organs) have amazing health benefits. They’re very high in protein, which is essential for our bodies to get enough of for everyday functions. You’ll also get the benefits of vitamins A and B, iron, and CoQ10. In a nutshell, giblets are a health powerhouse!
What about the flavor, you may ask? I personally don’t love the flavor of organs alone, but once you add in garlic and butter, they taste amazing! So, here’s how to make a delicious, nutrient-dense giblet gravy.
Nutrient-Dense Giblet Gravy Recipe
What you’ll need:
Turkey neck 3.5 cups water Turkey giblets 2 garlic cloves, minced ⅓ c. flour Drippings from roasted turkey 6 Tbsp butter Salt to taste
If you’re looking at the giblet gravy recipe from one of our previous blog posts, you’ll notice the way I do it here is a little bit different. Both are great ways of making it, so it’s up to you which way you prefer! You’ll also notice the recipe says to sear the neck along with the giblets. If you already have chicken or turkey bone broth made and on hand, definitely go ahead and do that! I didn’t have any already handy, so here’s what I did.
I reserved the turkey neck from my whole turkey and put it in a medium saucepan with 3.5 cups of water and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. I brought it to a boil over medium high heat before turning to low, letting it simmer for about an hour. (Or you can put all this in a small crock pot and cook it overnight before making the gravy, but maybe add a little more water so too much doesn’t simmer away. You want to end up with 3 cups of broth).
Once the turkey broth was complete, I melted 2 Tbsp butter in another saucepan over medium heat, and then I added the turkey giblets, searing for a few minutes on each side before adding in the turkey broth. I brought the broth to a boil before turning the heat down to low and letting it simmer for about 30-40 minutes.
After simmering, I drained the broth into a bowl and took out the giblets and finely diced them, removing any gristle. Next, I melted 4 Tbsp of butter over medium low heat, then tossed in the minced garlic and cooked until fragrant. Then I added in the ⅓ cup of flour and whisked to make a roux. I let that cook until browned for a couple minutes, constantly stirring, then slowly poured in the broth and reserved roasted turkey drippings, whisking the entire time to keep any clumps from forming. I reduced the heat to low and stirred for a few minutes while it thickened to my desired consistency. I took it immediately off the heat, added in salt to taste, and stirred in the diced giblets.
And there you have it! A delicious giblet gravy. Trust me, no one will complain about the fact that there are chopped up giblets in there! It tastes amazing and adds so much flavor to the roasted turkey. And you can feel good that you’re getting a bunch of amazing nutrition into your loved ones!
If you missed the original recipe from one of our previous blog posts, click HERE to see it.
How to Boil Turkey Neck & Giblets: Cooking with Kimberly
FAQ
Is it okay to eat turkey giblets?
If the giblets were wrapped with paper, there’s no concern. They’re safe if you fully cooked your turkey to 165 °F. as measured with a food thermometer.
What part of the turkey giblets do you not use?
-
LiverThe liver can make stock taste bitter, so you can leave it out if you want. However, you can roast the liver instead of simmering it and add it to gravy. You can also mix it into stuffing.
-
NeckThe neck has bones and not much usable meat, so it’s best to use it for flavoring stock or gravy. You can chop it and add it to stuffing.
-
GizzardThe gizzard is a chewy organ that’s high in protein and low in fat. You can clean and prep it to remove sediment and the tough lining before cooking.
What should I do with the turkey giblets?
“When cooking giblets for gravy or stuffing, you can simply roast them in the pan with your turkey or simmer them in water with some celery and onions to make …Oct 30, 2024
Are Turkey giblets healthy?
Giblets are a good source of protein, iron, and other nutrients. They are also relatively inexpensive, so they can be a budget-friendly way to add some variety to your meals. If you’re not sure how to cook turkey giblets, don’t worry. They are very easy to cook, and they can be prepared in a variety of ways.
What are Turkey giblets?
When prepping your bird, you may encounter a bag of odd-looking parts tucked inside the cavity. These are the turkey’s giblets. But what exactly are giblets and what parts make up this mix of ingredients? Giblets are the edible offal or organ meats of poultry like turkeys, chickens, and ducks.
Do Turkey giblets have kidneys?
Turkey Kidneys: Can have a slightly bitter taste. Traditionally, the turkey liver, heart, and gizzard are the essential giblets. A fourth giblet, the neck, is often included as well. Some brands may also incorporate the kidneys. Where are the Giblets Located in a Whole Turkey?
What can you do with Turkey giblets?
Simmer the giblets in broth or water with aromatics to make a flavorful stock. Chop and sauté the cooked giblets to add to gravy, stuffing, soups, or casseroles. Coat the giblets in flour and fry them for a delicious snack. Use the liver to make a rich, creamy pâté. What Dishes Can You Make With Turkey Giblets?
Are turkey gizzards healthy?
Heart Health: With minimal fat and zero carbs, gizzards support cardiovascular wellness as part of an overall healthy eating pattern. Immune Support: Selenium, zinc, vitamin B12, and other nutrients in turkey gizzards contribute to proper immune function. When properly prepared, turkey gizzards have a rich, meaty taste and tender texture.
What does a turkey giblet taste like?
But most often, a turkey’s giblet packet contains: Turkey Liver: The largest organ in a turkey; adds richness. Turkey Heart: Lean, muscular meat; provides texture. Turkey Gizzard: Acts as a turkey’s teeth; adds robust flavor. Turkey Neck: More dark meat; boosts broth flavor. Turkey Kidneys: Can have a slightly bitter taste.