Do You Cook the Gizzards with the Turkey? A Guide to Preparing These Underutilized Morsels

Turkey gizzards are an often overlooked part of the bird that can add tremendous flavor when prepared properly. So do you cook the gizzards with the turkey? Or prepare them separately? In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about cooking turkey gizzards for your next holiday spread or family feast.

What Are Turkey Gizzards?

First let’s look at what exactly turkey gizzards are. Gizzards are part of the digestive system found in the lower stomach of turkeys, chickens and other poultry. As a muscle, the gizzard plays an important role in grinding up food for the bird.

When cooked right, gizzards become wonderfully tender with a unique, rich flavor. The taste is often described as intense dark meat with a touch of gaminess.

Why Cook Turkey Gizzards?

If you typically toss gizzards in the trash, it’s time to reconsider. Here are some excellent reasons to start cooking with these unappreciated gems:

• Inexpensive – Gizzards cost just a fraction of breast or thigh meat, providing budget-friendly protein at $2-3 per pound.

• Nutritious – Gizzards are loaded with protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. They are also low in fat and calories.

• Unique Taste & Texture – The chewy, meaty texture stands out beautifully when paired with other Thanksgiving flavors.

• Sustainable – Making use of the whole bird minimizes waste.

• Tradition – Gizzards have long been included in holiday stuffing and gravy. Keep the time-honored tradition going!

Purchasing and Prepping Gizzards

When selecting and preparing gizzards, keep these tips in mind:

• Seek out fresh gizzards for maximum moisture and flavor. Check for vacuum-sealed packaging without discoloration or odors.

• Wash gizzards thoroughly under cold water to remove impurities. Gently rub away any fat, blood clots or grit.

• Trim excess fat, membranes or discolored portions with a sharp knife.

• Slice gizzards in half lengthwise prior to cooking to promote tenderness.

Now let’s explore your cooking options.

Should You Cook Gizzards with the Turkey?

You have two choices of whether to cook gizzards alongside the whole bird or prepare them separately. Here are the pros and cons:

Cook Gizzards in the Turkey Cavity

Pros:

• Cooking gizzards inside the turkey infuses extra flavor into the meat.

• It’s convenient to cook them together in one step.

• The turkey fat continually bastes the gizzards, keeping them moist.

Cons:

• Gizzards cooked in the cavity take on turkey flavor rather than their unique essence.

• It’s harder to control doneness cooking them enclosed in the bird. They can end up overcooked.

• Space is limited, so you can’t prepare a large batch.

Cook Gizzards Separately

Pros:

• You can flavor gizzards aggressively with spices that might overpower the turkey.

• It’s easier to achieve perfect doneness when cooking gizzards alone.

• Separate cooking yields a larger usable batch of gizzards.

• They make delicious leftovers to use in other dishes.

Cons:

• Cooking gizzards separately takes more time and dishes.

• The turkey won’t benefit from the added moisture and flavor.

How to Cook Turkey Gizzards

Now let’s look at specific techniques for cooking tender, flavorful turkey gizzards.

Oven-Baked

Baking is a simple, hands-off approach. The low, steady heat gently softens the gizzards to fork-tender perfection.

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.

• Arrange trimmed gizzards in a baking dish in one layer.

• Pour in chicken broth just to cover halfway.

• Season with garlic, salt, pepper and herbs like sage, thyme or rosemary.

• Cover pan tightly with foil.

• Bake 2 hours until fork-tender.

• Uncover last 15 minutes if you want crispy bits.

Braised

Slow braising breaks down tough connective tissues for melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Instructions:

• In a Dutch oven, brown gizzards in olive oil over medium-high heat.

• Add chicken broth to cover and seasonings.

• Simmer covered on low heat for 1-2 hours until very tender.

Fried

Crispy deep-fried gizzards are an irresistible indulgence!

Instructions:

• Rinse and cut gizzards into 1-inch pieces.

• Season with salt, pepper and spices.

• Heat 1-inch oil to 350°F in a heavy pot.

• Fry gizzards in batches 3-5 minutes until golden brown.

• Drain on paper towels.

In Gravy

Offering turkey gravy without giblets is a missed opportunity for flavor.

Instructions:

• In saucepan, simmer gizzards 45-60 minutes in chicken broth with onions, celery, sage.

• Remove gizzards and chop.

• Use broth to make gravy.

• Add chopped gizzards to thicken and enrich gravy.

In Stuffing

Peppery gizzards boost the texture and taste of your favorite stuffing recipe.

Instructions:

• Simmer gizzards in broth with aromatics until tender, about 1 hour.

• Chop and mix into your favorite stuffing along with sausage, apples, mushrooms etc.

• Bake stuffing alongside turkey or in a casserole.

Cooking Tips for Turkey Gizzards

To help ensure perfect gizzards, keep these tips in mind:

• Cook low and slow, ideally at 300-350°F. High heat toughens gizzards.

• Keep moist with broth, turkey drippings or butter. Gizzards can dry out.

• Allow at least 1-2 hours for tenderness. Test doneness with a fork.

• Rest cooked gizzards 5-10 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.

• Refrigerate cooked gizzards 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently.

Serving Suggestions

There are so many delicious ways to serve your perfectly cooked gizzards:

• Feature gizzards as an appetizer with crackers, pickles and mustard.

• Chop and add them to your favorite casseroles and pot pies.

• Toss tender gizzards into pasta, risottos and noodle bowls.

• Layer in sandwiches and top with your favorite sauce or chimichurri.

• Float in hearty bean, pea or corn soups.

So don’t let those turkey gizzards go to waste this holiday season. With proper preparation, they become succulent, richly flavored morsels perfect for any dish. Have you been convinced to finally give them a try?