Some people consider offals like chicken gizzards and hearts as nasty bits They are usually the “Unwanted”. All these nasty bits including kidney, beef tripe, livers are popular in Asia. My mom cooked them often when we were kids. That’s probably how I got used to this.
Gizzards are like the second stomach in many birds. They are pretty muscular and it helps to breakdown seeds and other tough foods. It’s like a grinder for the birds.
The giblets that come in a whole turkey are often discarded or ignored, but they can add fantastic flavor to gravy, stuffing, soup and more. Cooking the giblets in the Instant Pot makes the process fast and easy. In this article, I’ll provide tips for preparing turkey giblets in the Instant Pot, recipes to use them in, and advice for getting the most out of these underutilized turkey parts.
What are Turkey Giblets?
Turkey giblets are the internal organs of the turkey usually found in the body cavity when you purchase a whole bird. The giblet packet typically includes
- Heart
- Liver
- Gizzard
- Neck
Some people are hesitant to cook giblets but don’t let that stop you! They provide concentrated turkey flavor and nutrients Prepping them in the Instant Pot makes it simple.
Why Cook Giblets in the Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is the perfect way to transform tough giblets into tender, flavor-packed ingredients. Benefits include:
- Fast cooking – Pressure cooking giblets takes only minutes compared to simmering for an hour.
- Easy prep – Just toss the giblets in the pot with seasonings and broth. No pre-cooking needed.
- Tender texture – The pressurized environment gently breaks down connective tissue.
- Intensified flavor – Pressure extracts more savoriness from the giblets.
- Convenient – Cook giblets right in the same pot you use for the turkey.
With the Instant Pot, you can stop throwing giblets away and start taking advantage of their taste and nutrition.
How to Cook Turkey Giblets in the Instant Pot
Cooking giblets in the Instant Pot couldn’t be easier. Here are the basic steps:
- Wash the giblets – Give them a good rinse and pat dry. You can leave them whole or rough chop them.
- Add to Instant Pot – Place giblets in pot and add 1-2 cups broth, water or wine.
- Season – Use salt, pepper, herbs like sage, and aromatics like onion.
- Pressure cook – Cook at high pressure for 8-15 minutes depending on amount.
- Release pressure – Quick or natural release. The giblets are ready to use!
Adjust cook times as needed based on quantity. For 1-2 sets of giblets, start with 8-10 minutes. You want the giblets very tender but not falling apart.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Turkey Giblets
To get ideal texture and maximize flavor, follow these tips:
- Sear the giblets first for enhanced browning
- Add herbs, onion, celery, garlic, peppercorns
- Use chicken or turkey broth for flavorful liquid
- Chop the neck in 2-3 pieces to cook evenly
- Cook gizzards a bit longer since they are dense
- Natural release helps tenderize – quick release if in a hurry
- Pull giblets right after cooking when very hot
Getting the right doneness is key. These methods produce tender giblets without overcooking.
How to Use Cooked Turkey Giblets
Once you’ve cooked giblets in the Instant Pot, here are some of my favorite ways to use them:
- Chop and add to gravy – This adds rich turkey flavor.
- Dice and mix into stuffing – Adds moisture and savory flavor.
- Chop and stir into soup – Great addition to turkey noodle soup.
- Add to turkey salad or sandwich – Provides varied textures.
- Sauté with vegetables – Livers are delicious this way.
- Simmer into broth for cooking grains – Great flavor in farro, barley, etc.
Try adding a bit of chopped giblets anywhere you want an extra turkey flavor boost!
Instant Pot Turkey Giblet Recipes
Here are a few recipe ideas to make the most of your pressure cooked giblets:
- Giblet gravy – Saute onions and garlic, add broth, cooked giblets and seasonings. Thicken with a roux.
- Dirty rice – Mix finely chopped gizzards, livers into rice with chicken broth.
- Heart yakitori – Slice heart into strips. Grill with teriyaki sauce.
- Giblet soup – Saute veggies, add broth, beans, chopped giblets.
- Stuffed hearts – Fill hollowed hearts with breadcrumb stuffing. Roast until browned.
Let your imagination run wild with all the ways these flavorful giblets can be used!
Don’t Throw Out Your Turkey Giblets Again!
Now that you know how easily giblets can be transformed into delicious additions for multiple dishes, you’ll never discard them again. The Instant Pot is the quick-cooking solution for tender, flavor-packed giblets.
BOILING VS PRESSURE COOKING GIZZARDS
Boiling chicken gizzards on the stove takes a long time, 45 minutes or 1 hour (sometimes longer). With an electric pressure cooker like the Instant Pot, the gizzards are ready in 25 minutes (for cooking) and 15 minutes total (to pressurize and depressurize). It may not necessarily shorter in time, but it’s way convenient and I can set and forget.
WHY I LIKE GIZZARDS
1. CHEAP: It cost me less than $2 for a pound of chicken gizzards and hearts, with most of the gizzards. 50. 2. NUTRITIOUS They are low in calories, high in protein, low in fat, and zero carbs 3. 5 oz of gizzards has about 95 calories, 5 grams of protein, 0. 6 grams of fat, 0 carbs, 3. TASTY (really?) Really! They don’t really taste like chicken. It’s like meat with a firm texture. When you properly cook them they are not tough or chewy. When they are tough and chewy, they aren’t cooked long enough yet.
TURKEY NECKS WITH WHITE POTATOES (IN THE INSTANT POT)
FAQ
How long should giblets be cooked?
What do you do with giblets from turkey?
What part of the turkey giblets do you not use?
Can I cook a turkey with the giblets inside?
How to cook Turkey giblets in Instant Pot?
Brown the turkey giblets: Heat the vegetable oil in an Instant Pot set to sauté mode adjusted to high (medium-high heat in a stovetop pressure cooker). When the oil starts shimmering, add the turkey giblets – the neck, heart, gizzard, and butt. Cook without moving until browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes.
How to cook Turkey Neck in Instant Pot?
1. Rinse the turkey neck and giblets under cold water. 2. Place the turkey neck and giblets in the Instant Pot. 3. Add 1 cup of water. 4. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on High for 20 minutes. 5. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. 6. Remove the turkey neck and giblets from the Instant Pot. 7.
How do you cook giblets in a pressure cooker?
Place the giblets in the Instant Pot. Add 1 cup of water. Close the lid and set the pressure cooker to high for 15 minutes. Once the pressure cooker has finished cooking, let it naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before carefully opening the lid. Remove the giblets from the Instant Pot and discard any bones or gristle.
How do you cook giblets in an Instant Pot?
Heat some olive oil over medium-high heat or on sauté mode if using the Instant Pot. Add the neck and the giblets in a single layer and allow them to sear, undisturbed, for several minutes until they start to brown. Add the onion quarters, carrot, celery, and garlic. Allow them to brown, stirring only occasionally, until all sides brown evenly.
How do you cook a Turkey in an Instant Pot?
If the gravy is too thick, thin to the desired consistency with additional turkey stock. Preheat a 6-quart Instant Pot® using the saute setting on high (see Cook’s Note). Add 2 tablespoons oil to the pot and brown your turkey pieces in batches, adding more oil as needed, until golden brown on all sides, 3 to 5 minutes per side.
How long can you keep Turkey Neck & giblets in Instant Pot?
Simply set the timer for the desired cooking time and the Instant Pot will automatically keep the food at a safe temperature until it is finished cooking. * Turkey neck and giblets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.