Removing the giblets from a whole turkey is an important step when preparing it for roasting. The giblets, which usually include the liver, heart, and gizzard, are often packaged inside the cavity of the turkey by processors. While some cooks use them to enhance the flavor of gravies, stocks and stuffing, others simply discard them. If you’re new to cooking whole turkeys, you may be wondering how to properly remove the giblets before roasting. Don’t worry, with this detailed guide, you’ll learn the simple process and be ready to prep your bird like a pro!
What are Turkey Giblets?
First, let’s cover the basics – what exactly are turkey giblets? Giblets refer to the internal organs of poultry that are considered edible. For turkeys, the giblet package typically includes:
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Turkey Liver The largest organ in the package It has a smooth pinkish-red texture and mild flavor
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Turkey Heart: A cone-shaped, dark red organ that is quite small in size.
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Turkey Gizzard A tough, round organ with a chewy texture that helps grind food in birds
The neck may also be included in the package, though not always. While most whole turkeys sold in grocery stores contain the giblet package, some specialty breeds may not. Always check the packaging or ask your butcher to know what’s inside!
Why Remove the Giblets?
There are a few important reasons to remove the giblets before roasting your turkey:
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The giblets can impart a strong flavor on the turkey meat if cooked inside. Many prefer removing them for milder flavor.
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Cooking the giblets alongside the turkey makes it harder to control their doneness.
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Leaving them in can complicate calculating the roast time.
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Pre-stuffed turkeys may push giblets into the stuffing cavity, leading to contamination.
So for the best results, it’s recommended to remove the giblets prior to seasoning and roasting your bird.
When to Remove the Giblets
It’s best to remove the giblets as soon as you unwrap your raw turkey, before doing any prep work. Give yourself some time when prepping your turkey, so that removing the giblets is not a rushed step. Here are some tips for timing:
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Fresh turkeys: Remove giblets just before seasoning and roasting. There’s no need to remove them too far in advance if using the turkey right away.
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Frozen turkeys: Remove giblets immediately after thawing and unwrapping. Allow 1-3 days for thawing in the refrigerator before handling.
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Pre-brined turkeys: Discard any giblets soaking in the brine as soon as unwrapped. The brining solution will saturate the giblets and alter their flavor.
Following this timing will allow you to remove the giblets when they are easiest to handle and in the best condition.
How to Remove Turkey Giblets
Removing giblets from a whole turkey is simple with just a few steps. Be sure to work cleanly to prevent bacteria spread:
1. Prepare your work area
Clear off counters and wash any tools and work surfaces with soap and warm water before handling raw turkey. Have clean paper towels ready. You may loosen wrapped giblets while removing them, so keep the garbage can nearby.
2. Find the giblet cavity
Turkeys have two main interior cavities – a smaller neck cavity up top and a larger rear cavity. Giblets could be in either one, but are most often placed in the rear cavity. Reach into the rear cavity, between the legs, to see if a plastic or paper giblet package is inside. You may have to move the turkey around to see inside properly.
3. Remove the giblet package
Once found, slowly pull the entire giblet package out of the cavity. The liver is usually largest, so grasp that if you can reach it. Work carefully to avoid puncturing the package or losing any giblets during removal.
4. Check for the neck
Sometimes the turkey neck is placed in the cavity rather than with the giblet package. Feel inside the cavity once more to remove the neck if present.
5. Check the front cavity
Peek inside the smaller neck cavity at the front of the turkey. If no giblets were found in back, processors may tuck them into this cavity instead. Remove any giblets or parts found here.
6. Prepare giblets for use or discard
With the giblets removed, you can either reserve them for broth, gravy or discard. Refrigerate reserved giblets in a covered container for 1-2 days max. Discard any brined or ruptured giblets that may be contaminated. Wipe down any surfaces touched by giblets to prevent bacteria spread.
And that’s it! With the giblets removed, your turkey is ready for washing, seasoning and roasting. Taking a few minutes upfront to properly remove them will ensure delicious, unflavored turkey meat.
Turkey Giblet FAQs
If you’re new to working with turkey giblets, chances are you have some questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Are there always giblets in a whole turkey?
Most whole turkeys contain a giblet package. However, some specialty turkey breeds may not. Always check packaging or ask your butcher if unsure.
Where are turkey giblets located?
Turkey giblets are most often placed in the rear body cavity, though sometimes the front neck cavity. Check both when removing them.
Should I cook and eat turkey giblets?
Turkey giblets are edible with a distinctive flavor and chewy texture. Cook them thoroughly if consuming. Some choose not to eat them at all.
Can I freeze unused turkey giblets?
Yes, you can freeze extra giblets for 3-4 months in an airtight container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Is it necessary to rinse turkey giblets?
Rinsing giblets is not required, but some cooks prefer to do so. If rinsing, pat dry well with paper towels afterwards.
What’s the best way to use turkey giblets?
Simmer giblets to make flavorful turkey broth or gravy. You can also chop and add them to stuffing for extra richness.
What happens if I cook a turkey with giblets inside?
Cooking a turkey with the giblets still inside results in a stronger flavored bird. The giblets should be removed and the turkey discarded if food safety is a concern.
How do I know if there’s an internal giblet bag?
Processors are required to note “giblets enclosed” on packaging of whole turkeys containing them. If unsure, reach inside the cavities to locate.
With the proper technique and these answers to common questions, you can confidently remove giblets from your Thanksgiving or holiday turkey. Taking this important preparatory step will set you up for roasting success. Trust me, your holiday guests will thank you for a beautifully roasted bird!
So next time your recipe calls for a whole turkey, don’t be intimidated by the giblets. Simply follow the steps above to safely remove them before cooking your centerpiece roast. Once you’ve mastered this process, you can pat yourself on the back for learning a new cooking skill that will serve you for years to come. Giblet removal accomplished!
Cleaning out the Turkey’s Body Cavity
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1 Locate the body cavity between the back legs. The butcher will have cut a large hole between the legs, inside of which you can see the giblets and neck if they are there. The body cavity is fairly large and hard to miss.[5]
- If you don’t immediately see the package of giblets, it might be underneath the neck.
- If there isn’t a body cavity, you will have to gut your turkey, which is a more involved process than simply removing the giblets.
- 2 Reach into the body cavity to pull out the giblets. Butchers will usually wrap the giblets in paper or plastic and store them in the front cavity of the turkey. Reach into the body cavity and remove the package.[6]
- Ready-to-cook whole poultry is required to be packaged with giblets in the US. If the giblets might be missing, the poultry processor has to mark the package “giblets may be missing.”
- 3 Pull the neck out of the body cavity, if necessary. Even if there are no giblets in the body cavity of your turkey, the neck might still be there. Butchers will either put it in the body cavity or the front cavity. The neck looks like a long rod.[7]
- You can use the turkey neck to make gravy, soup, or smoked turkey neck.[8]
- You can also just throw the turkey neck away.
- 4 Check the front cavity for giblets as well. Sometimes, the butcher will store the package of giblets in the front cavity instead of the body cavity. Look at the top of your turkey, between the wings. There will be a hole where the neck once was. Pull open the hole so you can look inside. If there’s a package of giblets there, pull it out.[9]
- If the package claims there are giblets in the turkey, but you don’t see them, check again.
- 5 Set aside the giblets for cooking or toss them. You can use giblets in gravy, stock, or side dishes. Some people like to cook the turkey with the giblets directly underneath, to give a richer flavor to the gravy. However, if you don’t want to bother, you can just toss the giblets.[10]
- If you throw out the giblets, make sure to take out the trash within a few hours so the smell doesn’t get bad.
- 6 Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Take a handful of paper towels, and pat dry the entire outside of the turkey. Turkeys roast much better when they are dry. Remember to throw out the paper towels immediately.[11]
- It’s better to pat rather than rub so that the paper towels don’t shred onto the turkey.
- 7 Wash your hands and work surfaces with hot soapy water. Wash your hands with warm water and soap, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds before rinsing them with running water. Also, scrub your counters, utensils, cutting boards, sink, trays, and anything else that touched the raw turkey with warm soapy water.
- Do this is as soon as you’re done cleaning out the turkey, because bacteria from raw meat is dangerous.
- You can also sanitize the surfaces with bleach and water to be extra safe. Make a diluted mixture of bleach and water, with a ratio of 1 tablespoon (15 mL) bleach to 1 gallon (3.8 L) water. Let the bleach mixture sit on the counter for 2 minutes and then wipe it off.
- 8 Cook your turkey with your favorite method. You can roast, smoke, grill, or deep fry your turkey. You can get fancy with the spices or even wrap your turkey in bacon.[12]
- Don’t leave your turkey sitting around – if you’re not going to cook it immediately, put it back in the fridge.
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Removing Turkey Giblets
Look for the package of giblets inside the large hole between the turkey’s legs. Simply pull out the package and the neck, if it’s in there. If the giblets aren’t in the rear cavity, check the front cavity between the turkey’s wings.